Re: [Harp-L] a summation




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



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