Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From:
MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 08:11 AM
Maybe this thread has gone on too long already. Correspondents with something relevant to say have probably said it by now, and those merely seeking a platform on which to display their wit or wisdom have had enough opportunities. Nevertheless, since we still seem to be a long way from consensus, here are a few more thoughts.
In almost every musical category – classical, jazz, rock, folk, blues, country, world, you name it – there is a special niche for "Living Legends". A great many people are willing pay good money to hear these performers, despite knowing full well that they are no longer able to deliver performances as good as those which established their reputations.
Some folks dismiss this as the triumph of nostalgia over good taste. Others applaud it as an act of homage to performers whose stature is undiminished despite their declining abilities. But like it or not, it remains a fact of life in the music business. Consequently, concert-goers who demand perfect performances every time should avoid spending their hard-earned cash on going to hear Living Legends – or at the least, they should do some research on the Legend's current form before buying a ticket.
DG is undoubtedly a Living Legend – don't take my word for it, just ask Martin Carthy, John Renbourn, Stefan Grossman, or many other professionals who earn a living playing the acoustic steel-strung guitar. When I saw him at Gateshead last week his playing was certainly not flawless, but I still found it worth hearing. I hope that his recovery continues, and would certainly pay to hear him again in future.
Wassail!
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sj
