[Harp-L] Re: Living Pro Chromatic player list

[BluzeHarp@xxxxxxx]

Michael, you left out all of the great Asian players... think  SPAH 2009 
for a terrific example.  
 
Likely there's several other pro chromo players on the staffs at  Suzuki, 
Herring, Huang, Sydell etc...  Nic 'Cottonseed' Clark has been  working at 
that as well, blues but not just on a C in 3rd  position.  Maybe can't call 
him a 'Professional' yet (just 15 & living  with his parents), but no doubt 
that's coming soon, certainly much more than  lurker or amateur status for 
that lad.
 
Not knocking your list, it's full of great working players,  that plus the 
mention of Nic brings up an interesting  question:  What is the definition 
of a Professional?  
 
Can you have amateur level chops + fame and still be regarded as a pro  
harmonicist?  Can you have a day job that pays most of the bills & be  regarded 
as a "Pro"?  Do you have to sell x amount of CD's or publish  a book?  Does 
the type of music or instrument you play have a  role?  Do you need to 
dress in something other than an old pair of shorts  & a stretched out t-shirt? 
(just saw that at a festival I played in a  couple days ago... cringe)   
 
I'd like to know what the list members think about what  constitutes being 
a "Professional" harmonica player.
 
BTW, the word 'harmonicist' just got flagged by my spell check...  grrrr
 
Christopher Richards   
Twin Tone Harmonica Microphones
 
 
 
In a message dated 7/12/2010 1:58:58 P.M. Mountain Daylight  Time, Michael 
Rubin writes:
Living Pro Chromatic player list

I  was thinking about it and I really could not come up with that  many
people.  Let's try and form a list and feel free to add yourself  to
it.  I recommend leaving out the D blues players unless they have  a
special ability to sound advanced, for example, WIlson or Oscher.
Also,  please correct my spelling.

In no particular order:

Stevie  Wonder
Toots Thielemans
Tom Stryker
Charles Spranklin
Phil  Caltabaletta
Bud Boblink
Tommy Morgan
Bill Barrett
Randy  Weinstein
Randy Singer
Rob Paparozzi
Madcat Ruth
Brendan  Power
Michael Rubin
Kim Wilson
Rick Estrin
Rod Piazza
Slim  Heilpern
Paul Oscher
Hendrik Meurkins
Gregoire Moiret
Joe  Leone
Dennis Greunling
Jason Ricci
Michael Peloquin
Jellyroll  Johnson
Willi Burger
Robert Bonfiglio
Clint Hoover
Winslow  Yerxa
William Galison
Johnny Sansone

There must be hundreds more,  but I got just over 30.
Michael  Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com