Re: [Harp-L] no standards of harmonica accomplishment

[Bigmouthhorns <bigmouthhorns@xxxxxxxxx>]

Mike,
After a twenty year debate with a bassist/ bandmate/close friend that started when he uttered the words "Gene Simmons is a great bassist" I would never make your Dylan comment, although I was thinking it.
In the end, my friend and I called a truce based on the difference between virtuosity vs artistry.  
Although, I'm still not sure Gene Simmons falls into either category...




Jordan Feldman
443-721-0788
Jfeldman@xxxxxxxxx
www.onesa.com

Sent from my iPhone


> On Jun 8, 2014, at 10:06 AM, Mike Best <mike.d.best@xxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> When the average person's idea of a good harmonica player is Bob Dylan, what
> hope have we got?
> 
> This isn't supposed to ignite a debate about Bob's huge influence and his
> wonderful songwriting etc etc, I get that.  Just sayin'
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
> Of Emile Damico
> Sent: Sunday, 8 June 2014 9:57 PM
> To: JWilliam Thompson; harp-l
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] no standards of harmonica accomplishment
> 
> I agree that there doesn't seem to be an obvious standard.
> I think part of this is due to the fact that there is very little published
> as harmonica methods compared to violin, jazz guitar etc.
> The audience in many instances doesn't have a clue either at times.
> 
> Emile
> 
> 
> 
> On Saturday, June 7, 2014 8:14 PM, JWilliam Thompson
> <landcommentary@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Phil Duncan is right. The fact that anybody can teach him or herself
> harmonica means that there is no standard of accomplishment. This is a
> serious problem for acceptance of the instrument.
> 
> I know of at least two local "players" who confidently advertise themselves
> as harmonica players. They are both very nice people, but neither of them
> can play blues licks or rhythm chops, much less play any kind of tune. But
> in their own minds, they are fully accomplished players and tout themselves
> as such.
> 
> With another instrument, say a guitar, most people who listen to  music can
> clearly distinguish between a beginning guitarist, an intermediate player,
> and someone who is really good. Listeners do not have a similar yardstick
> with harmonica, because there is no generally understood standard of
> accomplishment.
> 
> This is a major problem for advancement of harmonica as an instrument.
> 
> Bill in DC
> 
>