Re: [Harp-L] Poor presentations of harmonica how to videos

[Sam Friedman <sammyasher@xxxxxxxxx>]

Frankly, if you are trying to learn some music from someone and are too
concerned with how they look or where they are to do so, you need
to reassess your priorities and focus on the music. The sounds someone makes
has nothing to do with lighting, or clothing, or what have you. If I am
sitting in my underwear trying to learn harmonica from some youtuber, I
really can't be bothered with what he/she is wearing. Taking pride in your
craft means dedicating yourself to that craft. I'd learn from and listen to
someone who has true respect for and dedication to the music they explore
regardless of how many of their hairs point in a uniform direction.  If you
truly delve into the craft, it will show in the creative things you produce,
and the information you have to offer. If you can't get past your own
frustrations at the types of arbitrary pieces of cloth someone else has
draped on their body, and be able to listen to what they are *saying*,
you'll miss a lot of beautiful things in the world created by
not-so-"beautifully"-maintained people.

-Sam

On Tue, Aug 16, 2011 at 11:12 AM, michael rubin <
michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I am willing to take another step towards respectability when my
> budget allows.  Where can I get a good black backdrop?  Is there a
> particular brand?
> Michael Rubin
> Michaelrubinharmonica.com
>
> On Tue, Aug 16, 2011 at 9:52 AM, Buck Worley <boogalloo@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
> > One never knows when someone may have a camera out there. I got recorded
> a few months ago at a small pub and it looked terrible. I was not planning
> on sitting in and was dressed really sloppy. It was a very casual affair
> where I just stopped by to see a harp player friend. He had a rellay cool
> old Silvertone and an old EV mic that sounded so good I just had to try it
> out.
> >
> > THEN, the person put it on youtube. I will never tell what the url is. It
> is that bad, however the sound was not too awful.
> > BW
> >
> >
> >> Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:36:05 +0000
> >> From: rogergonzales@xxxxxxxxxxx
> >> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> >> Subject: [Harp-L] Poor presentations of harmonica how to videos
> >>
> >> After seeing the how to video done in a car in the dark I am wondering
> what the heck is going on. Eddie Gordon gave me great advice when he told me
> to ALWAYS dress a bit better than your audience. But some of the people
> doing how to videos for harmonica are just being ridiculous. I have seen
> videos done by guys who haven't combed their hair, looked like they haven't
> bathed or look like they have slept in their clothes. At the same time I
> have seen videos done by Richard Hunter and Dave Barrett that are very well
> done. Professionally done and they look sharp as well as playing well. This
> goes for clinics done at festivals, music stores or NAMM as well as on
> U-Tube.
> >>
> >>
> >> If you are going to represent the harmonica in a video or a clinic where
> the general public is going to see you for goodness sake take some pride in
> your appearance as well as your playing. Enough!
> >>
> >>
> >> I just did a clinic at the Sonora Blues Festival with a young man who
> hopefully will be around a long time. His name is Hank Shreve. Hank not only
> sounded great but looked sharp as well. I have no doubt Hank will continue
> to be a great ambassador of the harmonica.
> >> Take your craft more seriously. Take more pride in what you do and how
> you do it. Especially if you are calling yourself a professional. Represent
> yourself and the harmonica in a much better light.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Roger Gonzales MA/Music Ed.
> >> Fresno CA.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
>
>