|
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | Well, it is now Monday, I'm home, I feel like I have been run over by a truck but I would not replace that feeling with any other one.
My first thanks goes to the OFC members. Without all of you there would be no event nor message board nor my new group of friends.
Big thanks to Rick Hall, who coordinated the event from the inside. Frank Untermyr who graciously allows us to invade the factory for a day and slow up his production. His tours are always top notch and Frank Rindone did a great job standing in for Jol.
To everyone that was there, I know I did not meet you all, I shook many hands and said hello to as many people as I could but I know I missed some. My apologies, Please in the future don't hesitate to approach me and introduce yourself. I am more likely to be sitting in the back somewhere taking it all in than being in the front.
Those at the tour had a few extra treats in the goody bags thanks to the efforts of Brad and the calendar bunch. Thank you. (the remainders will soon be available for OFC members to purchases)
Matt Smith. What can I say? The ambassador of good will and cool, a stellar guitar player and someone I am proud to call my friend. Not only did he MC the jam on Friday night but he went back to the hotel gave mini lessons to OFC members and jammed along with the rest of us.
Susan Mazur, from Workshop live and the National Guitar Workshop, also gave a clinic on Friday and those that attended also had nothing but positive to say about her. Thanks from me also.
Johnny and Paul did there clinics on Friday morning and those that attended told me they had a great time. These OFC members volunteered (OK I begged them) but they were there to have fun yet took the time to share their talents with us.
This year was particularly stressful and overwhelming at times for me for various reasons. I am happy that everything turned out BETTER than my expectations. Those of you who attended the tour for the first time now know and can spread the word why this event is so important not only to me, but to the fan club and ultimately Ovation guitars. My friend Mike, whom many of you met for the first time this year told me that he has not seen me smile that much for a long time. That statement was so true on so many levels.
To all my old friends, it was great to see you, I thank you for your help and you know who you are, to my new friends, here's to a new lasting relationship.
For those that asked about the plans for the board etc and voiced your concerns and suggestions, as soon as I get out of my current elevated state of chaos and back to the normal chaos knows as "my life" I will address them all.
Hopefully if waskel and phil get the video together they will edit me out this year so you don't need to be subjected to my mediocore (at best) performace.
I do have a request. If you took photos, can you burn them on a disk and send them to me clearly marked ofc 06 with your name? I have a project I am working on and may be able to use some of them.
Well, thanks again. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Al, I got many small chances to talk to you this weekend, as well as jam on guitars, and it was truly a pleasure.
You have engineered something that has cost you in health and mental well-being, but has provided me and others a much-needed weekend of incredible fun and insanity. It was great to see you enjoying yourself.
Right now, all I really want to say to you is "THANK YOU!!". |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Thanks, Al.
Thanks, Ovation. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | GREAT JOB! Well Done,Al.....Thank You!
And "Thank You" to everyone at Ovation! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | Al,
Thanks to you and all that made it happen! Some spent quite a bit to be there while others robbed their kids piggy banks for gas money!
As to:
"I do have a request. If you took photos, can you burn them on a disk and send them to me clearly marked ofc 06 with your name? I have a project I am working on and may be able to use some of them."
In another thread I jumped up and asked to assemble all and any digital pics. I'd be happy to work this end for you Al.
M(still grinnin)Woody |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7236
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Well I am truly sorry I missed this years event. I missed seeing all of the regulars as that is the only time I get to see you, but I also understand I missed meeting the many new faces that attended.
I will post in another thread about what I've been up to, as I don't want to hijak this one, but also wanted folks to know things like the photo gallery and some other improvements are on the way as soon as I get a little more settled.
I think the projects like the CD and the Calendar that members have put out are fantastic and a great example of what the Internet is all about too.
Cheers and I will see you all at the factory next year. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | Originally posted by MWoody:
In another thread I jumped up and asked to assemble all and any digital pics. I'd be happy to work this end for you Al.
M(still grinnin)Woody perfect
sorry I have not been reading all the threads..still too tired |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I shudda been there!
Next year I will try to annoy everyone. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | I relate! Nothing to be sorry about Al. I'm still catching up on all of the posts myself.
I spent last night in my own bed, in my own home.
I propose we all raise our coffee cups and salute coming home!
And friends! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Woody,
I slipped a little sumthin' from Stonge's collection in your luggage.
