Joined: 29 Jan 2004 Posts: 1504 Location: Methuen, MA
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 4:39 pm Post subject: From the Boston area...
Hi,
John Szabo here, from Haverhill, MA, 30 miles north of Boston.
I first heard of Robben Ford about 10 years ago on a recommendation for a good blues artist/album (Mystic Mile). I did like the album then, but I was still a hard-rocker, and so the cd was lost somewhere in the pile. It wasn't until the past several years that I realized that alot of the stuff that I really liked all of my life was blues-influenced, and even bluesy in itself, such as Hendrix, Grand Funk RR, Mountain, Pink Floyd, Led Zep, Allman Brothers, and others. Plus, there really hasn't been any any good rock music in years, in my opinion. So, between the lack of good music, and probably that I've gotten older and finally mellowed out a bit , I started looking for, and listening to, the Blues. And then, I remembered that I had this old Blues cd somewhere in my cd collection, and after giving it a listen, I started kicking myself for letting it collect dust for a decade. I then proceeded to my favorite cd store and bought a used RF cd (I forget which one), and after hearing it, I regarded the cd as the buy of a lifetime. I couldn't get enough, so I've since bought just about every RF album available.
I've also started playing the guitar again and taking lessons in the past year after stopping and rarely picking it up in the past 30 years. It's most definitely RF and the Blues that sparked my interest in playing again, and I can easily say that Robben Ford is by far my guitar idol.
I'll be going cross-country this August to attend Robben's guitar clinic. Can't wait. I'm also real psyched to find out that he'll be playing here in the Boston area real soon. I'm pretty sure that I'll be at both of his shows that night!
John: You'll have a wonderful time at Robben's clinic. And besides the musical enlightenment, spending a day or two in Ojai can be very uplifting in and of itself. Enjoy!
It will be warm (85-90 deg.) in Ojai in August, but not a steam bath like Boston. I spent a couple of summers in Cambridge and they were uncomfortable to put it mildly. So, if you're at all like me, you won't be going back to Boston after Ojai. So pack accordingly.
Joined: 19 Sep 2003 Posts: 646 Location: City of Trees, USA
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:16 am Post subject:
Welcome! Your 30-years-away-from-the-guitar experience sounds a lot like my own. At least our fingers are well rested.
I'll also be at the August clinic. It will be my second; I went to one this past October. You'll find it a really fun experience. If you get a chance, before coming out take a read at the late Philip Toshio Sudo's "Zen Guitar" (now in paperback from Simon & Schuster). It will give you a good idea about some of the places Robben comes from, and he often uses quotes from the book as discussion-starters at his clinics.
Be mindful that being part of this BBS AND going to either a clinic or a live show makes you responsible for posting a detailed review afterward for all of the poor folks who couldn't be there. And if moderator Elizabeth wasn't there in person, the review must include a detailed description of everything Robben wore -- including shoes! _________________ - BlueRunner
Joined: 29 Jan 2004 Posts: 1504 Location: Methuen, MA
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 4:58 pm Post subject:
Thanks for the welcomes!
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Go Sox!! It's their year!
Let's hope so. I'm tired of all the wailing and gnashing of teeth here every October.
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...you won't be going back to Boston after Ojai.
Ok by me, but I think my wife would send out a search party...
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If you get a chance, before coming out take a read at the late Philip Toshio Sudo's "Zen Guitar" (now in paperback from Simon & Schuster).
Thanks to previous posts from this board recommending Zen Guitar, I just read it a couple of weeks ago while on a relaxing vacation. Not being much of a book reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however. And, I'm sure I'll read it again a couple of times before the Aug. clinic.
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I'll also be at the August clinic.
I'm certainly looking forward to meeting you there, BlueRunner. Perhaps one of us should start a new post a few weeks beforehand to "meet" others who will be attending.
