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

[Mike Best <mike.d.best@xxxxxx>]

Yep I totally agree that we should all play for enjoyment without having to
achieve certain standards to compare ourselves or each other to.

Just to clarify, I only made my initial flippant comment about Bob Dylan /
Neil Young after I had gotten home from playing a gig at an awards dinner
last weekend to a very un-musical crowd.  Before dinner a number of people
asked me what I played in the band, and when I told them I played harmonica
they all invariably said "oh, you mean like Bob Dylan?"  Don't you just wish
people would say "Oh, you mean like (Jason Ricci, Little Walter, Kim Wilson,
insert your own hero)?" instead?

I hope some of them stayed around and listened to the band after dinner and
had their ears and eyes opened.  The ones who went home early probably still
assume that I and all other harp players just play simple first position
melodies, mainly using chords coz we haven't quite got the hang of single
notes yet.  Not that there's anything wrong with that either....

-----Original Message-----
From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Chris Reynolds
Sent: Tuesday, 10 June 2014 8:13 AM
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Harp-L] RE: no standards of harmonica accomplishment

I'm with Mr. Bee on this one. I don't want to ruffle any feathers but why do
we need a standard of accomplishment? I started playing because my Grandpa's
played, and I can say with absolute certainty that they never gave a single
thought to their level of playing. They played for no other reason than the
enjoyment and a lot of people enjoyed listening to them. Same reason a lot
of people play whatever instrument they happen to play. So I guess my
question is why we need a standard rather than what that standard should be.
Does it only apply to certain situations? As someone who's focused on the
guitar for 30 years with some long breaks I can tell you I'm no where near
the level of those considered guitar greats. Does that mean I shouldn't be
allowed to perform? Same with harmonica, piano, bass, etc etc, I'm not great
at any of them, but I play for the enjoyment. Do I have to meet a standard
before I can enjoy them?

Seems to me that having "standards" would do more to drive a wedge between
those who want to see the instrument promoted and those potential players
who will start and then maybe not reach those "standards" and give up. I
have to say I absolutely love listening to some of you guys play, but
whether or not I ever reach that level is of no importance to me. 

 
Chris