My Sincere Gratitude...

River · 03-09-2012, 07:45 PM

...goes out to the teachers, mentors, encouragers, and experts who play the role of "answer man" in the Guitar Lessons forum. I know what a thankless role it can be, and want to do my part to make it a bit less so. And with a wink, nod, and elbow, cajole you because: I know why you keep at it.

Today is one of reflection and introspection for me. Tonight, while I'm (hopefully) slumbering peacefully, will mark the 10th anniversary of my son-and-only-child James' death. Five years ago I saw the light at the end of my deep, dark tunnel of grief, and it was playing music. I set my new life's goal (the ones I had were thoroughly butchered): becoming the Grandma Moses of the electric guitar.

Those who know to whom I'm referring will understand: that's about self-expression, elegance, and simplicity. Expression of pain, joy, and experience. Vai, Buchanan, Gallagher, Mozart, Rembrandt, Warhol, Page, Rhoads: prodigies. I'm not saying none of them worked hard at honing their skills and talents, nor that they didn't wrestle with their own demons, but they're prodigies.

Grandma Moses was not, and I am not, a prodigy. I'm just a man who has seen some shit, feels what he feels, wants it to hurt less, wants to share the yin/yang of yes, life sucks and then you die; but no, you're not alone in suffering through suckage, and we can prop each other up to the point that we feel like it's half-way worth it.

I set myself a goal of playing out in public by my birthday of last year (4/1/2011). I didn't make it, but my excuse is that my acoustic-playing duet partner bowed out. So I learned how to sing and play simultaneously, took up the acoustic (*shudder*) and moved my deadline to 4/1/2012. I beat that self-imposed deadline by two months, have played out six times in the last five weeks, and am getting everything out of doing so I'd hoped - and more.

Y'all have played a major role in this part of my life, and continue to do so.

My hat is off to you, I am eternally grateful, and the least I can do in return is to thank you and tell you how much you're appreciated. The next level up is for me to pay it forward, and I shall endeavor to do so.

I'm not going to name (user) names, as you know who you are and I'd risk skipping someone. This'd get more traffic Backstage, but this isn't about traffic, publicity, pats on the back, or garnering attention. It's simply about saying "thank you", and acknowledging you for the fine individuals that you are.

dudu · 03-09-2012, 07:48 PM

I seem to have chosen the right picture for you in the other thread, River.

Nay · 03-09-2012, 07:56 PM

Elagantly put and I hope you achieve your goals.

River · 03-09-2012, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dudu

I seem to have chosen the right picture for you in the other thread, River.

Riverette thought that was kind of spooky, so, yeah.

***Led Zep Fan*** · 03-09-2012, 08:14 PM

There's nothing like that feeling of accomplishment! Great post River!

It just goes to show you that if you work hard at something, and have patience, there's a payoff in the long run.

lespaul01 · 03-09-2012, 08:17 PM

Sorry for your son River. Congrats on your playin live man. RnR

Thumpalumpacus · 03-09-2012, 08:24 PM

My thoughts are with you on an anniversary I couldn't imagine living.

River · 03-09-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lespaul01

Sorry for your son River. Congrats on your playin live man. RnR

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumpalumpacus

My thoughts are with you on an anniversary I couldn't imagine living.

Thank you both, opposites in some ways as you may be.

You'll both understand, methinks, why the next song on the learn-list is "Rocky Mountain Way".

Skintaster · 03-09-2012, 09:09 PM

My hat's off to you Riv. To manage to take such grief and to channel it into something as positive as music is inspiring to me. You're one of the guys on here that has come to mean a lot to me, and you'll be in my thoughts tonight.

I'm always clumsy expressing this kind of thing, so rock on brother.

dudu · 03-09-2012, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by River

Riverette thought that was kind of spooky, so, yeah.

I just thought you were tough to break.

