[John Prine]

On 4/1/2020 at 7:39 PM, Guth said:

Jinder, I’ll apologize in advance to yourself and the others for the lengthiness this response is sure to reach, but you’ve struck a chord inside of me and I’m going to take this opportunity to “spell some things out” as much for my own benefit as anything else.

Much like yourself, I often tend to process such emotions in a very inward way, although much more privately and far less productively in my case.

I can say for a fact that when I was younger I never once took Stevie Ray Vaughan himself, his abilities or his music for granted. I say this despite the fact that I was able to watch him play many times in a venue smaller than the unassuming house that I now call home for only a few dollars each time. I still count being able to talk with him for a minute, shake his hand and thank him for sharing his music with myself and others to be a fairly significant moment in my life.

(Later on, watching him overcome the demons that he happened to be battling back when I met him was something that I felt was every bit as worthy of celebration as his music itself was.)

Another significant moment in my life would come on morning of August 28, 1990. When I arrived at work very early that day, the security guard at my workplace who shared a mutual love of blues music, asked me if I had heard the news. I had no idea what he was talking about. Then he handed me a copy of that day’s Dallas Morning News that he had obtained for me. Plastered on the cover was the news of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s death — a victim of a helicopter crash the night before.

I was almost speechless, having a very hard time putting my thoughts together in a way that made any kind of sense. Later I was sent home early, still with the newspaper in my hand . I would need the remainder of the day to begin to recover from the impact this news had on me. I still have that very newspaper to this day, packed away with other items that serve as reminders of what my life has been.

In many ways I took SRV’s death harder than that of my own father which also occurred around that time of my then relatively young life.

That is in no way to say that my father was any less significant to me, as few things could be further from the truth. I have thought about this very topic previously. Other than the fact that I was truly in a deep state of shock when my father died, this is what I’ve come up with.,.

No one has meant more to me in my life than my father, even though our time with each other was cut far too short. With that said I would point out that for many of us on this forum there likely exist few if any triggers that impact our memories more than music. In turn, the people who are responsible for creating the  music that we each connect with have the potential to dig deeper into our souls by way of our attachment to not only the music they create but also to them as individuals as part of the process.

So in my case when someone like Stevie Ray Vaughan passed away that left  a  really deep, complex hole inside of my psyche — the path of which was determined by a couple of things. The first was by the many different ways his music connected with me over the course of a few years.  The other was the the intensity of that impact itself at various  points in time.

Such holes can not truly be examined until we are fully aware of their existence.  In my case, when it came to facing the loss of Stevie Ray Vaughan, exploring such emptiness was both immediate and concrete. I felt that I had no choice but to face such things head on even though I had little clue as to how to proceed.

In the case of the news regarding John Prine, the impacts that it might be having on yourself and others becomes a bit more complex. I feel this way because those connections that I’ve just mentioned are still being created, continuing to grow. Yet you find yourself peering into that potential void without any solid understanding of just how complex or just how deep that void might really be.

In my case, I was dealing with events that were in the past, reaching up to and including the death of SRV. That was incredibly depressing in nature. In the case of trying to come to grips with John Prine’s situation, things are still developing, continuing to move forward (fortunately with some good news apparently now mixed in). The difference here is that your concerns regarding JP’s health involve looking forward in time and that generates anxiety. That anxiety might very well exist (and likely does) right on top of any depression you might be feeling as well. That is a lot to contend with.

Add to this the mix of everything else going on in the world today (including that which impacted JP himself) and you have the perfect storm for a very emotional roller-coaster. The likes of which few of us have the necessary mental capacity to deal with head-on at this point in time.

I find this to be one of life’s great ironies. To me this is what is meant by taking the bad with the good. Just as music has the capacity to take us to heights seemingly unimaginable, so it goes that the absence of such music (or those responsible for creating the music to begin with) similarly has the capacity to sink us to unimaginable depths. 

In my case, I found that listening to the  very music that impacted me to begin with was the best way forward. Not so much for the relief it brought (it really didn’t at first), but more as a way of honoring the musical legacy that was left behind. One that I knew I would be able to tap into in more of a uplifting manner at some point in my future.