Welcome home. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | Originally posted by stephent28:
Next year I will try to annoy everyone. You didn't this year? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by MWoody:
In another thread I jumped up and asked to assemble all and any digital pics. I'd be happy to work this end for you Al.
Works for me too.
Woody, when you get them could you forward copies on to me for the DVD project, please? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by Captain_Lovehandles:
Originally posted by stephent28:
Next year I will try to annoy everyone. You didn't this year?
I meant "IN PERSON". Annoying people on this site doesn't count cause they can't throw things at me. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | I'd like to throw in my "Thanks!" to Al, the guys at the factory, Matt Smith and Susan Mazur, Johnny and Paul Templeman, the hotel and all of the OFC'ers that showed as well. You are all one special group and I feel enormously lucky to have made the friends here that I have. What an amazing group. I could really go on a bit about the fun I had but I think you were either there and you already know or you weren't and you're sitting back and regretting it.
To everyone I had the pleasure of meeting this weekend - thank you very much and I hope to see you all again next year. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 176
Location: Denver Colorado | It sure looks like it was a great time... I hope I can make it next year. :)
How many attended this year? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Were you there, Weas? Didn't see you... oh, wait. You were that quiet guy sitting in the corner, right? ;) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | Yeah, I'm just a quiet guy, Waskel. :rolleyes: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Good question Sally.
What was the final count on attendees? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614
Location: Converse, Texas | I really hope to make it next year. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 176
Location: Denver Colorado | Yeah... inquiring minds wanna know..... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by stephent28:
What was the final count on attendees? Depends on whether you mean at the hotel, factory or Jam. A bunch of people showed up at the factory then left, or left after the Jam, never making it to the hotel or Jam. I'm also pretty sure there were people at the Jam that weren't at the factory (there was free food involved, after all).
Maybe Al has a count at the factory, if not Phil will have to count from the group photo. I might be able to count from the video at the Q&A. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | Well officially I had 65 on the list but I know that there were some people that just "showed up"
Not sure what the big deal is about how many people were there. if you were NOT there then we were one short. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Well said, Al. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by alpep:
if you were NOT there then we were one short. Ohhhhh...that one went straight to the heart! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Here is my $.02 worth.
I don't want to sound like an Oscar winner so I'll just give a general thanks to everyone involved.
I brought along my old Breadwinner so to give some people a chance to see what they were all about. I got the biggest kick out of seeing Paul Templeman make that thing sing. He played it a couple times and I got it on tape for the DVD.
It was great to meet Schroeder and Jeff W. Don't let their board talk intimidate you. In real life they are just a couple of pussycats. It's always a great treat to meet OFC members face to face.
Matt Smith.....What a cool, down to earth, talented, and inspirational man he is. If anyone can make you want to take it to the next level, he can. He is very generous with his time and knowledge. Matt was playing the prototype green resonator model in the engineering room. In the matter if minutes I learned a ton about that type of guitar.
I learned things from Strummin' John's seminar that I put to use a couple hours later at the ski lodge jam.
Paul Templeman de-mystified some of his guitar playing. Not all of it by a long shot.....just some.
The engineering room has a red sign on it that says "Restricted Area". We were allowed in and out of that room all day. I'm sure they did not have any secret stuff laying around but there was still alot to see and play.
I asked head luthier / engineer Darren a question..."Forget marketing reasons...forget any prejudice against koa...Based strictly on design and engineering, are your pleased with the 06 koa?" He said, "It's a killer guitar."
Today I'm back at my desk, selling hydraulic components for construction equipment. I gotta tell you what a gas it is to spend a weekend talking to people who live and breath guitars and music 24/7. At time the talk drifts of into a language I really don't understand, but if I keep my ears open I can learn a few things.
Short Takes....
There was an amazing assortment of high end guitars at the lobby jam to test drive this year. Much more than last year.
Matt Smith..."When playing guitar you have to listen the voice in your head."
Cliff...."Excuse me...which one?"
I wish you could have heard the conversation in the men's room as we were changing into the grass skirts. "Paul..could you please tie my skirt in back?"..."Dave, can you help me with this bra strap?" And then Mr. Templeman decides that Kim's and Cliff's bikini tops need a little help with some toilet paper and proceeds to rectify the problem.
The set that BrianT and I did at the ski lodge was the most fun I have ever had in front of a microphone.
I noodled around with two examples of the 47RI for as long as I wanted.
Rick Hall and Kim Keller have some real chops.
Greyhounds are really cool.
BrianT snores like crazy.
