In his day, Bert was regarded as a hot guitarist - one of the best. It is undeniably true that he influenced a generation of guitarists that followed - guiding and encouraging them with his book, 'Play in A Day' - guitarists like Jimmy Page, Brian May, Eric Clapton...
By today's standards and expectations, Bert might be regarded as almost a novice. Many a young buck with an eye on the crown today might easily dismiss Bert and indeed other notable players of previous generations; but his place in history cannot be denied. Everything must surely be judged in its proper historical context?
We live in an age where surely there is no excuse at all for not being absolutely, mind blowingly brilliant on guitar; and those with the intent can aspire to very high standards of technical ability. And so it is the case: the world is full of them: on youtube and elsewhere - from 9 year old kids to those playing guitar for a 'hobby'.
I just don't think it's a unique selling point anymore; and it's the same with anything - the more common something becomes, the less valuable. Surely no one talks about great guitarists anymore - because there are so many of them. Then again, we live in an age where artistry 'seems' to have taken a turn in favour of athletic performance more than anything. Perhaps it is more about performance than it is about saying something or being artistic and creative. I wonder if market forces are to blame for that - if indeed it is true. This writer might be so out of touch with reality that you would simply love to tell me I'm wrong and here's why...
Well you might have a point - but if I dilute what I' m saying to the point that it is accurate, then I have nothing to say; and isn't that the nature of artistic expression - half truths? Discuss...
Don't get me wrong - it's great watching great guitarists; but it is rather passe now. And besides, like I said...artistic expression doesn't always add up to how good you are at playing an instrument. Trying to reach a certain standard of playing could be a distraction from what really matters. Why not just use an instrument to be creative on, write songs on? You really don't have to be a virtuoso now do you?
