[Harp-L] John Popper discussion

[Grant Walters]

Rarely speak up here …afraid someone will correct my spelling…or something…

I admit that I am not one to pay for a John Popper Ticket … so I know I may miss the power or his live performance.  
I’ve Seen Kim Wilson at least Dozen times and was never disappointed…Great Harmonica ….classic…but inventive and powerful too.  The dude is tough.

When discussing who is popular on the harp…..Rather than knock Mr. Popper’s playing…( if not our style) I think we need to add in the fact that he is a very passionate singer.
Impossible to compare to anyone else …but wow,  he can get a massive audience to sing along on No Women …no Cry…..( you tube).
“Runaround" was very catchy and the timbre of his voice is pleasing……He does seem to enjoy the electronic toys…but I’m also wondering if he learned harp by listening to other instruments.
I have no comment on his personality …never met him.  
My point…he is famous for being in a very successful band and being a very passionate Vocalist…who also plays a very interesting harp style.  It’s not just the more notes thing.


Grant Walters.

> On Jan 31, 2019, at 11:18 AM, Jeff Lima <jeffcalifa at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> Hey all 
> Just passing by to share my fare love to exploring new ways of playing the harp, with emphasis not only on a different approach to the instrument but also to the genre of music the instrument is played. I myself am striving to make a difference in the world of harmonica (look up Lion Harp on youtube) by using different effects to build live loops with the harp...making it sound like a bass and a guitar...to solo and sing (still developing my voice) on top. That being said. Without guys like John or Lonesome Dave from London or even Jason Ricci when he plays off the blues traditional stuff...I wouldn’t be here doing what I do. In order to learn the instrument i listened to countless hours of blues (like everyone here) going back to the old big names to the now contemporary guys. To have a discussion in who is better and who does right is pointless.
> Sincerely going to see a blues show to me now days Its boring. No disrespect to any and the hard work they put on. But the I IV V and the same solos, i love it all, but it is not all for me. 
> So I guess my point in writing this is to perhaps strike a feeling of respect and acceptance to the old folks on this group. John isn’t here to defend him neither is Kim Wilson. And honestly they both don’t care what you think. Thats why they do what they do. In personal conversation with Kim hes advices on playing “the old stuff on top of the new” (phrase he used) were well taken by me but the thing that sadden me the most it was he’s complaining about not making any money. I wonder if John feels the same. Theres no comparison in who drives more people to a show. We all know the truth.
> Truly the world moves on. 
> It is so sad in the world of music to think that Harmonica was only made for blues. Wrong!!! Sadder is to go online and find very few references to learn the instrument outside of the blues. Now days I listen to saxophone being played to find new licks in other genres and just wish I could hear a phenomenal solo on some reggae for exemplo and on. 
> Much love yall. Mad respect to the what has been done so far. But with no innovation, no creation, no living, no experiencing nothing is going to change. And that is not life as we all now. The world changes every second why not take the instrument to another level. 
> I like to think that like the twelve notes i have twelve colors give me an empty canvas and i will paint you something. Something of my own. Or consider a set of words instead of colors, I like to speak freely even if I am limited to a set of words I will find a way to make them my own and will be more curious to hear the ones that do the same but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate what has been said or painted in the past. 
> Just another fact to share. I just came back from a 3 month busking tour in Europe. Crossed 8 countries playing music on the streets not once I saw another harmonica player out on the streets. I saw guitar players blowing some harp over the same old blues tunes. But not one strictly making a show with the harp. 
> Many saxophones, guitar, drums and keyboards being played solo. Sad.
> I live in LA I have been to a couple blues festivals where one of the biggest ones dont even cut a third of the amount of people that goes to pop concerts. Therefore that is the difference between what Kim Wilson does and what John Popper does. Love and respect to both. But we have to accept there is more beyond the 12 bars. 
> Much love to all of you. I enjoy very much being part of this group. And sincerely sometimes I check in curious if I will see my name being criticized for not playing the traditional. Lol. Not that I care but it makes me wonder what would Kim, Jason or John think if they read half of what went on here. In my opinion Jason and John might find a way to play faster to just keep the discussion alive and Kim, well Kim is the king.

Grant Walters  
Over 27 years of Real Estate Service
Coldwell Banker
248 Main Street #200
Half Moon Bay Ca  94019
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650 867-0482
grant at xxxxx
www.grantwalters.com <http://www.grantwalters.com/>