I can’t imagine a better time to honor John Prine than right now while he is amongst us. I know that I’ll be spinning some of his music again this evening. I like to think that the act of doing so fills the world with a bit more positive energy, no matter how immeasurable it might be. So many of the truly best things in life are beyond measurement, it should not surprise me that this would be any different.

Thanks all for letting me spill my emotions out all over the floor.

Take care and be well.

 

 

 

That is an amazing post. John's gone now and I agree that musicians certainly can mean an awful lot to many of us. The power of music. And creativity. He certainly was a songwriting genius.

[Bob Dylan has a message]

I think it's sheer genius. The lyric, alone, as a poem should win an award. Actually, that's what it is, a poem set to song. Amazing talent to write something like that, to be able to even come up with all of that. Especially and have it make sense. Love the very end where he says play this very song, lol. Vintage Bob. Soon as I heard it, I told my bud I bet this wins a grammy.

[Young by the fire, , , with a cherry G.....]

To me, it was strange when Neil was walking around, facing / not facing the camera... huge audio quality differences. I suppose I should salute quirky.

[Guth's Archives?]

Good job, keep at it, best wishes on your return!

[Perhaps............]

Buc, it's a wonder I clicked based on your evasive title, lol, (pet peeve) but thanks a bunch, this is awesome! Bravo, bravo, bravo! From Ukraine, holy cow! That's a day brightener!

[New original song - Roads Not Traveled]

I think the overall feel is really good. I can't really evaluate the song without seeing the lyric. Your guitar sounds great, the recorded sound is terrific and you have improved your voice dramatically, for sure! I'm impressed, keep at it! I like "regrets, regrets" in the chorus.

[Advice Needed: Buying a new Guitar]

17 hours ago, j45nick said:

JT with his J50 in 1971. Pickguard has been removed. I first saw him live in the spring of 1969, right after his first album came out. Sat about 10' away from him on the ground outdoors. He sat on a folding chair, with the J-50. Pretty sure it still had a pickguard at that  point, as I was looking at his guitar thinking it was just like mine, only with a natural top. I'm not sure I knew the J-50 even existed at that time in my life. I had just turned 22, and he had just turned 21.

That was a lifetime ago, but I still remember the guitar. And I still have that J-45.

Sweet Baby James

 

I have never seen that particular video, thanks! He seemed nervous.

I was going to recommend a j45. Congrats!

[“My #1 Guitar: Gibson Sheryl Crow Southern J”]

I love it! Such fabulous tone, I love it when he picks individual notes, especially.

[Like a Bird that fleeeew. .]

What a cool pic. He looks so devilish sometimes!

[My j45 va modern deluxe 28 or hd28?]

I have j45 and D28 and love both. If you play strummy songs, the J45 is better IMO.

[Dave Van Ronk...]

Thanks, Murph!

[New original song - A New Dawn Awaits]

 

Songwriting (great songwriting) is hard. Great lyric writing, specifically, is apropos for this comment. I will mention some things that struck me as having potential for improvement.

Two hands on the wheel, heading South in the rain

>>> good

There's a white line to the unknown

>>>”There’s a white line” is slightly weak and "to the unknown" is stronger. If I suggest a lyric change, I am just giving an example improvement of something that pops into my head. You, the writer, could spend hours, days, on a single line. I write the following with not much attention to your meter, but IMO, possibly better…

The white line embraces (or points to, leads to, etc.) the unknown

Or

You could make something up about the white line being a separator or a line that keeps two opposing forces separate. Or two forces attracted to one another. Doing that in one phrase would be a challenge, but you get the idea.

And a dozen red roses on the passenger seat

>>>It may be fine but might could improve. Perhaps something like…

And a dozen red roses riding shotgun

Or

And a dozen red roses where I want her to be (in that seat)

Or

Make something up about the dozen red roses looking lonely in that seat.

I'm so tired of being alone

>>>This is trite, it seems a bit boring. “I’m so tired of being alone” just doesn’t work for me. Jason Isbell wrote one of my favorite songs and wrote essentially what you wrote except the word “traveling” changes everything; the verses about him traveling alone lead to his chorus of being tired of traveling alone. “And I’ve grown tired of traveling alone, tired of traveling alone, I’ve grown tired of traveling alone, won’t you ride with me.”