In person Weaser is more subdued than you would ever believe. I'm not sure it's really him that I met.
Woody sings great harmony. I wish he would move to Michigan.
In person, even Witco is a nice guy.
Paul Templeman has kind of a little accent. When he says "fook", he means "&^@k*...or when he says "fook", he could be meaning "folk". You should have seen Kim's wife Amy's head turn when she overheard Paul say that he recently attended a "fook" festival. Amy says..."A what?" Priceless.
Next year.....BE THERE!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2003
Posts: 1792
Location: Rego Park, NY, | I can get you a final head count when my pictures come back. I can do a head count with the group picture. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Hats off to those who made the event happen. I envy those who could make it. Speaking for the huge majority who couldn't, please let us know ASAP when next year's event is scheduled so that we can start making arrangements now. A number of things are already booked in some of our 2007 calendars and many of us can't tolerate another missed opportunity like this. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | Originally posted by Phil Wong:
I can get you a final head count when my pictures come back. I can do a head count with the group picture. some people left or did not show up for the picture. I tried to get everyone out teacher mode kicked in full time. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | Originally posted by Slipkid:
In person Weaser is more subdued than you would ever believe. I'm not sure it's really him that I met. I decided to show the kinder, gentler Weaser in my initial run through the Tour, Brad. Hate getting thrown out the first time through... :rolleyes: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | Originally posted by Trboy:
GREAT JOB! Well Done,Al.....Thank You!
And "Thank You" to everyone at Ovation! DITTO! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | Originally posted by Weaser P:
I decided to show the kinder, gentler Weaser in my initial run through the Tour. Hate getting thrown out the first time through... :rolleyes: Hmm ... the benefits for being silent and incognito ... then again, I just might not have a clue with what the heck I'm talking about. :confused: :D :rolleyes: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | Talk about being silent and incognito! One of the nicest voices in the crowd as well as being a pretty darn good Croce picker and I couldn't talk you into letting the crowd in on that little secret! :rolleyes: :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | One word...
Tequilla. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | I've said this in anotehr thread, but i'll say it again. I really missed being there this year. As i look at the photos that some have posted, it serves as a reminder of the great time i had in 04. Glad Trboy(Mike) got to make it this year,Guess teh South by Southwest reunion was 3 people short! :)
Hope to make it to next years tour. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
One word...
Tequilla. Yep - next year, he's toast. ;) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 1498
Location: San Bernardino, California | Next year use a guest book that everyone has to sign. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 623
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Many thanks to all who extended themselves to make this event fantastic!
The highest of the highlights for me this time:
-Staying up to the wee hours (3am) Thursday night with Woz, Mike, and Paul Temp for a discussion about religion and politics that was interesting, civil, and respectful. Not bad for a bunch of guitar players!
-Waking up after only 3 hours sleep the next morning to impart what I pretend I know about songwriting to some good friends, who are brilliant musicians. There was great input from a very talented bunch of guys I really respect, and I learned a lot myself. Temp's workshop was great too.
-Having the chance to chat extensively with Darren at Ovation, and learning that the factory can make a 12 string version of the Adamas 2080. I just may have to sell a kidney to purchase one...
-The late Friday night lobby jam between Paul Templeman and Matt Smith. Simply breathtaking! If it wasn't for Matt's class the next morning, I probably would have quit playing guitar after hearing this jam.
-Matt Smith's workshop Saturday morning. The man has a way of taking the mystery out of guitar playing, and making the great musical "Ah-ha's" attainable to even this humbled guitar hack.
It was a true pleasure to hang, a privilege to be surrounded by great musicians, and to have fun with these friends...again. Let's do it next year too, ok?
Be well, and all the best to ya'll! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | So how many cool guitars were there?
There were more than a handful of Adamas I's going around. I was having one of those sit back and watch moments when Cliff says "try this" and hands me something blue.
It took me a little to realize it was the first of the 3 slotheads I would play that weekend.
:D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | I know that nothing can replace the "mojo" of the originals made decades ago...but Cliff brought his slothead (and others most likely played it) - Cliff and others...your critical assessment of the 47RI v. the original?
Is the spirit alive in the 47RI? How would it place in a blind play test?
Personally, I feel my 47RI is the finest guitar I have played. Course, I haven't played a pre-war Martini with split sides and gouges in the back and top selling for over $100,000.
But, does it stand equal to the original?
