|
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | First the OT stuff: Don't worry,there's a segué. Having awakened from a self-imposed 25-year guitar torpor, I came back with a vengeance three or four years ago, and am REALLY happy I did!
I DID need a vacation -- I was stuck in a rut and boring myself on the guitar -- but maybe not THAT long a vacation. And, in the middle of all that was a horrible marriage to a highly abusive alcoholic.
Bottom line: during the awful times, without the solace of the guitar to turn to, I bent my restless mind to dozens of intellectual (and, therefore escapist, from the utilitarian perspective) pursuits: Wrote several books, developed software, made web sites, studied astronomy, painted and drew portraits, read avidly, studied music as a spectator, learned voraciously, fathered lovingly, and the 15 awful marriage years went by in an absolute blur.
The "gift" of the torment in that awful time was: I learned, from my then wife's rather clear example, more about how to be a good and decent person; a loving, involved, attentive father; a purposeful self-improver -- how to pursue happiness. The lessons were simple and couldn't have been delivered more effectively: avoid self-absorption, vanity, pride, anger.
Because, while my then wife was cruelly abusive, cold to her children, aggressively self-obsessed and nearly constantly drunk, she was also just a miserable person. Not a happy bone in her body. A better object example for what not to do, and how not to be in life could not have been found!
I can't look back with TOO much sadness on that time...it would be inappropriately self-indulgent, and would mean that I had lost the (MUCH) bigger picture...and my two children (some of you have met them) are gifts beyond measure to their dear ol' dad.
The learning and perspective summed up: There is joy to be had -- in large measure -- in what may seem to be the grimmest of times and circumstances. It's our individual responsibility to grab it, foster it, grow it, and grab some more. Also, never, never, NEVER take yourself too seriously (not ever). You are NOT as big on everyone else's radar screen as you may think you are. Always grow. Seek the good, the exciting, the new, the wise, the fun -- it's all there. Frequently give in; never give up.
Having been in the wringer that was my marriage, I gained these and other new, (I hope) more mature and wiser, and WIDER, perspectives.
So, here's the segué: Three things then happened or were in place contemporaneously: (1) My wife divorced me (second finest gift she ever gave me -- Daina and Alex the finest), (2) I revived my interest in the guitar, and (3) avenues of exploration like the internet and YouTube were in full flower and growing.
Having settled, during the "dark" times, into a pattern and methodology of exploration, I then RE-turned to the guitar. And, being self-taught, I sought out the example of other guitarists.
When I had been much younger, I loved guitar speed, and fast solos were what I craved, so I kind of picked up where I left off, seeking out the company of the John McLaughlins's, Al DiMeola's and Larry Coryell's of the world (not at all a bad cast of characters, by the way); all the while giving wink-and-a-nod recognition to the wonderful Joe Pass's, Cal Collins's, Chet Atkins's, Tal Farlow's and the like. But, I was still swimming in the same waters I had swum so many years before.
Then, you all pointed me toward some other people.
It was at that point that I met the following "new" guitarists (new to me, that is). Phil Keaggy, Tommy Emmanuel, Martin Tallstrom, Muriel Anderson, John Champion. All through the intercession of you all, and the minor miracle that is YouTube.
Furthemore, I was able to encounter the music of these new people with the above-mentioned fresher, more open-minded, wider perspective.
What a revelation! I don't think I would EVER have been able to appreciate these wonderful musicians without having been tempered in the crucible of my marriage!
Furthermore, I suspect I would not even have sought them out! I remember my less mature self being pretty satisfied with where I was intellectually, culturally, spiritually.
Life is a trajectory...(keeping the religious out of this), and another blessing from my horrible marriage was that my ex was a logical endpoint of the trajectory I was on when I married her. Her example allowed me to avoid that bad landing spot! And to avoid the bad landing spot of smug self-satisfaction. So, further lessons (at least for me) from that hideous time: Always grow, always seek, never be satisfied, never stand still; the world -- of music, of culture, of literature, of the mind -- is a LOT bigger than you may think is it. You WON'T get to the end of it.
So, those are my five discoveries -- thanks to you, my ex-wife and lots of living: Phil Keaggy, Tommy Emmanuel, Martin Tallstrom, Muriel Anderson, John Champion. I know there are more to be discovered, and I can't wait to meet them.
So, first: thanks, all of you!
And, second: who's new to you in the guitar (or other) realm? Is there a story behind your encounter with them? Is there a reason they're meaningful to you? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4536
Location: Flahdaw | Alan, nice piece of writing.
