"Nomen Nescio" ] wrote in
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From: "Dudley Henriques"

Amazing!
I used to play a fair to middling bit of guitar myself.

I never would have guessed that, but reading it, I'm not that
surprised. I've
always thought there's a certain connection between music and
aerobatics.

My good friend Scotty McCray, used music in his sailplane routine as a
professional airshow pilot, all through his career.

I've actually
been on the same stage with Arlo, Doc Watson Pat Sky, Gordo Lightfoot,
Eric Andersen, Bonnie Dobson, and a few others.

Impressive collection of names. I never really took the guitar beyond
playing
with local bands..clubs, colleges, etc.

I'm afraid their names are much more impressive than my humble back up
playing. It was fun though.

In fact, because I've lost my right hand as that applies to something
like Travis picking :-)

I never had a right hand as that applies to something like Travis
picking :-)
Fat thumb. Never could catch the A string without whacking the E. Had
to go
with a pick between the thumb and forefinger which, of course, only
left me with
3 fingers for the top end.

Doc was the best flat picker I've ever seen. Being blind didn't hinder
him a bit with his music. Then again there was Art Tatum, and George
Shearing and Lord knows how many others. I think you can make a case for
musicians actually having a more comprehensive insight into their music
through physical handicap.

I've just sold my beautiful Herringbone Martin
D28 last year. I carried that ax with me almost everywhere I went for
most of my life.

That must have stung, a little bit. I hope it went to someone
"deserving".

It was an auction. I watched it change hands, but never met the
individual.
Actually, I didn't want to. It was like watching an old friend die.
Can't explain it..won't try!



I'm afraid my guitar days are behind me now, but it's
fun to remember all those good times we had at the coffee houses
pickin
downstairs in the basement or in the back room.

Hanging with the beatniks and hippies? I never would have guessed
that, either.

You just never know about these "old" guys do you? :-)

I stil do some pickin' but my audience is normally confined to my wife
and cats.

Cats get very nervous around guitar strings you know....all that talk
about catgut and all that!!


3 weeks ago, I got in front of a "real" audience for the first time in
10 years at
the annual neighborhood block party. Dug out my old Les Paul Std. and
did the
lead to a couple of "Santana" tunes with our local band. "Samba Pa Ti"
and
"Europe", if you're interested. Actually sounded fairly good,
considering we
hadn't practiced it ahead of time...and I hadn't changed the strings
in months.
As a side note, my wife has a voice that could out Patsy Cline, "Patsy
Cline".
She's the real musical talent in the family.

Well, I'm glad at least one of us can still play. :-)

Take care,
Dudley