Details! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | All I can say is I'm Blessed beyond belief. I'm so thankful to have met all of you, and I cannot wait for next year. Thanks to all who made it possible, and to all who helped get me and others there. I'd like to especially thank Al, Kim, Frank U, Frank R, John, Mark, and and all of the factory staff, especially the Hamer guys for putting up with us. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | The guest book thing is a great idea.
Reading these threads makes me realize that I wish I had spent more time with some members. Or maybe I should wish for more time to spend. There was always something going on. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Tony;
Alas, I didn't get the opportunity to play a 47RI.
I've played the ORIGINAL 47 a number of times (along with a few of the other original Slots - at the "Reunion"). Naturally, each had their own little nuance or idiosyncracy, but to my cloth ear, they ALL sounded GREAT!!
That being said, I had three seperate people walk up to me at the Factory and tell me that "to THEIR ears", they liked the sound of the 54 better than the 47RI . . . AND the original 47. Conversely, I had two other people say the exact opposite.
It's all highly subjective.
Old/new strings, ambient room noise, tequila (or lack thereof) can factor greatly on different people's perceptions . . . .
I wish I'd had a crack at one of the RI's, but I was late getting to the Factory. I was herding cats for Al at the morning sessions at the Hotel. We got to the Factory at the LunchBreak, and I made four trips (back&forth) from Engineering to my car to return guitars, and another trip out to the lot to check out Fugot's 1537. By the time I made it back, I had time to wolf down a slice o'pizza, and it was off to the afternoon Tour . . .
From everything that I've been told by others, the 47RI's have "it". |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by Tony Calman:
Is the spirit alive in the 47RI? How would it place in a blind play test? I played Cliff's 54, #47 and 47RI #'s 15 and 16. In my opinion of all the 47's including original, #15 was the best. It had the mojo, bigger sound, better overtones, neck felt right. I played the 47's side by side.
Cliff's slot has that same mojo, but I played it away from the 47's and in different circumstances, so I can't compare to the 47's, but it was a killah!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Not a very objective test, but I played #47 (orig.) and one of the other beige originals of Bills that was hanging there. Both sounded great, but sounded distinctly different. I then played RI15 and RI16. To my ears teh RI's sounded closer to the beige one than to #47. But it was very subtle. To me, 15 and 16 sounded damn near identical and I think that's the big difference of the RI's vs. the originals - the RI's benefit from 30 years of practice and I'm sure will ALL sound very much alike and ALL wonderful. I played Cliff's at the hotel and also borrowed it for the Friday workshops - I love that guitar. Summary - The RI's and the originals as a group are JUST FREAKING AMAZING.
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | Tony,
You just shudda been there! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Tony, if you are second guessing your purchase and feel the need to pursue an original, I can help you out by taking that used #47 RI off your hands... :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 389
Location: RI. That small State out East | When Moody P.I. says he knows 3 cords... He lies. When I say it... It's the truth. (I do play a mean shaker)
That said. I enjoy the "O" sound and sing a little. I've been lucky to find a few fine examples of the "Mother Ships" work and get a major kick out of letting others make them "sing".
I had #3 son's acting debut in a high school play to attend Friday night. It was one of those can't miss... Sooo, I got to the hotel early (2:00PM)Thursday and closed it down with Johnny, Temp, and Mike at 3:00 AM.
Cliff did label me "Rush" chairman for working the crowd Thursday night.
I was sad that I couldn't make the Jam... I knew it wasn't going to happen weeks ago.
So for one that could only make the "tour" for (26 hours)...
IT WAS WORTH IT!
Thanks to Al, the Mother Ship, and all the aliens that make this OFC work.
Still smiling.
Woz |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Woz;
It is ALWAYS a pleasure to be in your company (now matter how brief).
Next year, you and will have to sit down and you can teach me the finer points of scotch-drinking ;-) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2005
Posts: 231
Location: N.J. | Without turning this post into a short story ;) heres what I got out of the entire event.
THE FACTORY:
I worked at a guitar factory many years ago. I've taken other factory tours as well as having worked with private luthiers.The one thing that made a lasting impression was the balance of "machine vs.hands on".Now what I mean by that is that if all the O factory craftsmen were to leave today none of our guitars would sound the same from tommorow on.I've seen other places where a walkout wouldnt make that much of a difference 'cause there was so much automation going on in 2-3 weeks you could have another guy doing the job that the previous guy was doing for 15-20 years. Building a guitar is an art,and its because of the artists that build 'em over there that they kickass! :D
THE PEOPLE:
Fantastic! Everyone was available to answer any and all questions not only during the Q & A but also one on one. I was also bothering the guys on the plant floor about different things they were doing and they were happy to answer all my questions. You knew these guys were VERY passionate and it was good to talk shop with them.Again, its really these guys that make the magic happen.