Like you, I found Tommy Emmanuel on youtube and was blown away. I don't read music, so I have had to learn his stuff by watching the videos over and over. The bad news is that I now have arthritis in my hands, and after 5 minutes of playing his stuff with all the the barres and fingers spread all over the neck, my hands and joints are burning. So, I may have to give it up and relegate myself the easier stuff. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Great guitarists I've "met"* because of the OFC (in no particular order):
Paul Templeman
Cliff Doenges
Steve Sutton
Keith (War Eagle)
Matt Smith and his fellow NGW teacher and good friend, my guitar instructor Richy Stano
Davis Turner
Bill Kaman
Dweezil
Damon
Dobro
Bob Glisson
Professor Brad
Al Pepiak
*I've actually met in person nearly all of these. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Thanks DB and G8r! I forgot those on G8r's list! Man! Do I feel foolish? Yep.
Add: Dobro, Cliff, Matt Smith, Dweezil and Al to my list. I haven't "met" the others yet, but very much look forward to that day! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | These people listed aren't really that good. It takes them many many more than 3 chords to play the same stuff that I play using only 3 or fewer chords.... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by G8r:
Great guitarists I've "met"* because of the OFC (in no particular order):
I assume your keyboard locked up before you finished the list ... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Originally posted by Gallerinski:
I assume your keyboard locked up before you finished the list ... Absolutely. I was about to add Moody, when I remembered Bobbo's post showing showing PM playing that 4th chord. I was so enraptured by the idea my hand just fell onto the keyboard, striking the Enter key. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | For me, there's so much more to being here on the board that just the guitar-playing; most of you play far better than I ever will, and that's o.k. (It's my job in life to make the rest of you look good!)
I'm not sure I can put it all into words, but hearing you all play is kinda like fireworks going up into the darkness--I get these brief flashes of illumination that are just beautiful to "look" it (in the sense that my ears and eyes work together to get the whole picture.) I am really thankful for the talent that's here, because it makes me want to go and be a more well-rounded musician.
I was able to go and see Phil Keaggy play a few years ago--Robbie was thinking about going home and not touching his guitar again; I wanted to go home and try the things I was hoping to remember.
Thanks, Alan, for being so transparent--we climb all different mountains, all different routes; it's really neat when you can call back down to encourage those climbing up behind you.
--Karen |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | Erm, WOW! [Gulp]. Blimey, thanks!!! :)
I really hope to be able to live up to that acknowledgement. THANKS!
My dream, though truely unlikely, is to be mentioned in the same post as Adrian. One day, one day... keep playing, keep improving... keep playing, keep improving BUT...
ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
Also, never, never, NEVER take yourself too seriously (not ever). You are NOT as big on everyone else's radar screen as you may think you are. Always grow. Seek the good, the exciting, the new, the wise, the fun -- it's all there. Frequently give in; never give up. You hit the nail on the head there! NUFF SAID. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | I should not be on anyone's list |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Jewel's Mom a/k/a Joisey Goil #1:I was able to go and see Phil Keaggy play a few years ago--Robbie was thinking about going home and not touching his guitar again; I wanted to go home and try the things I was hoping to remember.[/QB] Karen, I've seen him several times - and I always leave with a mix a both extremes. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by alpep:
I should not be on anyone's list Al: at open night at the ice dream place (after the NJ get-together with Matt Smith), you did a GREAT blues solo that put you on my list...to stay. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Wow! Typo city! I meant "open mic night at the ice cream place..." |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
These people listed aren't really that good. It takes them many many more than 3 chords to play the same stuff that I play using only 3 or fewer chords.... Ok, ok...I almost fell off my chair laughing! Neat trick when it's an overstuffed chair with an ottoman and the laptop is on my lap! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Alan,
Before this thread goes totally 'south', I must say that I truly appreciate your honest and heartfelt post.
I've not followed all the great git players and am often bewildered with the info and names garnered here. So I can't contribute as others have and will...
But I can tell you that your past has, is and will format the rest of your life! What 'data' you select to keep is up to you, and no one else.
Take it from an ol' fart, that life is not a bed of roses, but the aroma is always within your your capability to appreciate.
Take care, love life and wear that guitar out! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | Of those I have met all were good to great players
including AL |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | The more I learn about guitar (and I don't know a great deal) the more I learn about what I don't know. Some of the greats that were listed above may not think they're great guitarists because they are acutely aware (more than me) of how much they don't know.
That doesn't mean they're not great, they just stay humble because of that awareness. I'll never be as good as someone like Serge, because I don't have that much time (and probably not the natural talent either) but I love the journey.
Serge, I'd like to meet your guitar teacher, 'cause he did a great job with you. Unfortunately, I'm a bit far away to have lessons.
Alan, I appreciate your journey and openness. It has a number of parallels with my journey. Life is cool and comfortable at the moment and I am looking forward to the next phase of my life. The guitar is an old friend, even though my actual guitar is only a year old. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by 2ifbyC:
Alan,
Before this thread goes totally 'south', I must say that I truly appreciate your honest and heartfelt post.