LPG · 03-09-2012, 09:25 PM

I wish you well River

Heart and thoughts your way.

bama6977 · 03-09-2012, 09:51 PM

You know when you say " my sincere gratitude", I say gratitude to you because when I see your post I read them carefully .....always a tremendous help....really mean that. Been on the same wave link with you on every post. Keep playing, moving forward and posting.

mudfinger · 03-09-2012, 10:20 PM

Catch 22 - How can you tell you love her - YouTube

River · 03-09-2012, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudfinger

Catch 22 - How can you tell you love her - YouTube

Also Sprach Zarathustra.

Dr.Distortion · 03-09-2012, 10:25 PM

Good on ya buddy...

AngryHatter · 03-09-2012, 11:45 PM

One of the tenets musicians follow is to share.
And as far as I am concerned, sharing IS life.

To bond in one way or another, one person to another is the greatest joy I can have. It is why I play.

Your application of your feeling into action is outstanding.
As Thump said, I couldn't begin to imagine...but I will try to share.

Lean On Me (Live) From a 1973 Concert - YouTube

River · 03-09-2012, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngryHatter

One of the tenets musicians follow is to share.
And as far as I am concerned, sharing IS life.

To bond in one way or another, one person to another is the greatest joy I can have. It is why I play.

Your application of your feeling into action is outstanding.
As Thump said, I couldn't begin to imagine...but I will try to share.
Lean On Me (Live) From a 1973 Concert - YouTube

I'm moved. Thanks.

randelli · 03-10-2012, 12:03 AM

If music be the food of love, play on.....

Thanks for sharing River. I think it is wonderful that you have found such joy and meaning in music and that it gives you a renewed sense of purpose.

I will join you tonight in quiet reflection and pray that your slumber is indeed peaceful and filled with many happy memories.

huw · 03-10-2012, 05:14 AM

I'll be thinking of that aniversary for you today. I'm sure he'd be proud of how you've dealt with with things, and how you've created something positive out of your grief.

Play on, River.

Tim Fezziwig · 03-10-2012, 01:48 PM

River you are always STRONG in character. I can count on you to bring the cats and laughs. It is a sad +beautiful world. You sound GREAT on all your axes. I LOVE when I see a pm from you. You get TELE tone out of your guitars. That is a good thing, You also bring the Link+Marc. You are setting a fire under me to play out. It has been 3 years since I did. Here is some TRex for you.

T.REX - JEEPSTER(STUDIO LIVE) - YouTube

River · 03-10-2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Fezziwig

River you are always STRONG in character. I can count on you to bring the cats and laughs. It is a sad +beautiful world. You sound GREAT on all your axes. I LOVE when I see a pm from you. You get TELE tone out of your guitars. That is a good thing, You also bring the Link+Marc. You are setting a fire under me to play out. It has been 3 years since I did. Here is some TRex for you.

Back at ya, Fezz. That's a great selection, and I'll bump that to the top of the learn list. Haven't heard it in forever. That old-time R&R!

Tim Fezziwig · 03-10-2012, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by River

Back at ya, Fezz. That's a great selection, and I'll bump that to the top of the learn list. Haven't heard it in forever. That old-time R&R!

Riv that is the lifeblood of R+R! Spirit and simple chords and HACK leads. Pure joy. Great Op. I never knew most of that. I'm jamming on my Lester Special>Loving those mini-hums. So feisty. I never been in this section. Lessons? Life lessons.

campbellj · 03-10-2012, 03:01 PM

Great post River! I can't imagine going through what you went through, my prayers go out to you and your family. That being said, I really enjoy you being around the forum and reading your posts and I think that speaks for everyone here. Your one of the people here that I wish I had the pleasure to know personally. Everything you post proves your character and that your a great person. Keep rockin! From what I've seen your an awesome player, thanks again for being around!!

Cookie-boy · 03-11-2012, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Fezziwig

River you are always STRONG in character. I can count on you to bring the cats and laughs. It is a sad +beautiful world. You sound GREAT on all your axes. I LOVE when I see a pm from you. You get TELE tone out of your guitars. That is a good thing, You also bring the Link+Marc. You are setting a fire under me to play out. It has been 3 years since I did. Here is some TRex for you.
T.REX - JEEPSTER(STUDIO LIVE) - YouTube

You should see me groovin' round my kitchen to that!!!

