Look, most of the time I'm just kidding around with Tony, but in truth, I just really don't like the TONE QUALITY of the instrument. I admire the skill of the really great players (such as is on display here), but like bagpipes, which to me only sound good at the funeral of some head of state, I just don't like the way the instrument (not the player) sounds. That being the case, i'm probably not going to like it, no matter who is playing it. I view it as an aquired taste that, for whatever reason, I never aquired. I don't think any amount of DEMO's or illustrations is going to change that. I don't even think it's a cultural thing; it's the (to my ears) harsh, gutteral, fingernails-on-a-blackboard sound quality. Let's be honest. It is much more of an 'ethnic' rather than 'mainstream' instrument.

Of course this is all just my opinion, which, lest you need reminding, is perfectly valid FOR ME. There is a lot of music out there that just wouldn't sound right played on any OTHER instrument, but I tend not to like that music either. Hey, it's all just a matter of personal taste, probably based on what one is used to or grew up with. Not a judgement thing, just a preference thing. Still love Tony, though. That's what's important.



chas