Please, please, oh please, may each passing mile help my soul awake

>>>"Help my soul awake" bugs me because it would seem to me that your soul is already very awake; are you not wishing for her soul to awaken? Actually, her heart might be a better target in a song like this.

It ain't easy, Lars, keep at it! Lyric books could also help.

Yeah, you sing fine for singer-songwriter stuff; some of my favorite artists are not singers. Neither am I! It doesn't matter so much if one writes great stories in song.

Your guitar sure sounds great, nice! Good luck!

[Strawberry Wine]

This is great! I have played this song similarly at gigs. It's a great song, she did great and sure plays well!

[I love Bob Dylan! Listen to the kids.]

I just found this, don't know if it's been posted. I've listened three times, lol. I friggin love the Bob and this rendition provides a joyous revisit to his genius. This is such a cool song, it's actually pretty unique with its structure and when it was on the radio in the 60s, it sure was a singalong! All of these kids do a great job but this lead singer is outstanding! She could be a star! She sure likes the song, too!

Kids sing Tambourine Man

[Jinder's New Video--Some Gibson Content.]

I still buy cds, as I play them in my truck. (Edit: Lars and I were posting at same time!) The house concert / folk fans still buy cds. Vinyl fans still buy vinyl. Of course, I realize that all of this is not much.

Jinder, did you come to USA? Jim Hoke played horns on some of my tracks and he is from Nashville, far as I know. Maybe he travels to Europe for work, too.

[Taylor Swift's J-180]

10 minutes ago, j45nick said:

While her music isn't really my style, she's got a lot of talent when it comes to songwriting.

It looks like all the NPR employees under 30, plus all their friends, were in that little room.

 

The female ones, anyway! She certainly is an icon to young females. This gal got amazingly rich, and quick. Even in the age of piracy and streaming.

[Dylan at 78]

So awesome, thanks much for posting, can't get enough Bob and just hope to be alive at 78.

[Taylor Swift's J-180]

Thanks much! I enjoy watching her solo like this, she is uber talented. Not my kind of music but she can (obviously) write a hit pop song! She has grown into a very confident woman. On stage, anyway. I find her personna very watchable, engaging. Nice guitar! I wonder what kind of mic she is using, that's interesting.

[My Solo Version of "I Shall Be Released"]

Enjoyed it!

[1957 J-50]

Very sorry to hear of your challenge, Dan, hope the best for you. The old guitar is nice!

[John Kay interview / songs]

Thought this may be of interest if it hasn't been posted. Haven't been on here in awhile. Upon returning, I immediately noticed the changed format of the forum and recall it changed about the last time I was on here. And that I don't like the new versus the way I used to be, lol. I doubt it matters but it sure is not nearly as appealing to the eye as the old one! Anyway, here is John Kay and an old Gibbie. He plays plenty well enough for me! I very much enjoyed his interview. The two songs start about the 20 minute mark.

 

[Even In The Quietest Moments]

Very good job all the way 'round!

[Cat Stevens' Guitar: Premiere Fan Guitar Tabs]

Good, high-quality tab, cheers.

[I love my J45 Studio]

Title says it all. I’m excited for the future of this company again. I love the sound, size, playability, and the looks of this guitar. I’ve had other great, and not so great (Norlin era double braced acoustic) Gibson’s over the last few years, and I do believe this is by far my favorite. Thanks Gibson!

 

Yes, as someone pointed out, there is already a member by your username here. I guess it's spelled slightly different, but you might consider getting something else. I'm sure you didn't even know, as the software did not kick it out due to a maybe a one character difference.

[Gibson J-35 Discontinued ...Your thoughts]

The J-15 is SELLING....

 

Also, it's quirky enough to be interesting, maple neck, skunk stripe, walnut fretboard. But with J-45 specs. Heck, I bought one and it's AWESOME!

 

Sustainable woods is the future of guitars whether we like it or not. These kids coming up have been brainwashed. Get over it.

 

They think Socialism is a good thing too. Even though it's never worked out like that. Ever.

 

There is a magic number, and if they sell THAT NUMBER, they will be built. If that goal isn't reached, poof....

 

Murph, did you try a J35 when you bought the J15? Just wondering why one over the other. I haven't seen either.