Harmonica Resurgence?
Hi David,
The harmonica has grown to take over a larger and larger part of my musical world in the last two years. Of course I see it more and share it more. I was talkling with some friends and they asked: "Do you think there is a resurgence of popularity going on with the harmonica?"
i know some instruments have ups and downs in popularity. The Ukulele comes to mind. But I don't see a bigger presence in the general music world for the harmonica - it feels more like I am just exploring the harmonica culture that is out there. I am seeing it more. Clearly the Harmonica has a consistent presence in American music. But I also don't see anything like the popularity of harmonica bands in schools like that once existed. There is also much better educational resources out there compared to when you were cutting your harmonica teeth as you and others have mentioned.
From your perspective do you think the popularity has grown? Thanks for any observations.
Andrew
Evening Andrew. No, I don't believe there is resurgence of popularity. One thing that IS the case... there is a renewed interest by all harmonica manufacturers to make better harmonicas. This has been the case for the past eight years, so you're reaping the benefits of harmonicas that are of better quality than they have ever been in their history. And yes, lesson material availability is no doubt abundant now, which wasn't the case prior to the 1990's.