Greetings All,
As Ron's partner in crime for these ( 3 ) shows, thought I would give me review of what we jokingly referred to as "GUITAR GEEK WEEK".
Ron and I met up on Monday to start our week of guitar playing, talking and concert watching
Monday - May 12: We met in Portland, ME for a concert with Sandi Thom at a small, intimate venue "One Long Fellow Square". While there should have been many more folks at the show, Sandi put a great show. Had a "story tellers" vibe to it, very talented lady, who graciously signed cds and posed for pics at the end of the gig. Nice to see Ashley as well.......
Additionally, we hit up a couple guitar shops in Portland, and played more than our share of notes at each location, lol
Tuesday - May 13: We traveled to Ron's place in NH, where he had arranged for his local luthier to come and work on ( 3 ) of my guitars and some of his guitars. The Alvarez that Joe gave me from stage a couple years back is 100% top notch again, got a fret level, crown and dressing......as Joe had beat them frets down!!! Additionally, my "Blackie" and "Esquire" JB inspired builds got some fret work and set up work done as well.......they play great now!!!!
Later in the afternoon, our pal Rich ( Havoc ) joined us for a little jamming and guitar talking, which made for a great evening. Also, I got very acquainted with Skinner #1 on Tuesday, as well as a couple lovely Jim Kelly combos!!!!!
Wednesday - May 14: Started the day playing guitar at 6:30am, yes great way to start the day. After playing many fine guitars and playing with a Van Welden Royal Overdrive and Deluxe reverb amp, none other then Mr. Gary Hoey showed up to hang out, as he is a dear friend of Ron's. Gary hung out, showing me how to play The Deep and Gonzo Guru, couple of my favorite tunes, let me play his iconic John Cruz Masterbuild Strat with American Flag pickguard...killer guitar!!!! Ron had a chuckle or two at my expense, as I was a chocked up fanboy, but Gary was super cool and nice. What a GREAT player too!!!
Thursday - May 15: Our first Joe show, so off to Rhode Island. We arrived had a Scooby Snack, and got ready for Meet and Greet. In tow with me, BLACKIE and ESQUIRE, replicas of couple guitars Joe played in the ANDY dvd, goal was to get signed on the headstock, to complete my collection of replicas that I have built from Joe's early days. Ron had Skinner #1 and Renee', his new Historic Makeover ( what a sick sick sick finish - Merlot with gold hardware!!! ) to M&G.
Now you all know Ron is humble and generous fella, but at the M&G he was looking for the young players there, and only ( 2 ) present. While in line, he beckoned Bob Witt and purchased one of Joe's signed Epiphone Les Paul guitars with the intention of giving it away to one of the youngsters!!!! While we missed the young fella that he originally intended it for, fate would have the father and son sitting ( 2 ) down from us at the show, and I pointed out to Ron. Ron went over and introduced himself to the father and asked a couple of questions, inquiring if young fella played. He did and wanted a new guitar, enter Ron. Ron spoke to the dad and told him he had signed epiphone for the young fella. The look on both faces was priceless......it was a humbling and inspiring moment to say the least!!!!! Ron did not want to make a big deal about it, being humble, but it is important to him that a younger generation connect to this music and carry it forward........I say well done!!!!!!!!!!
Back to the M&G, as I approached Joe, he says, "Hello Jay, so do you know have all the guitars from ANDY replicated?", made me smile.....what a memory, remembered the neck plates and asked a lot of questions, and graciously signed the headstocks as he did on my GOLDIE builds. Was a very relaxed discussion, and talked about his old esquire and new one he acquired recently. Ron was with me, with his ( 2 ) Gibsons, which Joe lovely checked out and played each.......what a nice guy, and what a privilege to speak guitars too.....
Front row and center seats.....killer show. The dumbles I believe were used for Blues Deluxe, and the tone was 100% slaying!!!! Joe was on fire, playing many many solos in front of Ron and I throughout the night........so clean and fast, but you all know that already!!!
Friday - May 16: Travel back to NH, and off to pick up Skinner #18, yet another killer addition to Ron's collection. Off to Hampton Beach....I had M&G passes for this show and passed them off to Sandy and Rich to enjoy seeing Joe again. Dinner with Sandy, Rich, and others, and off to the show. Front row center again........killer views, and again Joe tore it up. At the end of Django handed his pick to Ron and stated, "For the Skinners", what a cool moment. Was cold at the beach but on fire in the casino, as once again Joe ripped it a new one!!!!
Saturday - May 17: Travel to Hartford, CT for show #3 and M&G. We met Bill and Ed Twomey, so that was a pleasure, couple of really nice guys, talked for almost and hour about Joe and other bands ( check out Big Wreck Bill!!!! ), and then off to meet and greet.....Joe was running late, so this one was little more rushed, but always nice to say hello again. We had second row center for this show, but the seats in front of us were empty, so at the end of the acoustic set asked the usher if we could move, and he let us, so show #3 front row center again. And what can one say......watch Joe play a strat five feet from my face had me smiling like a little school girl, lol........loved it, and ripping he was!!!!
So, GUITAR GEEK WEEK was over the top. had a blast hanging with Ron ( hey F_ _ K Stick!!!! was our slogan for the week!!!!) talking amps, guitars, playing and other gear.......guitar shopping at several places. Fast paced week, went by super fast for sure, but when one is in good company that is always the case!!!!!
Thanks for checking out and until next time: Love, Peace and Hairgrease!!!
Jay
Self-Professed "GOLDIE" Nut-Job!!!!
JBLP #267
