[Harp-L] Re: Butter TV spot

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

> Ev 630 writes:

> I have to say that I am still inclined to think that (with some  
> stellar exceptions) a lot of what is being presented is subjective  
> appreciation of Butterfield as a performer (why you personally dig  
> him) rather than objective comparative analysis to define his place  
> in the history of harp music.

Drew,

i was writing in response to comments about the comparative depth and  
sincerity of of emotion expressed in PB's playing.  When we talk  
about the emotion evoked by any artist, the assessment is necessarily  
subjective.

A more objective musical assessment of PB would include an  
explanation of the highly musical nature of his note selection and  
the quality of his tone and technique.  I don't have a good enough  
ear to identify and articulate why his note selection is consistently  
so exceptional, but it is and there are others on the list who have  
the expertise to explain why.  PB almost invariably plays "right  
notes" with a terrific sense of time, meter and placement.  
Unfortunately, I do not have the musical knowledge or expertise to  
analyze and explain why this is so, but I know enough to recognize  
that it is not simply because I happen to like what he does.

As far as tone and technique is concerned, I am not aware of anyone  
expressing the view that PB was anything less than masterful in that  
regard.  So i assume there is no debate on that point.

Best regards,

JP