All generalizations are false, including this generalization...
If whoever said what you relate about chromatic harmonica players has a strict interpretation of blues harmonica as limited to rhythmic groove based playing, then there may be some degree of accuracy to their observation from that point of view.
Chromatic harmonica players and a good proportion of diatonic players think in terms of melody having a major role in playing harmonica in any style.
I have encountered traditional blues purists who disdain melodic playing. They consider melodic excursions as departing from traditional blues harp style. They focus on groove and chord changes.
I think we should incorperate both groove and melody in playing blues, but I am not a traditional blues purist. ----------
Just revisited my post today. I left out some of what I intended to mention.
I have always enjoyed your playing on chromatic and diatonic. The above mentioned traditional blues purists I refer to don't usually care for fast passages.
I think the fast passages are just fine! ----------
good entreating playing is good entertaining playing.
I like and listen to ALL good harp players. I dont care if they tongue block or not. I dont care if its chromatic or diatonic.
It was fun learning to tongue block after 25 years of lip perse. When I heard something, that i really liked, that required tongue blocking, I learned tongue blocking. Been doing both now for over 20 years.
Its absolutely fine for everyone to like what they like. i prefer to hang with open minded people.
U LEARN SO MUCH MORE WITH AN OPEN MIND.
I just respect good players of all kinds and styles