Re: [Harp-L] GrÃgoire Maret

[The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx>]

Regarding the humbleness and great guy image that a lot of musicians propagate, in all fairness, this is usually when they are standing alone or in a situation in which they are the main focus.


The true test is how they act when someone else enters their "personal space" in a sense...i.e., shows up at a jam or situation in which they may challenge the player as far as stage time or audience reaction goes.


A few of the greats are truly humble and accepting (usually the older more mature ones). The younger ones don't welcome the intrusion as much and are very protective of their territory, going so far as to act not very nice.


I've personally seen this over the years with myself...it always mystified me, as I didn't get this mind set.


For example, being asked to join in a tune or two with an established band (with or without a harmonica player). If I play "too well" or receive too much audience admiration, it doesn't sit well with the other musicians or band leader. 


Have seen a well known and loved harmonica player, who projected a nice guy image, totally turn about in a situation in which a "guest" joined in and played as good or better. The key was watching this guy when he thought no one was...look on the face was sour and he actually left the venue while the sit in player performed.


So, human nature being what it is, there are all sides to this equation. 


In a safe environment, it is easy to be the gracious and humble nice guy. 


In a challenged situation, ego may pop up and create a little monster for a minute.

DISCLAIMER>>  This is a general statement and not one aimed at Gregoire, whom I have not had the opportunity to see in a challenging situation nor watch his reaction when he thought no one was looking.


-----Original Message-----
From: Randy Singer <randy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>; joe Leones smokey <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>; icemanle <icemanle@xxxxxxx>; Slim Heilpern Harmonica <slim@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thu, Oct 3, 2013 8:56 am
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] GrÃgoire Maret


i personally find his playing similar to what one of our harmonica brothers 
said, like a swarm of angry bees.

He seems to deliberately find ways of being annoyingly against creating beauty 
on the instrument and focused on an ego "look mom" ego approach to music. 

Also, I was on the jazz cruise years ago, he was the harmonica player on board 
performing with marcus miller keb mo and everyone.

Ask me in private sometime--- but I will tell you he went out of his way to make 
sure I did not get even close to the stage or any of the musicians. Blocked me 
totally.

Harmonica players are some of the most gracious musicians I have ever met. Not 
this guy......(:

But he is used by benson, marcus miller and an entire cavalcade of top tier A 
list musicians. What the heck do I know...

Wondering if I should delete this post or send......oh well.....)