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Be mindful that being part of this BBS AND going to either a clinic or a live show makes you responsible for posting a detailed review afterward for all of the poor folks who couldn't be there. And if moderator Elizabeth wasn't there in person, the review must include a detailed description of everything Robben wore -- including shoes!
HAHAHAHA! I've been following this board for several months now, so I'm familiar with it's cast of characters, er, regular posters including Elizabeth and her penchant for Robben's show attire, including shoes!
Joined: 16 Jul 2003 Posts: 534 Location: SF Bay area
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 5:24 pm Post subject: Shoes....moi?
I have a penchant for shoes?? Really??? How funny; I got called in to my principal's office again today...seems a parent complained about my having a link to Robben's website on my site. Oh yeah, and then there was the part about how he thought I might be losing it. I don't think he knows about my thing for footwear! Shhhhhh!
Okay, I need to vent. THEN, there was the point about how inappropriate it is to have a photo on my website that says the word, "fondling." (A Dumble? What is that? Jeeeeeeeeez, you fondle an amplifier???? Whatsamatta with you, anyway?)
Aaiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee. And finally, there was the objection to my having a peace sign. Once again, I find myself hopelessly politically incorrect, but it is so nice to come to this board, where people appreciate my, uhhhh, fetishes! (Can I say "fetishes?" Uh-oh, bet I have offended another one......)
Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 886 Location: SF Bay Area
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 5:30 pm Post subject:
Elizabeth,
If all my boys teachers were "politically correct" all they would know is how to add and subtract. Thank goodness for folks like you, putting yourselves out there. It is the balance of different teachers , their styles and ideals through the years that enriches our childrens education. Tell this parent to put their kid in Challenger if they want an atomoton. (or MSJE ) _________________ There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
My Stuff: www.stevekirbymusic.com
Joined: 16 Jul 2003 Posts: 534 Location: SF Bay area
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 5:57 pm Post subject: :)
Thank you SO much, Aeo. I'm feeling a little battered after today's "meeting." I'm sure they won't even connect the fact that AFTER that meeting, I still managed to have an incredible Taiko drum ensemble perform for our International Fair. (And to think that many teachers thought it was too much trouble! Who needs diversity?)
They were phenomenal, and they allowed several of my students (AND ME!) to come on stage and take a lesson in drumming. It was ffffffabulous. (I would say fanfuckingtastic, but I got in trouble for that one already....)
Joined: 16 Jul 2003 Posts: 534 Location: SF Bay area
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:04 pm Post subject: Wow, do you know me, or what?
Welllllllllllll, if you go to their website, you can see photos of them. Beautiful blue and white cotton short jackets, blue pants, and those wonderful tabby sock/shoe things. Masa dresses in black and white, which looks great against the others in blue.
I was wearing a white knit t-shirty kind of thing, that has buttons all the way down the sleeves, and I had navy blue pants, so I blended well with the group. I wore navy suede shoes that have cute little zippers on the sides. When it was cool this morning, I had on a red jacket (zips up the front) with a ladybug pin on the lapel.
I have a penchant for shoes?? Really??? How funny; I got called in to my principal's office again today...seems a parent complained about my having a link to Robben's website on my site. Oh yeah, and then there was the part about how he thought I might be losing it. I don't think he knows about my thing for footwear! Shhhhhh!
Okay, I need to vent. THEN, there was the point about how inappropriate it is to have a photo on my website that says the word, "fondling." (A Dumble? What is that? Jeeeeeeeeez, you fondle an amplifier???? Whatsamatta with you, anyway?)
Aaiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee. And finally, there was the objection to my having a peace sign. Once again, I find myself hopelessly politically incorrect, but it is so nice to come to this board, where people appreciate my, uhhhh, fetishes! (Can I say "fetishes?" Uh-oh, bet I have offended another one......)
love, elizabeth
I'm with you Lizzy!! As long as you never change you website for these reasons! Keep fighting these narrow minded micro-brains!! And pleeeeeeeeeeas keep fondling everything you love. _________________ "Don't play what's there, play what's not there" Miles Davis
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