[Harp-L] Raconteur: A POLITE WORD FOR LIAR

[Slim Heilpern]

Thank you Richard for clearly expressing what I’ve long accepted, that if you dismiss someone’s art because their personality or actions aren't as attractive as the music they create, you will be missing out on a lot of wonderful stuff. I think we all strive to create music that is better than we are (at least those of us who admit we are flawed). Also worth remembering that not all the bad things we may read or hear about a famous person are told even-handidly. 

But with respect to Larry Adler (and I haven’t had a chance to listen to the podcast in question), I’ll just say that his storytelling was very obviously over the top, perhaps because it delighted his audiences and boosted his ego. But I grew up listening to his exceptional playing and there’s plenty of musical goodness there. And just like with so many other great talents, I idolize the musicianship, not the person. 

Not to say that there aren’t wonderful people who are also amazing musicians, but perhaps they tend to be less famous in this this cut-throat world...

- Slim.

www.SlimAndPenny.com

> ...
> People with a lot of bad in them can do some amazing things that enlighten
> all our lives.  Nobody should get a pass for the wrong they do, but that's
> a different story.  My recommendation is to appreciate the art and leave
> the artist out of the picture.  If you don't, there won't be a lot of art
> in your life, and that's every bit as sad.
> 
> Regards, Richard Hunter