I've not followed all the great git players and am often bewildered with the info and names garnered here. So I can't contribute as others have and will...
But I can tell you that your past has, is and will format the rest of your life! What 'data' you select to keep is up to you, and no one else.
Take it from an ol' fart, that life is not a bed of roses, but the aroma is always within your your capability to appreciate.
Take care, love life and wear that guitar out! Nicely said, Iffy! I'm always in admiration of those who can distill it down!
"life is not a bed of roses, but the aroma is always within your your capability to appreciate." -- a really nice way to say it! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4536
Location: Flahdaw | Originally posted by alpep:
I should not be on anyone's list Ditto! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 2120
Location: Chicago | Your post resonated with me deeply, Alan: I, too, "woke up" some years ago. The OFC was the key: I met my band-mate Jeff Burns (NostrAdamas) here and have been immersed in music ever since. So I'd propose Jeff as another OFC monster. He is the ulitmate support system, rhythm master and lead player. Can't over emphasize how important it is to team up with others and escape the prison of the bedroom or basement!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | I think a similar story applies to a lot of us, although I have to say I married well. I haven't made it to anyone's guitar players list yet, but I'll work on it now that I'm on the collectors list and SWMBO's shitelist. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Richard, thanks for the compliment, but you flatter me too much. I was just happy that Matt, Temp and Debanjo didn't laugh me out of the room when I sat in with them at Beal's last March. People like them are on a plane I can never hope to approach. But you're absolutely right about the journey - it sure is fun. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | Southern Style boys had better watch out. Iffy and I found out at the Samba that G8r is not the same guitar player he was, even at G8rbowl 2. His teacher is doing a great job. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 2120
Location: Chicago | May I add Country Artist (Sergio Lara) to the list? Genuine talent and a real pro! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Add Waskel as well. One of the tracks from his CD "Rest" came up in rotation on the ipod today. Very nice! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by CrimsonLake:
Add Waskel as well. One of the tracks from his CD "Rest" came up in rotation on the ipod today. Very nice! Can't find this on the ning site...is it available anywhere? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | It's available here . But a google search showed it available a few other places as well. PM Waskel. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by Capt.Lovehandles, Head Counselor:
It's available here . But a google search showed it available a few other places as well. PM Waskel. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | "I should not be on anyone's list"
Al, you're on everyone's list for something. Just faggetaboutit!
Nice post Alan!
Glad to see your not in charge anymore! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by MWoody:
Al: "I should not be on anyone's list"
Al, you're on everyone's list for something. Just faggetaboutit!
Nice post Alan!
Glad to see your not in charge anymore! "Al, you're on everyone's list for something. Just faggetaboutit!"
Sometimes even for GOOD things! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Jas, Mike... you guys are too kind.
The only list I should share space on with Matt, Temp and Al is the Huddle House watch list.
Alan, thanks for your interest. The CD, "Rest" is available from CDBaby , Amazon or can be looked up on iTunes (search John Petersen Rest).
Or if you like what you hear but want a real CD instead of a download drop me a PM. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | ....ask for the autographed edition. It's worth more.
sounds just as good, but it's worth more. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I'd include Mike Ward to the list, particularly for his songwriting, the very reason I should get booted off the list! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | I never met most of you, but from things I've heard here, I'd have to say there are a lot of very good guitarists on this board. Lanaki comes to mind... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | Lanaki is great, and TRBoy and Designzilla are two of my personal faves. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
I'd include Mike Ward to the list, particularly for his songwriting, the very reason I should get booted off the list!  Even after having Mike play some of his new 'loves' to me via the phone, not counting his posted songs... geez, I'm gettin' too old!
I'm hoping MM heads down on down here, so he can make me feel more of a 'that guy' wannabe...
Prof,
I can't foresee ya ever dropping off the 'list'! 
Hey, even TJ and Capo are on my list...  |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4239
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | If I ever get the chance to do an open mic with you guys, I'll probably do a little piece called "Send Them Screaming From The Room". I'm sure I'll get on some sort of list...if you get my drift.  |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Thanks for the votes of confidence folks...I wish I had applied myself sooner....but I had fun! (at least I think I did....some parts are a bit fuzzy) lol
Actually, I still do! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by The Wabbit Formerly Known As Waskel:
Jas, Mike... you guys are too kind.
The only list I should share space on with Matt, Temp and Al is the Huddle House watch list.
Alan, thanks for your interest. The CD, "Rest" is available from CDBaby , Amazon or can be looked up on iTunes (search John Petersen Rest).
Or if you like what you hear but want a real CD instead of a download drop me a PM.
Thanks for the offer!
Alan |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Thanks for listening! |
|
| |
New, GREAT, guitarists I have met on the OFC... (WARNING: long screed)