Sunday, April 15, 2007

I had a religious experience today.....


While the kids were off at Junior Jam and since I was embarrassing Maddie, I took the opportunity to search google maps on my Treo for a guitar store that would be close. Google came through with the Mandolin Store in Washington CH, OH. It was 20 miles away so I jumped in the van and headed out. I went to the first address and the store was no where to be found. I checked there website and found the new address just a few miles away.

I walked into the Mandolin Store...WOW! I was blown away by the selection of Mandolins. They also have an extensive collection of guitars, banjos, dobros, etc. I was greeted by a hand full of men. They were all sitting around shooting the bull. They reminded me of the Coffee crew that use to hang out in the Wagon Wheel Restaurant when I was a kid in Kingston. These guys were all bluegrass musicians. They were all selecting instruments to tune up for the jam session I could sense was about to start. I was admiring all of the Mandolins. What a great selection. My parents bought me one for Christmas last year. I love playing it. It is hard on my fingers, but the tone is worth it! There was a Breedlove Mando that I fell in love with, awesome tone, it had a wide neck and was a joy to play. Being a smart musician...I put the Mandolin down, since I am much stronger on the guitar in an impromptu situation. I grabbed a really nice Collins OM Spruce and Rosewood guitar and tuned up. I was playing around and one of the older guys asked me a few questions and then they were off. So i jumped in! I would not normally do this, due to my insecurities of my playing ability. The beauty of Bluegrass Music is that...it is either in the key of G or in the key of A. I have those covered!

Wow, was that so much fun! After about an hour of jamming, the guy who had been singing up to that point asked me if I sang. I told him...Not Bluegrass! They chuckled and said, "Is there any other kind of music?" I said, how about Hank Williams tune..."I saw the light". One of the guys said, "we never heard of that one, but if you jump in there, we will follow you". I knew he was lying but I played along. It was awesome! We had a bass, 2 guitars, mandolin, banjo, and a dobro. After about another hour...I had to leave. I could have stayed there all day! It was a religious experience! We were complete strangers, all of us sitting there, in worship. One with the music.

So I give a shout out to the gang at the Mandolin Store! Thanks for making a great day even better. I will be back to do that again! Very soon! Hopefully my bluegrass chops will be much improved and maybe I will even pick up a Mandolin the next time!

3 comments:

Jon Mark Hall said...

Let me see...I believe your comment earlier in the day "what have I got myself into?" You see, when in service and sacrifice, He provides rewards for His servants. The little things we take for granted and the awesome moments that blesses our socks off. May He continue to bless you in every way. Love ya Dud.!!

steve said...

...and was that Briscoe Darling on the XXX Jug? LOL

(Sorry kids...that was an Andy Griffith Show reference)

T5Guy said...

The sad thing is... i knew where it came from...