There's so much emphasis placed on blowing-off-the-roof style playing with our instrument that the softer but still intense styles of playing don't get much airtime. But they're some of my favorite stuff. Carey Bell knew how to play that way; most good players do.
Here's a fine example of turning down the flame to a low boil:
Dynamics are important. If you don’t use them properly, you’re missing out of some very cool ways to make a serious statement. You will lose effectivenes if you are going balls to the wall 100% percent of the time. Blues is about evoking emotion and conveying the message of the song.
Nice stuff. Dynamics are very important part of playing. All good players know how to use them. To me they are an integral part of playing the instrument and should be learned/practised just as much as any other facet of the harmonica.
