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BIT 16 December 13, 2007
Wow, this has
been a great trip around the country...lots of beautiful places. Dad and I
headed out towards Southern California and went through Colorado with it's
majestic Rockies where we stopped to visit a good friend just outside
Denver. We then traveled down into New Mexico and stayed with some really
great folks in Santa Fe. They're more like family now.
Afterwards, we continued on to Arizona where dad wanted me to see this place
called Sedona, a gorgeous colorful town he remembered from years ago. So me,
being "resident navigator" of this entourage, found a "shortcut" on the map.
Well, at least that's what I thought it was! I've since learned to always
check to be sure that the road isn't an unimproved (i.e. 4x4 only) road
first!
Now you have to imagine us going down a barely navigable mountain
road...ok... it was more like a washed out riverbed, but you should have
seen the looks on the faces of all the tourists standing in the backs of the
rental high riding 4X4's that were on this road. It went from sheer surprise
to awe that a small Hyundai overloaded and sitting only 6 inches off the
ground was driving down this treacherous road! The businesses in
Sedona....at the bottom....cater to the tourists that want to get scenic
pictures of the valley from the mountain road. I think everyone we went by
took our picture. I had a great time but dad dodged boulders and ruts that
were over a foot deep all the way down. We didn't bottom out once. I got
some awesome pictures, and dad was so busy trying to stay on the road he
missed it all. Needless to say, Sedona was beautiful, but next time we'll
take the regular highway in!!!! :)
From there, we went to Southern California, and we met with Jonathan Pusey
at Zaolla Cables (I use Zaollas both live and in the studio). If you check
out their website:
www.zaolla.com
you'll see why I choose to use Zaollas. I had a great meeting with Jonathan
and learned a lot more about these fantastic cables!
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Later that day, I also got to meet some distant relatives of mine, John
Kinnard, who is a Master Luthier, and his mom, Betty. We got to talk shop
and visit. And I also had the privilege to try out some of his finished
guitars. I particularly liked the distressed OM Mahogany/European Spruce
model he had there! If you're in the market for a fine handmade guitar, you
need to check out his website:
www.johnkinnard.com
for more info, and tell John I said hi!
We also went over to see the folks at the Deering Banjo Co. where we were
given a wonderful tour of their factory by Carolina Bridges...a Banjo player
herself. It was amazing to be able to hear the different sounds the banjo
can produce, simply by changing one component, or by using a different top
tension. During the tour we got to meet the owner, Greg Deering. And
afterward, I had the honor of getting to play the 1st 12-string banjo
Deering ever made! There's only one word that sums up it's sound...AMAZING!
It's definitely on my must have list. Check it out at:
www.deering.com
the 12-string model is D-12.
The next day we went over to Taylor Guitars,
www.taylorguitars.com where I was finally able to meet some of the people that I've only
known over the phone 'til then. I even got to meet one of the owners, Kurt
Listug. It was a pleasure talking to him. It's so nice to get to know the
guys that started such a great company that has touched the lives of tens of
thousands around the world with music.
Later on, we took the factory tour, and before it started, the tour guide
took a moment to introduce one of the tour goers. He was Bob Taylor's shop
class professor, Larry Kaiser. He told us about how Bob came to him with the
desire to build a guitar for his credit in class. And he saw that Bob was
really serious about it, so he said okay, go ahead. This was Bob's 1st
guitar ever...a little history in the making. Afterwards, I got to play for
the tour goers which was really a treat!
From there, we headed back to Omaha and reunited with my mom who was staying
with some super friends of ours in Omaha...Dale and Deb Johnson. They were
our long distant neighbors for a few years in Costa Rica, so it was really
nice seeing them again!
After a few days, we all headed to Indianapolis, Indiana where I did the
recording, mixing and mastering of my new CD at Dave Stroop's recording
studio. We actually finished the recording and mixing the day before
Thanksgiving. They even invited us over to spend Thanksgiving Day with their
family. It was like being with family...a very special day for dad, mom, and
I. ( If you need professional studio time you can contact him at:
www.audioinfluence.com ). Dave
is a lot of fun to work with, plus he is flexible regarding helping you get
the sounds you want out of your music.
