Re: [Harp-L] Ricci and the work

[Mike Fugazzi <mfugazzi67@xxxxxxxxx>]

I want to start by stating I am a fan of Jason and have nothing but respect for his dues paid in full.  I think what sets him a part is his accessibility.  Hence the obsession from harp players.  You can contact Jason directly and he'll lovingly talk your ear off.  How many from the list could give John Nemeth a call right now?  

I also think there are enough strong personalities on the net that enjoy him that his rep spreads.  I am sure if we looked at the praisers, there'd be a handful of people really spreading the word.  Jason appeals to forward thinkers and a younger generation that is much more net savvy than many traditionalists.  Those people post all over.

I talked with Ricci a couple of weeks ago and FWIW found it insane how well my band could relate to what he as doing (on a much smaller scale) and how he keeps running into this same band and althought they can "out play" them, they seem to be doing better with crowds...long story, but again, something about Jason makes it easy to connect with him.


 
Mike Fugazzi
Vocals/Harmonica
"NiteRail"
Press Kit (Brand New!)

Video

"There's no way I'm going to sound like Charley Patton, no matter how much time or energy I put into it. I come from a different place. But I think everybody can get to the truth. It's just going to be a different truth."
- Derek Trucks




-----Original Message-----
From: michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@...>
To: harp-l@...
Sent: Fri, Jul 10, 2009 3:31 pm
Subject: [Harp-L] Ricci and the work








I think Jason is a great player. I enjoy his playing.  I like the
style, he's got soul and feeling and he is very technically advanced.
I can only take about an hour show before I get bored with the fast,
high energy thing.  But that hour kicks butt!  I do not think he is as
innovative as many seem to, but I believe he has found a way to
popularize many ideas that have been floating around for a long time
and combine them in a new way.  I think he is a very nice, humble
person and a good teacher who understands the importance of community.
I also appreciate his openness about his lifestyle and hope it
encourages others to do the same about whoever they are.

So with all this, I have often wondered, why do we talk about Jason
all the time?  If there is anything Youtube, harp-l, SPAH, etc has
shown us is that there are loads of incredible harp players in the
world playing technically advanced, interesting, soulful music.  Why
do we keep on talking about Jason?

Because Jason has done the work.  He has put together (and held
together) a  band of great, nice musicians.  He has written the songs.
He has learned to sing.  He has bought the equipment and learned to
use it.  He has studied the masters both on record and in person.  He
has played the sideman gigs with some great artists.  He has put out
the CDs.  He bought the van.  He booked the gigs and played them, all
300 plus per year after year.  He has bought the videocamera.  He has
plastered utube with playing and teaching.  He has run two large scale
teaching seminars.  He has put together the SPAH pre-convention show
year after year.  You name it, he has done it.

Now, there are older players, Wilson, Estrin, Harman, Musselwhite who
have done and continue to do the work.

Name me one other player 40 years old or younger who has done the work.

It ain't me, babe.
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com
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