THE OFC:
you guys are all nuts!!!
Grass skirts, public nudity,Paul with a flower in his hair and Brad..The Horror...The Horror. :eek: .Besides having THE best sounding guitar there,Cliff belted out Tush and the power in that mans voice is amazing.I guess I should start working on some cover tunes so hopefully I'll be able to sit in on more of the jams that were going on. It was nice to sit with Matt Smith and talk about some of the guys we've worked with though,and doing the jam at the lodge was fun.Lots of talent was displayed and for some hopefully it will be an incentive to get thier butt in gear for next year.
BIG THANKS:
If I start naming names I know I will leave someone out.There is only one man who is our liason between the OFC and the factory and that is AL.Great time {someone cover up Brad, please!},Great fun. Al, thanks for coordinating with the factory and making this happen. Lets just say sometimes I see you being like "IAN" and the club being like "Nigel,David,and Derek",but I for one greatly appreciate the efforts. :) Al, YOU ROCK!!!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | actually, . . . Al "RAWKS"!!!!
SleepyEyes; . . . You/Me/Al and a few others here need t'get together this summer and HookItUp - "JerseyStyle"!!! . . . . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | Tony, if you are second guessing your purchase and feel the need to pursue an original, I can help you out by taking that used #47 RI off your hands... Stephen, sorry - no regrets. Finest acoustic I have yet to play. Maybe I need to get another? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 31
Location: Clinton ,Ct | Just wanted to say that I had a blast meeting everyone .A big hey to them Jersy Boys.The Factory guys are great gave me tons of info for a Guitar i'm working on.I'll be back next yr for sure.with back up. thanks to everyone who made it possible |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Tony Tony Tony ;) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | Stephen, Stephen, Stephen... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | forgot to mention.
As I was sitting with Matt on Friday night in the hotel lobby. I looked out at everyone playing and singing and having a good time and said "Matt, you can't buy this for a million dollars"
that sort of summed up my feelings about the event. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Al, I know what you're trying to say ...
But your math is a little bit off. Trust me, for a million dollars I could hire 25 drunks to sit around the lobby playing guitars and looking like they were having a good time.
That said, I would not have missed it for the world.
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Well, I got back safely, if not uneventfully yesterday mid-morning and spent the day crashed out getting over the jet-lag.
As an event this thing just gets better every year, to the extent that a lot of the old-timers don't even bother with the factory tour and just hang. There were so many highlights this year I wouldn't know where to start, but just a few personal highlights include; The lobby jam on Thursday (not to mention the late night "theological" discussion that followed) Jamming with Matt on Friday. Assisting Kim & Cliff with their breast implants. Playing slide with Johnny and Moody. Getting to play the 47RI. The gathering at casa Stonge and generally just getting to hang around with a bunch of really cool people while doing nothing but playing guitar and talking crap.
We got to see the interviews a few of us did last year that were intended for the "Unique Voices" DVD. The response to the question "Why did you come to the OFC tour?" was invariably "because of the people" That pretty much sums it up.
So thanks to Al, Rick, Kim, Frank, Darren, Matt and everyone at Ovation for making it happen. See you all next year. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | While on the subject of the Matt/PaulJam, here's how it went:
It was LateFriNite/EarlySatMorn in a corner of what the hotel refers to as the "Lodge".
At a 3'x3' table, Matt&Paul are seated at two sides perpendicular to each other, Witko&I are at the other two sides. Paul's playing my SlotHead and Matt is playing what is probably THE best sounding Ovation 12-string I have EVER heard (SleepyEyes' black, deep-bowl AdamasI - non-cutaway/airlocks in treble bout).
These two guys played for a good 8-10 mins. together, completely spontaneous, and it was ABSOLUTELY Brilliant!!
I mentioned to Witko that it didn't even SOUND like two "live" guitars . . . it sounded like two instruments recorded in seperate channels with a bunch of the usual studio "tricks" to try to achieve that "natural" sound, and played on a really good pair of studio monitors. (whew!)
Sitting directly across from both of those guitars in such close proximity while played by these guys was absolutely amazing!
My only regret was that I didn't have a laptop and one of those little Sony stereo mic to save it . . .