Great thread Riv' and well done!

River · 03-11-2012, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookie-boy

You should see me groovin' round my kitchen to that!!!

chrisuk · 03-11-2012, 05:48 PM

Regards

Harmony · 03-11-2012, 07:09 PM

I have a lot of gratitude and respect for you River. Inspired me a lot over the years.
Both you and Riverette are both close to my heart.

You always seem to keep going forward even if you hit a temporary stump or sidetrack. You always spend time helping others with music/playing/advice on here and behind the scenes, you have helped me too. (I haven't given up

)
I think you have paid it forward many times over already..and know you will keep paying it forward by sharing your knowledge that you have learned and your inspiration/passion of music and playing.

Huw is right, your son would be very proud of you.

I am so glad you are taking things to the next step(s) with your playing/singing..I hope to someday soon come and see you play/sing live

Lovely thread River

Cygnus X1 · 03-11-2012, 07:18 PM

Thank you for posting this River.
It means something to me, more than anyone would know.

tex_lt · 03-11-2012, 09:08 PM

Great Post, I picked up guitar after losing my little brother (he was a prodigy with guitar) and I can relate because I think guitar has been an immense help in getting me back on track. Again great post, thanks.

River · 03-11-2012, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cygnus X1

Thank you for posting this River.
It means something to me, more than anyone would know.

My pleasure, Cyg. I can only imagine.

I greatly appreciate the continuing encouragement, on both fronts. For the curious, here's my set list:

Key to the Highway
Sitting On Top of the World
Man of Constant Sorrow
Cars Hiss by My Window
Boney Maronie
People Are Strange
Livin’, Lovin’ Maid
Summertime Blues
Blueberry Hill
Going to Mexico
Down Drinking at the Bar
Space Cowboy
What Is and What Should Never Be
Yellow Submarine
Hello, Mary Lou
House of the Rising Sun
Outside Women Blues
Do Wah Diddy
For What It’s Worth
Wooly Bully
Heartbreak Hotel
Bell Bottom Blues (I went for it based on a request, and didn’t butcher it TOO badly)
Little Red Riding Hood (that goes over better than anything else, regardless of the age of the crowd)
A Mess of the Blues
Mellow Yellow
The Air That I Breathe

And I did this original (sans bass and drums) twice now, most recently on Wednesday night by request of a young couple who’d heard it two weeks before. Now that was flattering. SoundClick artist: River Bottom Blues Band - Burlington Northern and Santa Fe

A year ago I couldn't play a single song all the way through, really, much less sing it too. It's remarkable what we can accomplish with a little determination and a lot of help from our friends.

