RE: [Harp-L] Charlie Musselwhite

["Dennis M. Cooper" <dcooper@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In my opinion "The Best" is a pretty dangerous phrase to use when discussing
music, art, literature and harmonica brands. "My Favorite" is a safer phrase
to use.

I just returned from the Yellowpine Harmonica and Music Festival where I was
witness to an amazing variety of skilled harmonica players.  I was unable to
choose a "favorite" player, let alone the "best". Each one of these talented
musicians brought their own distinct style and personality to the stage and
delighted different members of the audience.

On Saturday there was a "Masters at Play" event where there were a total of
11 harmonica players on the same stage trading licks and tastefully backing
the player whose turn it was to shine. The group was backed by Tony
Holiday's band "The Velvetones" with a couple of additional guitar players
from other bands on stage as well.

One of my personal measuring sticks in relation to a harmonica player's
skill is the ability to blend in and compliment the particular style of
music being played. Blues solos during bluegrass songs don't get a player
invited up on the stage a second time.

As time allows and more videos get posted from this event, I'll post some
links to the group. There was every style of music from classic country to
Pink Floyd covered tastefully on the humble harmonica.

Regards,
Dennis Cooper
http://dennis-cooper.com