Re: [Harp-L] a summation

["Ben FELTEN [ML]" <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Some of us are hoping Robert will take a break from classical music to cover
> the works of the Neville Brothers, George Clinton, and Jimmy Cliff.
>   
And, with all due respect to Robert, some of us are not.

Playing in other musical genres might not require the same rigour, but 
it does require other talents and experience in these genres.

There seems to be a myth going around that a sufficiently talented 
musician can play anything, but my ears and heart tell me that's just 
not true. It's particularly blatant with improvised music where it's not 
just a matter of playing but very much of creating as you play. But it's 
also true of genres where improvisation is less nototious. I don't think 
*any* classical musician can play Reggae like a Kingston native or Funk 
like a New Orleans original.

I'm not talking about musical determinism: you can become a convincing 
Reggae or Funk musician no matter where you come from by devoting years 
to practice and touring in these genres, until the music is second 
nature to you. You can't just turn to these styles as a dilettante and 
hope to do anything more than a poor imitation.

I don't have any advice to give to Robert, but I think he should focus 
on the musical genre he has made his career in and where his talent has 
brought him well deserved success and leave Reggae, Funk and other 
styles to other musicians more willing to embrace these with a passion.

Benoit