Ron.M -> RE: from a paper by John Sloboda (Apr. 22 2004 22:21:22)
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Yeah Mike, That's leaning towards the view that I hold. To me, music is "thought" led rather than "technique" led. You can have all the technique in the world, but if you don't know "how" to play, then you're lost. The greats that we hear, Paco, Tomatito, VA etc started the same way. They heard the music and wanted to become part of it. Became intrigued by the "sound" and the falsetas of their heros that they wanted to be able to do that above all else. So they immersed themselves in Flamenco and after finding out "how" to play, started experimenting to make that picado a little bit faster or that alzapua a little more gritty or that chord a little more thoughtful. I hardly ever watch television, but I've just finished watching the second episode of the seven Martin Scorsese films entitled "The Blues" and I'm amazed at the parallel with Flamenco. This week's episode was directed by Mike Figgis, (the director of "Flamenco Women") and looked at the impact of blues on early British blues nuts such as Van Morrison, Peter Green, Alvin Lee, Stevie Winwood, Chris Farlowe, Georgie Fame, Mick Fleetwood, Tom Jones (yes!), with performace clips from John Mayall and the early Rolling Stones. It was great to see those people talking relaxed and naturally without any makeup, lighting or hype just recalling their youth and the passion and energy they had in going down the all night clubs like the Flamingo and listening to visiting bluesmen like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker etc. Alvin Lee said "We just sat at their feet and learned our apprenticeship" It's great to see how these guy's traded "licks" (falsetas) and knew when somebody had "the sound" and wanted to know how it was done. Was amazed to see a "popular" music entertainer such as Lulu, without her usual stage makeup and charisma, give a stunning rendition of blues singing amongst fellow blues musicians, a side of her I've never seen, but just goes to show that the roots run deep in a lot of "popular" performers. I was puzzled to see David Blunkett (British Home Secretary) appear so many times, during the film until I realized it was Eric Clapton. LOL! cheers Ron
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