This winter has been a grind. Not sure why, but it has. So goodbye and good riddance February.
John Lennon was (I have read, but this story is probably apocryphal, like most stories of its kind) once asked, what was his favorite instrument to compose/write with or on?
His answer, supposedly, was “I’m an artist man. Give me a tuba and I’ll make you something.”
I have always loved that story for the spirit in it. Even if its not true. Make something. Anything. That’s how we learn.
So I got a new toy in January. A resonator. It is not, in any way, likely to become a family heirloom. But it’s a great little instrument. I got into this thing because of the blues, really. That was my first love in music. ZZ Top (Tres Hombres is still one of the great records, ever), Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn. Guys with guitars (and girls- Bonnie Raitt, then Susan Tedeschi). I’ve always wanted a resonator, because if you want to play acoustic blues that’s really the sound you’re going for. So, ebay, and then there it is.
Back to John Lennon. some people would take lessons, or crack a book (I have a ton of guitar books, some I have even read). I just started messing with the thing. Which is what I do. And then pretty quickly I wrote a song. It was, to be fair, based on a prompt from a songwriting group I’m in, but in the blues, once you have a I, IV and V chord and about four notes in the key, you’re pretty much ready to go. Seriously, watch some youtube videos, that’s all it takes. And a slide. You need a slide.
So here’s a new (very rough) song, in the spirit of leaping in and experimenting, and playing a tuba even when you don’t know how.
Shows are on the shows page, or follow along on the social medial platform of your choice (links above).
Me and my one angel wing will see you out there.
Follow me wherever you are!
