And..how was your Christmas?
Ours was filled with cheer and challenges but..in the words of Yoda..survive we did.
One of the major challenges for me was to make good on my promise to learn the guitar chords to “Ashokan Farewell” so that I could accompany my granddaughter, Zoey, when she made her annual holiday command family performance. I love that melody, written by Jay Unger and Molly Mason for the TV series, “The Civil War.” I thought it would be really fun and memorable if we could perform it together.
Now, even though I own a “Washburn” flattop, I haven’t played guitar in years and realized it would take considerable rehearsal time to get the music down. But what I’d forgotten is how painful the learning process can be.
Back in our youth, my cousin Grouse and I..dreaming of becoming Rock and Roll stars..would practice for hours on end in the bedroom I shared with two brothers. We’d spin 45 RPM records by The Everly Brothers, Duane Eddy, Elvis and Buddy Holly on my little phonograph..learning the progressions and lyrics so we could perform their hit songs in public.
Before we talked our parents into letting us buy electric guitars, we struggled along on a pair of Stella acoustic models in which the strings were way too high off the fret-board resulting in agonizing pain in our fingertips trying to press down hard enough to make the chord. Eventually, thick calluses formed on our fingers..which not only eased the pain of practice but impressed others (girls) who, with one look at our hands, could see how dedicated we were to Rock and Roll.
Performing for a high school event in the Volga gym. Denny Johnson, Grouse and me. 1962 or 63.
In the hayday of our band “The Couriers” from 1963 and 64. (L-to-R) Jerry Hoffman, drums. Grouse, rhythm guitar and vocals, Dave Austin, Bass guitar and Me, lead guitar and vocals.
I eventually gave up the guitar after realizing..once The Beatles came along..Rock and Roll was evolving to more than knowing three or four chords in a few keys. So, I took up drums and never looked back. Well, not until this past month.
Thanks to the internet, I was able to not only find the music..but use an on-line tuner and listen to and practice with, several versions of the song on YouTube.
Then I thought of granddaughter Allison. Could she maybe join in on clarinet? She had one day to transpose the notes. The end result of our effort is far from perfect..mostly because I couldn’t see my chord chart for the tears in my eyes at the sublime joy of a grandfather’s pride.
Can’t upload the video here but you can watch by checking out my Facebook page.
Aside from Linda saying “Yes” 31 years ago, performing this little song with my granddaughters was the greatest Christmas present I’ve ever received.
Now that calluses have formed on my fingertips, I’ve decided to keep the old Washburn guitar upstairs in my man cave and take it out of the case more often.
I doubt if I’ll be ready to sing and play in night clubs anytime soon..but I have another granddaughter, Ella, who has taken up saxophone. I’m already thinking of a tune or two so she can join our little band next Christmas.
15 Responses
I caught you and the granddaughters on facebook. Very enjoyable. The girls make you sound pretty darn good.
If you and Grouse would get the “old” group together I could spend the evening dancing with Linda.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to the LUND’S family.
Would love to have ANY musical talent. Play on.
Isn’t it fun when your kids and grandkids find the love for music? Enjoyed your story, especially since it featured some Grouse-tales.
Glad you did a web post on this, Doug. Can’t wait to hear what’s up for next Christmas.
Doug great piece–and I have read some of your recents on senior citizens–keep those coming and the importance of music in seniors lives–and thank you for your old piece on my art. Senator Larry Pressler
Way to go Doug Lund! If you keep on working at it, you may just be able to join me for a rendition of Rollin In My Sweet Babies Arms! Wonderful story, keep writing and Happy New Year!
Love to read your pieces!! Keep writing!!
It was beautiful and haunting! Next year you all should sing something together too. So much talent. Proud and thankful you all are willing to share your gifts.
Thanks for all the kind comments.
Jim, I appreciate you’re willingness to share the spotlight on your gigs with Mogen’s Heroes..but that’s yours alone and rightly so.
Suzan, you know how much I’d love to hear you play the flute again and Patty..two clarinets in the band would sound great..so get to practicing girls and I’ll start looking for songs to sing and play.
Doug, thank you so much for your narrative. I was one of your fans from Brookings. I dated a girl from Volga back in the day and attended many a dance with you guys playin the tunes. What happened to Grouse. He and I were friends in the Gaurd and I liked him very much. He was such a sweet guy. When ever I would go back to Brookings, I would tune in you news for updates. That would bring back so many memories. Thanks Doug.
Paul DeKraai
As usual I was doing three things at once while looking for this or that….and I was stopped in my tracks by the music. It was like the Pied Piper story. I couldn’t move, nor could I stop the tears as I listened. Just filled my heart and soul and it was priceless. Couldn’t convince my Tara to pick up on drums or piano again, but Ella is excited to learn and join the group next year. I call dibs on front row!!!!!
Doug there are many things that are good in these days of living although we hear so much bad in the world, the good things are sharing and spending time with family but being a part of grandkids lives in music which we all know that music is the universal language so harden up the finger tips and loosen the knuckles and keep on keeping on share your stories and old photos.
Spell check: CALLOUS
Sorry, Judy. You apparently didn’t get the word play.
Hi Paul….Alive and well! I kept Rockin’ up until ’83. Worked as a writer/producer/announcer at kelo tv and ksfy tv for a few years. Then went to work for FTD & Teleflora for about 25 years. Married a lovely Brookings girl 48 yrs. ago and we have 2 lovely daughters, one son in law and one very beautiful grand daughter. Currently retired with a little part time job at Sanford Hospital. Hope you are doing well!