Re: [Harp-L] When Did Fast Become Good?

[Eric Miller <miller.eric.t@xxxxxxxxx>]

Speed can be emotional tool just like every other musical component.  Just
like note choice, tone, rhythm, melody, harmony , et cetera.

Nicolo Paganini
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Jason Ricci

All use speed and what I would call a correct fashion as an artistic tool
not as a vehicle for showing off.
 On May 13, 2013 11:17 AM, "Jerry Deall" <jdeall@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> While I agree in essence, that MY preference is not for the faster is
> better sound, there is a time to let it happen. A few years ago at SPAH
> someone was giving some of the younger players a hard time for playing too
> loud and too fast. I stopped to disagree, in that if the kids were enjoying
> what they did they will continue to play. Reminds me of when I was younger,
> older folks telling me to turn off that noise (Hendrix, Stones, Doors, etc.)
>
> So if it's harp and someone is enjoying it, I say let it go.
>
>
> Thanks Jerry,
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robert Rowe" <robertrowe2@xxxxxxx>
> To: "harp-l" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2013 8:31:22 PM
> Subject: [Harp-L] When Did Fast Become Good?
>
> When did we develop the mindset that playing at breakneck speed was the
> hallmark of a good player? So often I'll hear a player rip through a run of
> 1/128th notes and the audience cheers like it was the second coming of
> Christ. It doesn't seem to matter that the pitch , timing and intonation
> was terrible. Fast = good. I caught the bug ala Eddie Van Halen when I
> learned to shred my electrics. The poor janitor was sweeping notes up off
> the floor for days when I got done.
>
>
>
> Now, in my old age and wisdom, I appreciate a tune played at a reasonable
> pace so that you can hear the tone of the instrument, the nuances applied
> by the artist, the perfect pitch and timing. It reminds me of a quote
> attributed to Miles Davis; "Learn to play the silence."
>
> Kelly
>