I can't listen to that Thile interpretation of the Bach prelude in E
major that was recently posted on the Cafe and think of an ill word to
say about his playing. He has definitely interpreted very old-time
music beautifully and in a technically wonderful manner. I used to
trump tradition over musical technique, but then I came to realize
that I do not have the time invested in this music to make a judgement
about any professional or other hobbyist who also plays music. Life
is short, if anybody is forcing themselves to play music only to
impress others and not to impress themselves and they don't eventually
tire of it then they have found a perfectly acceptable way to impress
others and I am fine with that. If that is what keeps them ticking
more power to them!
I am definitely more of a traditionalist, but at an old-time festival
me and some friends were taking a break from playing music. We set up
a makeshift tennis court and put on an old cassette of an 80's dead
show loud enough for us to hear in our little corner of the
campground, the Blues Ghetto. One of the festival goers complained
about the electric music. Thankfully, one of the gentlemen who put on
the festival reinforced our right to enjoy ourselves which we did
briefly before retiring to the campfire for more old-time tunes.
Later we were playing some Donovan music on a pump organ, banjo,
mandolin, harmonica, and 12-string. The same gentlemen commented that
we were wasting our time not playing old-time music. Luckily, this
old curmudgeon didn't bother too much more. While discussing the
situation we realized that our generation of old-time music is
separated from early psychedelic rock by the same amount of time that
the first wave of old-time revivalist are separated from the Skillet
Lickers and Leake County Revelers. What will my kids be doing in
their 20's!!??
In this young man's opinion people can do what they want, without
willingly harming others. I would love to one day play some
Mississippi tunes with one of these beautifully bowing young fiddlers!
Also, it has been said many times, but Old-time is often pigeon-holed
as dance music, which some of it certainly is. For me, other types of
old-time music are definitely parlor music, listening music, and just
plain enjoying music. I enjoy playing breakdowns, waltzes, and the
such, but I also really enjoy playing the vaudeville type tunes which
many of the old-time bands I enjoy put out on record. I also love old
blues music. I have been exhilarated playing for a dance, but I have
also been exhilarated busking on the street and playing for a seated
crowd. It is a good thing Mississippi John Hurt didn't focus all of
his energy on backing up dance bands!
Okay, I am done.
Mike
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