03-09-2012, 07:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
River Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rural Colorado, USA Posts: 54,403 Thanks: 741 Thanked 847 Times in 77 Posts	My Sincere Gratitude... ...goes out to the teachers, mentors, encouragers, and experts who play the role of "answer man" in the Guitar Lessons forum. I know what a thankless role it can be, and want to do my part to make it a bit less so. And with a wink, nod, and elbow, cajole you because: I know why you keep at it. Today is one of reflection and introspection for me. Tonight, while I'm (hopefully) slumbering peacefully, will mark the 10th anniversary of my son-and-only-child James' death. Five years ago I saw the light at the end of my deep, dark tunnel of grief, and it was playing music. I set my new life's goal (the ones I had were thoroughly butchered): becoming the Grandma Moses of the electric guitar. Those who know to whom I'm referring will understand: that's about self-expression, elegance, and *simplicity. Expression of pain, joy, and experience. Vai, Buchanan, Gallagher, Mozart, Rembrandt, Warhol, Page, Rhoads: prodigies. I'm not saying none of them worked hard at honing their skills and talents, nor that they didn't wrestle with their own demons, but they're prodigies. Grandma Moses was not, and I am not, a prodigy. I'm just a man who has seen some shit, feels what he feels, wants it to hurt less, wants to share the yin/yang of yes, life sucks and then you die; but no, you're not alone in suffering through suckage, and we can prop each other up to the point that we feel like it's half-way worth it. I set myself a goal of playing out in public by my birthday of last year (4/1/2011). I didn't make it, but my excuse is that my acoustic-playing duet partner bowed out. So I learned how to sing and play simultaneously, took up the acoustic (shudder*) and moved my deadline to 4/1/2012. I beat that self-imposed deadline by two months, have played out six times in the last five weeks, and am getting everything out of doing so I'd hoped - and more. Y'all have played a major role in this part of my life, and continue to do so. My hat is off to you, I am eternally grateful, and the least I can do in return is to thank you and tell you how much you're appreciated. The next level up is for me to pay it forward, and I shall endeavor to do so. I'm not going to name (user) names, as you know who you are and I'd risk skipping someone. This'd get more traffic Backstage, but this isn't about traffic, publicity, pats on the back, or garnering attention. It's simply about saying "thank you", and acknowledging you for the fine individuals that you are. Led Zep Fan, IndianScout, LPCollector and 51 others like this. __________________ River Bottom Blues Band - Music Home of the River Bottom Blues Band

03-09-2012, 07:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
dudu Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 2,614 Thanks: 109 Thanked 133 Times in 56 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... I seem to have chosen the right picture for you in the other thread, River. River, Tim Fezziwig and lespaul01 like this. __________________ Hop on my SoundCloud

03-09-2012, 07:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Nay Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Jersey - The original one. Posts: 425 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... Elagantly put and I hope you achieve your goals. River, Tim Fezziwig and lespaul01 like this.

03-09-2012, 08:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
*Led Zep Fan* MLP Anchorman Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 19,692 Thanks: 458 Thanked 776 Times in 309 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... There's nothing like that feeling of accomplishment! Great post River! It just goes to show you that if you work hard at something, and have patience, there's a payoff in the long run. River, Tim Fezziwig and Skintaster like this. __________________

03-09-2012, 08:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
lespaul01 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 16,574 Thanks: 801 Thanked 147 Times in 44 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... Sorry for your son River. Congrats on your playin live man. RnR River, TKOjams and Tim Fezziwig like this. __________________

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03-09-2012, 08:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
Thumpalumpacus Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hill Country Posts: 54,248 Thanks: 1,199 Thanked 687 Times in 79 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... My thoughts are with you on an anniversary I couldn't imagine living. River, AngryHatter, Tim Fezziwig and 2 others like this. __________________ _____________________________________________ My Soundcloud

03-09-2012, 09:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
Skintaster Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 17,601 Thanks: 1,179 Thanked 1,059 Times in 326 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... My hat's off to you Riv. To manage to take such grief and to channel it into something as positive as music is inspiring to me. You're one of the guys on here that has come to mean a lot to me, and you'll be in my thoughts tonight. I'm always clumsy expressing this kind of thing, so rock on brother. Chicago John, Tim Fezziwig, Thumpalumpacus and 1 others like this. __________________ 2010 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro (Gold top) 2008 Gibson Les Paul Studio (Alpine white) 1989 Ibanez RG 550 1978 Ibanez Iceman 1983 Kramer Pacer Imperial 1983 Kramer Baretta 1984 Kramer Baretta 1985 Kramer Baretta 1987 Kramer Baretta 2009 Charvel So-Cal Pro Mod 1986 Charvel Model 2

03-09-2012, 09:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
LPG Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 2,613 Thanks: 242 Thanked 41 Times in 13 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... I wish you well River Heart and thoughts your way. River, Tim Fezziwig and lespaul01 like this. __________________ I use: Fuelie Pickups Jonesy Blues MHD Pickups Rewind Pickups Sheptone Pickups

03-09-2012, 09:51 PM	#12 (permalink)
bama6977 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 20 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... You know when you say " my sincere gratitude", I say gratitude to you because when I see your post I read them carefully .....always a tremendous help....really mean that. Been on the same wave link with you on every post. Keep playing, moving forward and posting. River, Harmony and Tim Fezziwig like this.

