It’s been too long since I’ve posted here – life has definitely conspired against my having any time. So what’s going on?
I was just in Hilo for my Dad’s 80th birthday party! It was a blast and I got to jam with my brother (in-law) Sherwood at the after-party. I played the mandolin for the first time with someone and guess what? I didn’t completely suck. How’d I do it…well…a lot of practice, keep the darn thing handy and play it whenever you have minute. I also has some help with lesson I found for free on YouTube and some I paid for from:
- The Mandolin Cafe – This online resource is simply great and has links to pretty much everything you could want.
- Homespun Music Instruction – They have a wealth of great lessons. Yes you have to pay, but they have a make a living too and…if you sign up for the mailing list the lesson you want will probably go on sale sooner rather than later…my experience anyway.
- Mike Marshall’s Artistworks Mandolin School – Mike is a super player who, when all is said and done, is actually rather famous as well. The idea here is that you do the lessons, practice, and then submit videos and he’ll comment and video back. Just watching the videos of other students and his comments is invaluable, but don’t be like me and do submit a video. Yes you have pay, but where else are you going to get a teacher like Mike?
I can’t wait to play with Sherwood again and he liked the mandolin so much he wants to get one…but don’t tell my sister!
Just before that I was in San Diego for the first time with my buddy Erich (RAGBRAI/Oregon Coast/etc) and we had a super time biking around town and acting like tourists. I’ll try to get some pictures up when I have a little more time…
And I will have a little more time soon…my hip replacement is just around the corner. Yes, the pain got bad enough last fall that I told my doc, “I’m toast. No more pain please.” He sent me off to a surgeon and I diagnosed as needing a replacement. The surgeon’s a good one; I did my research. Things should turn out well. It’s soon and I’ll be off work while I heal up and do PT so I should a lot more time for the blog.
This means I won’t be riding a bike for at least a few weeks though (and then no big rides for months or so it’s been suggested – by my surgeon), so the focus (which was pretty soft anyway) around here will change for a bit – not so much bike, a bit more music.
And on that note (ouch), have you heard The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band? No mandolin ’tis true, but excellent finger style blues! Here’s a full concert recent concert for your enjoyment: