| John Hartford & Bill
Monroe Dear Derek, Recently I had the chance to attend a show by one of my all-time favorite musical influences, John Hartford. Though not exactly a household name, Hartford did have a major hit in the early 70's with 'Gentle on my Mind', a song made famous by Glen Campbell. Notwithstanding the pop aspect of this tune he is a real pedigree Bluegrass player with a long performance history and a very large repertoire, both original and traditional. His influence on me comes from his terrific sense of humor and his ability to pen great novelty tunes. But as much as he delves into the less serious musical endeavors he also has a deep background in traditional fiddle tunes and is a hot banjo picker to boot. He has a plaintive lyrical style as opposed to Earl Scruggs' tricky-licks style. I had planned on attending this show about a week in advance and next thing you know old Bill Monroe ups and dies. So what would have been a show of pure 'Hartford and Friends' turned into a rollicking wake in honor of the Main Bluegrass Boy. Enclosed is my (somewhat biased) take on the nights events, which I wrote knowing you might enjoy it. Include some of it in your excellent and thorough newsletter if you see a place for it.
Ted Silverman, 401, Miguel St. #1, San Francisco, CA 94131, USA. I've used your article as both an insight into Bill Monroe and as a report on John's concert. Many thanks Ted - it was only the night after Bill died so it could be the very first memorial concert! And probably the first to be published in the UK. Ed .
Mandolin on a bike - and cleaner
banjos! Anyone got any similar tips for moving our bass around on a bike? But seriously, all your tips are welcome - never assume that everyone already knows about your little gem. For example, I've tried many times to clean the metalwork on my banjo to make it gleam like new, all to no avail. I even asked people how they keep theirs so shiny - "By cleaning it" they say. But recently 'Digger' Dave Crowley told me about Autosol Chrome Cleaner - and now my Gibbo is just like new. But Eric Pollit warns that Autosol is wicked stuff and will eventually remove the 'chrome'. Maybe, or maybe not. To some people all these things are obvious, to others they aren't. Always share your info!! Ed.
Getting your own back.... Gordon sent £10 - wow! Many thanks! I guess he knows from experience gained selling his 'Hand-crafted, Flight-Tested Boomerangs' that you only get back from life what you throw into it. Contact Gordon at Orbit Boomerangs, 3 Monk Bridge St., Leeds, LS6-4HL, Tel: 0113-225-2638. Ed.
It's a set-up! Well, Danny, I think your letter should be more persuasive than I can be, but I'll try to get someone to do it. You've NO idea how hard that will be, so - volunteers please! If all else fails I'll do it, but I'm sure the readers don't want yet another article written by me! Ed.
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