Re: [Harp-L] Women on harp

[joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Nov 20, 2010, at 8:37 PM, Harri Haka wrote:

> I have wondered, regardless of genre, why there are so few female  
> harmonica artists around. Is it because women have less breathing  
> ability than men?

Hardly, women are built to handle TWO people at a time breathing  
wise. While their lungs may be smaller, they are certainly as  
efficient. Listen to Michal (Adler) Groenich...of the Adler trio. She  
certainly can handle harp.

> Or is it just a tradition that the ladies sing and do other  
> instruments?

Not exactly.

> I know there are talented harmonica women but they are a minority.  
> For comparison, there are many ladies who play guitar that have  
> achieved worldwide respect. But as to harmonica, not many come to  
> mind.

I think women conotate playing harmonica with hard times, sadness,  
melancholia, prison, hobo jungles down by the railroad yard,  
alcoholism, etc. And while some may go for that sort of thing, I  
don't think most DO.

> In my opinion, it would add value to a talented vocalist's  
> repertoire, if she played harp on some tunes.

We have a few of those. Elizabeth (tin lizzie) Hess is the newest  
inductee.  lolol

> Needs practice, of course. But I believe that if women can jump  
> pole vault and play ice hockey, they should be able to play the  
> harp too.
> Harri