We continued over to Fort Wayne, Indiana where I played my December 1st and
2nd concerts at, Grace Point church of the Nazarene. I even did an extra
unscheduled performance Sunday morning, at the "Grace Point South" location
that the church started, to help reach the Hispanic community on the south
side of Fort Wayne! It was nice for me to do the two Hispanic services as it
gave me the opportunity to practice my Spanish while in the States. The Pastor, Chuck Sunberg, opened up the whole Sunday
evening service to me, he spoke at the Saturday evening service for the
opening of the first Sunday of advent to the congregation and so he got to
hear me play and speak...for the first time. His opening the service to me
on Sunday evening really allowed me the time to share my testimony along
with a full concert to play a wide variety of my music on both my Steel
string and Nylon string guitars, plus it gave me the time to instill hope
for those in the audience who feel a call on their hearts from the Lord, but
sometimes they just don't have the confidence to step out in faith and do
it! It's always a blessing sharing the gift the Lord has given me, but it's
even more important that I share hope with everyone I meet! Their website is
www.gracepointnaz.org.
The Worship Arts Pastor, Edgar Fink a world class guitarist in his own
rights, and I hit it off instantly. He's quite a gentleman, his comments to
me after the performance was uplifting and special coming from him. He has
lived in, and traveled to many parts of the world as a musician and while I
was talking to him with my dad he offered to connect me with some folks and
churches in Europe if I ever decided to do a European tour, he didn't
realize that we'd been planning to go to Europe next year when he made the
offer. When my dad told him of our tour and the countries we are setting up
he was excited for me and offered to help us fill in the blanks...so to
speak...in our tour dates, talk about God's timing! I not only had a great
time playing at the three services, but I made a new friend and comrade in
the process! God is great!
While we were in town, I went over to the
www.sweetwater.com
store and picked up my new Baby Taylor LTD! It's great, it has laminated
flamed Maple sides and back with a solid Sitka Spruce top! It even has a
Maple neck with an ebony fretboard and bridge. You have got to try and get
one before Taylor discontinues it, since it's a limited edition model! If
you would like to see about getting one, visit their website or call
1-800-222-4700 and speak with Greg Baum ext. 1286 and tell him I sent you!
We then went up
to Battle Creek, Michigan where I met with my friends at GHS Strings,
Melissa Ebel and Chris Walters as well as the owner, Russ McFee. I enjoyed
playing a few tunes for them while I was there. I have had the pleasure of
promoting the GHS String line for a number of years now. I now have a number
of very happy people that have heeded my advice. Give GHS Strings a try to
find out what your full tonal potential could be! Their site is:
www.ghsstrings.com
That evening I played a private concert hosted by Buddy Houghtaling for his
friends and family. It was so nice meeting everyone and learning that most
everyone in the family plays an instrument. His dad is a great guitarist and
swore he was going to learn this fingerpickin' thing after he watched me
play. Everyone was enjoying the music and conversation. Buddy Houghtaling is
a singer and a songwriter that I think is quite clever. I can still remember
the first time I heard one of Buddy's songs, "Here Kitty, Kitty", (which is
still my favorite 'Buddy Song'. My dad and I heard it on the car radio many
years ago. Check out his website to order any of his CD's:
www.buddyhoughtaling.net
You'll seriously be blessed if you do!
The next day, we drove up through Frankenmuth, Michigan, again, and of
course, had some more great fudge. So, we arrived in Sebewaing, Michigan,
where I played my concert at Bay Shore Camp. It was so nice to get to see
some old friends of mine again after so long! Playing for my friends is
always a special occasion for me!
Early the next day , we headed out for Massachusetts for my mom's family's
annual Christmas party! We got in two days later and got a good night's rest
before the party. Being with family around the holidays is a
blessing...needless to say we had a great time!
So, I think that should pretty much get you all caught up to date. I'm
really excited about my next CD titled:
Happy Fingers.
It should be out in about two weeks, more or less! The CD is available for
orders as of 12-15-2007. It is $20.00 plus $5.00 S&H to anywhere in the
continental US. (For those of you who had pre-ordered this CD, I will have
them in the mail shortly after receiving them.)
In closing, I want to wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year.
Buddy
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John, yours truly and Betty.
Here I am playing
John Kinnard's
Distressed OM model. It sounded GREAT!
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Right now I am ready to record "Pasión" at,
Audio
Influence recording
studio, Indianapolis, In.
Photo taken in Nov. 2007.
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Here I am holding the newest addition to the "family"!
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It has a solid Sitka Spruce top, and an Ebony fretboard and bridge! |
It has stunning figured maple sides and back! |
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