Buzzy Fretts

back in the 70's there was a FM band called Climax Blues Band. They were a rare band in that their "hits" had a slow slinky blues feel. I tried to see these guys no less than 5 times in three years and each show was cancelled the_day_of or pretty close. WTF? They faded from view after that - though I see they released 18 albums over time. I figure they had some wicked contract BS that took them down in the states.

dark horse? gray pilgrim?

thanks guys. can't make the mid-west this time around though. have a blast, all. I'm sure you'll let us know how it went.

Das cool. Das cool. (but you knew I'd say that.)

I've been in and out of the forum these last months and haven't noticed any cheering or grumbling on the subject. What's the news?

Ummmm. Here's a few...

ginger baker might look like he needs a couple nurses to lift him off the crapper, but he played his ass off last fall - I hadn't heard a monster drum solo like that since I saw bonham on the same stage 30 years earlier.

I was just complaining about this weather and my joints. libido? hell that began to fade once I started acting aggresive on blood pressure medicines etc. nothing a little blue pill can't handle...

"we've forgotten Billy Preston!" -G.H. at the closing of bangladesh Gone but not forgotten. I saw Preston with the 79 Harrison tour and later with the Stones. He stole the stage each time.

Hey! My ears were ringing. Flo is a mahogany backed/sided beauty with that crazy quilted maple cap. On a Newport, the maple top is already pretty mid-heavy. (the newports seem optimized for spruce caps) but with the 12er it sings just right.

yeah. pammy's a real chick with picks.

awww, CB. I thought you were really over the hill. stir the pot and see what comes out while you raise those yungums fine. in a few years, when you're done driving everyone to soccer games and track meets, you'll be prepared for your comeback. you might be more like copper gray by then. but so will your audience. Its a timely thread cause at midnight I turn 45. no kids here, so its time to leave a legacy.

truth is I've moved into a semi-acoutic would of solo playing and writing. this wasn't where I expected to wind up when I brought a stack of hot tubes and a few nice gutars. the acoustic I purchased was supposed to fill in when the REAL stuff was offline. instead I found a sound that connects with a small group of people at a time. I play small rooms and can look each person in the eye as I surprise them with a hook or an unexpected line. its probably not where I'll stay either. I recently watched a DVD that nails exactly where I hope this will go. David Gilmout, playing semi acoustic. strip the music down and see what is left. the wailing electric lead becomes a color to call on, not a requirement. if it can't hold up under the scrutiny of low volume, it was probably only half baked anyway.

Another consideration is to go with either the Ovation or the Duotone and add a Boss Acoustic simulator pedal inline. Its does mildly good with an electric's input. But it really makes a difference with piezo pups on thinline acoustics.

I dunno. But can you tell me what the tonal differences might be between a buckered Duotone and a P-90?

Brick & Mortar? Maestro have I missed an important announcement for the 'duave? What's the details? Oh and I have a request: stop throwing your guitars in the air!

>>killer hot sauce from Phoenix Steve<< +2 on that. Twice. And a way cool tribute to mom after my 12er showed up the day she left us. Thanks again, Greg. Oh! And I got to have Pammy ride on my lap on the way back from lunch during the factory tour. Can you say long-and-winding-ro-o-o-o-o-o-ad?

Poe, What kind of playing are you hoping to do? Don't write off Martin. I was pleassntly surprised by what I found when I reconsidered them in the mix. If you are going to pound them hard to cut into a band mix, look at the 000-28. The eric clapton models are in this family (but you have to deal with the damn sig). Get a K&K mini western pup and you will have a killer acoustic rig. If you are considering more finger style - or a mix of both - look at the OM28v. I purchased an OM used for around 1500. It is really nice. After what I found, I decided to splurge and ordered an all black, limited edition bellezza nera model (000-28) that has alpine spuce as a cap. It is perfect for me.

Hehe. I'll be sitting in a different seat. This one goes to my old buddy Gunther, the WWF champ. He's a nice guy.... once ya get to know him. Just don't piss him off...

+1 on the Billy Joel parking project. Well UPS just made a stop and delivered some fancy tix. I am personally looking forward to listening to that sucky tone played through whimpy amps by 3 old guys.

I'm still deciding whether I want to view the DVD so close to the NYC concerts next week. Your review pretty much frames up my expectations of the show. And I'm not so sure it is a bad thing. I don't want to see a nostalgia act. But in some ways if they could acheive that explosive quality, it would more of one - that's not who they are today. For me the best show they could offer would one that would exceed their childhood apex. Take all of their energy and adventure and add 40 years of wizened playing. Its gotta sound different. If they stayed together all these years, how couldn't it?

I'm really sorry to hear that, Bill. There's such a mix of emotions left behind when they have been through a long term illness. I hope the slope at the end was quick and smooth for her and you all. Take care...

Yeah thos songs don't get old cause I never listen to FM anymore. They lost me 10 years ago.

Seems like there's a bit of cause & effect being played with in this thread. Great musicians are the personality types who look over the edge and then step off to see where it leads. In their music this can lead to pushing through boundaries and going someplace totally new. They wouldn't shy away from any element that *might* bring them closer to the flame. Heroin does not = great musicianship. Great musicians simply play hard on every front. I always avoided the stuff. I was sure if it took so many strong souls, it must be a hell of a high (at least at first.)

Likewise I didn't realize how long the process spun out. Damn, that's one adventure he's gonna be telling everyone about the rest of his life. Thank god it didn't go another way.