Re: [Harp-L] Genius? LOL

[michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

I love me some James, however, considering Howard's Bela Fleck
connection I would venture that Howard's audience is much bigger than
James.
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On Sat, Apr 24, 2010 at 2:10 PM, J D Hoskins <jameshoskinz@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I would say that's a given. I'm saying many player's with a lesser level of
> technical mastery are more engaging than a very technical player with no
> energy or charisma, does that bridge the language barrier? It just seems to
> me that there are many players that are so preoccupied with displaying their
> chops that they become boring, I'm talking musician's in general not just
> harp players. I see this as a trend that has progressed in my lifetime.
> Fifties and sixties, not so much, today, seems hard to avoid.
>
> Let's compare James Harman and Howard Levy for example. I know that's a
> little obtuse but I have great respect and admiration for them both, this
> way I won't be bashing anyone.  James doesn't nearly have Howard's technical
> skills as a harp player. But James writes the greatest songs, is an
> outstanding vocalist, and knows how to punctuate, propel, and color his
> tunes with blues harmonica. This appeals to me much more than "look at me
> playing", and I sense that it has more widespread appeal. My favorite Howard
> Levy stuff has been when he's not demonstrating his fantastic chops, but
> just playing. There was broadcast of "this american life" on PBS a few years
> ago that I was amazed to find out was Howard, because it was just simple
> american roots style playing that I had not heard him do, that's when he won
> me over as a fan. But I think Howard's audience is much smaller than James'.
>
> I just always want it to be about the piece, not the musician's chops, I
> don't  view music as an athletic competition, JD
>
>