Re: [Harp-L] Joe Filisko

[Grant Dermody <gdermody@xxxxxxxxx>]

Joe is a treasure,
All he has done for the harmonica and its players can not be measured.
Joe has his own voice as a player and as he hones his songwriting abilities, that voice deepens.
He's also a tough Chicago guy and doesn't get rocked by a little criticism.
All the best to all
Grant Dermody

On Nov 2, 2013, at 12:18 PM, Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Mick Zaklan wrote:
>>  Probably the best written piece I've seen on Joe Filisko.  Also the only
>> time I've ever heard Joe's approach to the instrument criticized by
>> anyone.
> 
> First, it's nice to see a piece on Joe that emphasizes his skills as a player and teacher, as opposed to a customizer.
> 
> Second, the "criticism" accounts for a very small part of the article, and what it basically says is that the person issuing the criticism would prefer that Joe devote less of his attention to traditional styles.  
> 
> I'm reminded of what Stravinsky said about Bela Bartok in 1959, years after Bartok's death. "I never could share his lifelong gusto for his native folklore... I couldn't help regretting it in the great musician."  Didn't seem to hurt Bartok's rep much; if anything, the statement made Stravinsky seem petty and envious. 
> 
> Regards, Richard Hunter
> 
> author, "Jazz Harp" (Oak Publications, NYC)
> Latest mp3s and harmonica blog at http://hunterharp.com
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