The Baltimore Seminar, loved it!

I must say what a pleasure it was to meet with dedicated, studied musicians who all share a common interest in the touch, tap, hammer-on/pull-off, two handed style of guitar playing. It's so gratifying for a guy like me, getting my first Stick® over 30 yrs. ago (1976), to see the techniques taken to heart by people with talent and ambition–and making it their own. I will always hope that other veterans and originators who did the early work, will find similar satisfaction and gratification in the propagation, evolution and advancement of our art.

Our fearless leader was Jim Wright. I found him very generous in the way he shared his art. Showing his techniques, he was able to readily impart his fingerings, phrases, stylized basslines and independent guitar parts to all. His morning session poly-rhythmic, sub-divide metronome exercise got our our fingers and time keeping brains going every day. As a lifelong player, he was able to speak on many topics from experience. I especially like his take on "fitting in" with the real working musician's world... a tap/touch players role(s) in a band, playing cliche parts and styles of popular music, and basically making our unusual instruments fit into traditional and practical working situations.

Speaking of fearless, we had Brian Kenny Fresno imparting his take on modes and helping me direct my group scale-tone chord and scale-tone sevenths chord scale exercises. Any fan/student of BKF can always be inspired by the fearless (there's that word again), unbridled enthusiasm with which he performs. This kind of infectious energy is what we all need to bring to our gigs. It engages and entertains. It makes me want to connect with my future audiences on a new level.

Teed Rockwell made the day when he played/showed his beautiful take on Indian music. He and Jim got everyone going for hours on poly rhythmic jams with ragas on top. Wow! That's swimmin' in some deep groove water. Fantastic!

I must congratulate our host, Daniel Minoza, who dealt with many obstacles including; logistics, venue change and unfortunate interference from those who would rather not see us be successful.

And of course, our attendees are the ones who made this event really work. Thanks to all, what a pleasure to meet and work with you guys,

Randy Strom

Comments

[John Smilie]

I am looking forward to the review. i was hoping to make it to Baltimore this time.
i will make it next time for sure!

[Morgan Phelps]

We were honored to learn from you Randy!