Re: [Harp-L] Re: Big Mama Thornton / Better

[michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with Paul.  When Smo-joe says he could find 5 guys at a SPAH
convention who are better than these 5 guys, I think he is not
considering the overwhelming talent of Horton.  There are 2 guys I
think of at SPAH conventions that might compare to his abilities and I
sure both of them would shake their head and explain to me how I just
do not understand what quality playing really is if I were to even
think of comparing them to that master.
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On 12/15/09, Paul Routledge <kingley@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Whilst I agree that Big Mama Thornton and John Lee Hooker are not exactly
> stellar harp players it's still great to see footage of them playing.
>
> However in my humble opinion Big Walter Horton is probably the best harp
> player that ever lived. Sure you have guys / gals today that can overblow
> and play super fast chromatically in any position / style you want.
> But do they have that feel and that monster tone that Big Walter had?
> Can they get that beautiful percussive sound to their notes?
> Can their music speak to the listeners soul in the same way?
>
> Not to my ears.
>
> Paul
>
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