Hello all. I’m a singer/songwriter and one of the original members of this forum. Which means I’ve been around for at least ten years. Don’t tell me if it’s much more or I’ll faint. Toby suggested I introduce myself. Since I have a long history that might interest newcomers, here is the long version.
One summer day some time ago, I finally understood life was short and I went out and got a guitar. I started pretty late in life and I was very motivated to learn and within a few months I was writing songs. Blues, mostly, because it’s a very easy genre – a lot of songs you wouldn’t call blues are blues after all.
I took lessons in person and found Justin’s site. Justin was a unique and standup guy even then, When he talked about wanting to help the world learn for free, that desire wove through everything he did. He found a great way to make his business work and keep his promise to himself and his students. Look at this forum. Respect.
The forum back then was small and tight. The regulars collaborated all the time. Since I could sing a bit, and much better than I played, I got a lot of opportunities. Every one was good and getting better all the time. And I loved all of it. Soon I was doing open mics and workshops.
I was getting somewhere I was happy to be, then I got sick. I have several “conditions,” including a sleep disorder that plays havoc with my sense of time and health. Everything ground to a halt. Then the pandemic hit, and it was soul destroying. I came out of it isolated, angry, and don’t expect I’ll ever feel the same about many things.
However, at the end of the first pandemic year I did this crazy thing. I asked my favorite musician John Elliott of The Little Unsaid, if he’d be interested in producing an album for me. When he said yes, it changed my life. John is a first class musician and writer. He played all the instruments, did all the arrangements. I provided the songs, and sang. Interestingly, he’s London and I’m in Los Angeles and we have never met in person. But I was comfortable with that because of my forum experiences.
The album has been sitting for two and a half years due to Covid depression and isolation. I’m dusting it off. Meanwhile, I have been relearning the guitar. I got a very good teacher and started going through Justin’s courses from the beginning.
It’s taking time. Still, It turns out I am becoming a better musician than I was in the past. True, I have become a slower learner. Have to figure out different shapes I can actually play. Still clumsy with barre chords and running around the neck. But because I lost many years, I am very aware of the journey and how insignificant the destination can become. Also, there’s no point in giving up. What then?
Playing with other people is what I’ve missed most. I was so sick and isolated for so long that I hardly know many local musicians now. I have to find new collaborators and jam buddies.
Now I think I’m rambling. I have to go thru some files to find something to post. Mostly of old stuff. Many of my album recordings are my best songs, but not my playing, and this is a guitar forum. And I’ve got to record a few new things. Hope this works out and to see you soon.
PTB
. Yes, live is short and playing guitar enriches it so much.
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… 
… why did you think i posted my very first recording from almost 3 years ago after more than a year or so 
…everything after that seemed fine, 
…
…I’d be disappointed if you didn’t… 