WellDone,Gentlemen!
thx. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2003
Posts: 1792
Location: Rego Park, NY, | Waskel,
Did you get that on tape? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | That's the beauty of it.
It was extremely quiet, and there weren't many people left there at all, as most had toddled-off t'bed.
Johnny(Strumming12) was there for a while, and SleepyEyes was about somewhere in the room with his friend . . .
(I may be wrong, but I think that was about it). |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Bobbo was off on the other side of the lodge with his eyes closed drinking it all in ... it sounded just as good from 40 feet away. It made me realize how great incredible guitars can sound in the hands of masters. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 4413
| You're all lucky - I was looking everywhere to find a guitar to sit in with them but there were so few people left I couldn't find one. Man I could have totally ruined that.
The tour was just the best time I have had for so many years. Such great people, great guitars and at Stonge's even al laughed. I was crying with laughter at the time or I would have taken a picture. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | I'm really glad Schroder made it. Thanks for putting up with him Jeff!! :D :p |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 1300
Location: Madison, Wisconsin | That's what I get for going to bed early. Sorry I missd it. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15677
Location: SoCal | Schroder was great to have there. You could insult him all you wanted (like the rest of us, he's a prime target) and he couldn't fire back. Next year, I suspect will be different. I have no doubt that next year it's gonna be "Fire in the hole!" and duck. I'm greatly looking forward to it.
Every year I meet new people with whom I've had a great time posting, and discover, to no one's surprise, that they are great people in person as well. Weas, JeffW, Schro', Sleepy, and everybody else who just fits in with this group so well. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 4413
| I looked like a midget standing next to the hulk p.i.
and fred - my kids think you just look sooooooo coooooool compared to all the old men there. You have fans. No matter what I tell 'em. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | Originally posted by schroeder:
You're all lucky - I was looking everywhere to find a guitar to sit in with them but there were so few people left I couldn't find one. Man I could have totally ruined that.
The tour was just the best time I have had for so many years. Such great people, great guitars and at Stonge's even al laughed. I was crying with laughter at the time or I would have taken a picture. believe it or not I am a really funny guy. some people said I should have been writing for mad or national lampoon or monty python... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Sorry, Al . . . but you don't have the legs for Python . . . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | Originally posted by cliff:
Sorry, Al . . . but you don't have the legs for Python . . . shut up and watch the penquin on the telly |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | but I don't WANT t'watch the penguin, and I DON'T like SPAM!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | BURMA!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | and now... 'Saga of Njorl' .... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | NEE!! NEE!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | . . . . Cut to a courtroom. Severe atmosphere . . . .
Judge- Michael Norman Randall, you have been found guilty of the murder of Arthur Reginald Webster, Charles Patrick Trumpington, Marcel Agnes Bernstein, Lewis Anona Rudd, John Malcolm Kerr, Nigel Sinclair Robinson, Norman Arthur Potter, Felicity Jayne Stone, Jean-Paul Reynard, Rachel Shirley Donaldson, Stephen Jay Greenblatt, Karl-Heinz Mullet, Belinda Anne Ventham, Juan-Carlos Fernandez, Thor Olaf Stensgaard, Lord Kimberley of Pretoria, Lady Kimberley of Pretoria, The Right Honourable Nigel Warmsly Kimberley, Robert Henry Noonan and Felix James Bennett, on or about the morning of the 19th December 1972. Have you anything to say before I pass sentence?
Randall- Yes, sir. I'm very sorry.
Judge- Very sorry?
Randall- Yes, sir. It was a very very bad thing to have done and I'm really very ashamed of myself. I can only say it won't happen again. To have murdered so many people in such a short space of time is really awful, and I really am very, very, very sorry that I did it, and also that I've taken up so much of the court's valuable time listening to the sordid details of these senseless killings of mine. I would particularly like to say, a very personal and sincere 'sorry' to you, m'lud, for my appalling behaviour throughout this trial. I'd also like to say sorry to the police, for putting them to so much trouble (shot of three heavily bandaged exhausted-looking policemen behind him) for the literally hours of work they've had to put in, collecting evidence and identifying corpses and so forth. You know I think sometimes we ought to realize the difficult and often dangerous work involved in tracking down violent criminals like myself and I'd just like them to know that their fine work is at least appreciated by me.
(The policemen look embarrassed.)
First Policeman- No, no, we were only doing our job. |
|
| |
OFC 06 the final word