03-09-2012, 10:25 PM	#15 (permalink)
Dr.Distortion V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Woodinville Wa. Posts: 3,297 Thanks: 26 Thanked 80 Times in 26 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... Good on ya buddy... River and Tim Fezziwig like this. __________________ Today, things are more like they used to be, than they've ever been before ...

03-10-2012, 12:03 AM	#18 (permalink)
randelli MLP Vendor Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 4,721 Thanks: 113 Thanked 142 Times in 45 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... If music be the food of love, play on..... Thanks for sharing River. I think it is wonderful that you have found such joy and meaning in music and that it gives you a renewed sense of purpose. I will join you tonight in quiet reflection and pray that your slumber is indeed peaceful and filled with many happy memories. River and Tim Fezziwig like this. __________________ I never look at the drummer; it only encourages him ~randelli Website:www.RudeMoodAmp.com Questions:randy@rudemoodamp.com YouTube:www.youtube.com/user/RudeMoodAmp Facebook:www.facebook.com/RudeMoodAmp Twitter:www.twitter.com/@RudeMoodAmp

03-10-2012, 05:14 AM	#19 (permalink)
huw V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Macclesfield, on the edge of the Peak District Posts: 2,136 Thanks: 12 Thanked 49 Times in 5 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... I'll be thinking of that aniversary for you today. I'm sure he'd be proud of how you've dealt with with things, and how you've created something positive out of your grief. Play on, River. River, Harmony and Tim Fezziwig like this. __________________ A chord change is not a key change. It's just a chord change.

03-10-2012, 03:01 PM	#23 (permalink)
campbellj Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Sunny South Florida Posts: 1,298 Thanks: 11 Thanked 40 Times in 9 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... Great post River! I can't imagine going through what you went through, my prayers go out to you and your family. That being said, I really enjoy you being around the forum and reading your posts and I think that speaks for everyone here. Your one of the people here that I wish I had the pleasure to know personally. Everything you post proves your character and that your a great person. Keep rockin! From what I've seen your an awesome player, thanks again for being around!! River, AngryHatter and Tim Fezziwig like this.

03-11-2012, 05:48 PM	#26 (permalink)
chrisuk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: West Sussex Posts: 1,662 Thanks: 26 Thanked 10 Times in 5 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... Regards River likes this. __________________ Some say as a child he was adopted by old growth trees and that all of his tendons are actually topwrapped. All we know is he's called chrisuk.

03-11-2012, 07:09 PM	#27 (permalink)
Harmony V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tornado Alley USA Posts: 8,043 Thanks: 246 Thanked 177 Times in 19 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... I have a lot of gratitude and respect for you River. Inspired me a lot over the years. Both you and Riverette are both close to my heart. You always seem to keep going forward even if you hit a temporary stump or sidetrack. You always spend time helping others with music/playing/advice on here and behind the scenes, you have helped me too. (I haven't given up ) I think you have paid it forward many times over already..and know you will keep paying it forward by sharing your knowledge that you have learned and your inspiration/passion of music and playing. Huw is right, your son would be very proud of you. I am so glad you are taking things to the next step(s) with your playing/singing..I hope to someday soon come and see you play/sing live Lovely thread River River, AngryHatter and Tim Fezziwig like this.

03-11-2012, 07:18 PM	#28 (permalink)
Cygnus X1 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South Carolina Posts: 5,829 Thanks: 110 Thanked 101 Times in 32 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... Thank you for posting this River. It means something to me, more than anyone would know. River likes this. __________________

03-11-2012, 09:08 PM	#29 (permalink)
tex_lt MLP Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 1,625 Thanks: 70 Thanked 48 Times in 14 Posts	Re: My Sincere Gratitude... Great Post, I picked up guitar after losing my little brother (he was a prodigy with guitar) and I can relate because I think guitar has been an immense help in getting me back on track. Again great post, thanks.

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