My gut reaction as a wife with two kids is to say, "$750!? What were you thinking?". 😂 But as the musician in my house, I've put down some serious cash for instruments and equipment over the years. I had an American Fender P bass at one point. I bought it used, but it was still really expensive. My teacher at the time said if I wanted to play blues, that was "the one" I needed. It was a beast and years later, when I was playing acoustic rock, I traded it for a smaller jazz bass. I still miss my red Fender sometimes, though. 🥲 And the blues. 💙
Well, first off, the story made me cry. Music is my first love, after all. Secondly, I’m getting to that age where losing a spouse is a real concern. The guy I’ve been listening to lately is named Jelly Roll. His rap/blues/rock combo is unique and deeply meaningful. He talks about real life problems and how God saved him. Give him a listen if you don’t know who he is. ☺️
I'm always "late to the game", but on YouTube, I'm listening to Japanese guitarist Ichika Nito (also is his YT channel name). He plays Ibañez amplified guitars.
"There was a tiny hole in his heart." I think this is your opening line right here. As a reader we see this sentence and ask, Why? (IMHO ha ha ha.)
Fine story, I can feel the lurching of his heart at the sight of all those Gibsons hanging on the wall. Such treasure! My mama, Katy, played a black sunburst arch-top f-hole Gibson for years. I still remember the bold sound of that mid-century steel-string acoustic . Thanks for reminding me, Justin. As far as bands... I have been listening to early 70s Graham Nash. He breaks my heart when he says, "I just want to hold you, I don't want to hold you down." One of the many genius musicians of my halcyon hippie days. Sigh. Thanks for the memories.
Such a sweet encounter between two music lovers. I wasn't expecting the ending--but glad that Mel has his music for comfort. Amazing how many memories and emotions are attached to the music we love.
A great read Justin! Such a truth; the things we pause in our life that we truly love. Your story really brought it home. An acoustic guitar help bring my wife and I together! I saw her cute self with a guitar case, between classes in the church basement. (it was a religious college!) I had taken beginning guitar and started a conversation; and I was smitten! Sooo-guitars, I'm a fan!
Had that same feeling the first time I strummed a J-200. Could never justify the cost though. Jimmy Dooms Roulette Weal comments section brought me here. I like stories like this. Good work!
This puts some intrigue into it with the comment about his doctor's appointment. I read into it that it might not be good news.
As far as band or song, I've been listening to a lot of music lately. I can just point you to the two genres I listen to all the time: Country and Contemporary Christian. Anything in those genres gives me inspiration for my writing. If I'm not listening to music, the cursor sits still and the words don't flow. When the music is on, the words flow like crazy.
Music, and stories about it, always tug at my heartstrings. Both of my sisters are self-taught hobby guitarists. Me, not so much. I'm a flute player, and boy oh boy did your story make me miss playing. I might just have to sit down and make some music now.
I'll Always Have My Music
"used guitars already have their stories. Their memories. You ought to write your own on a clean slate.”
So true. The longer you have a guitar, the more stories it has. I couldn't imagine a life without music or playing guitar.
If you don't mind I am going to plug my new-ish band. We have our first real (paying) gig Saturday. We have been live-streaming on TikTok for a year.
https://www.tiktok.com/@americangarageband
Here is a song I wrote:
https://www.tiktok.com/@americangarageband/video/7166342529627983147
Very enjoyable story. Sometimes during the ritual of life we need to find an outlet that we alone enjoy and just do it.
My gut reaction as a wife with two kids is to say, "$750!? What were you thinking?". 😂 But as the musician in my house, I've put down some serious cash for instruments and equipment over the years. I had an American Fender P bass at one point. I bought it used, but it was still really expensive. My teacher at the time said if I wanted to play blues, that was "the one" I needed. It was a beast and years later, when I was playing acoustic rock, I traded it for a smaller jazz bass. I still miss my red Fender sometimes, though. 🥲 And the blues. 💙
Well, first off, the story made me cry. Music is my first love, after all. Secondly, I’m getting to that age where losing a spouse is a real concern. The guy I’ve been listening to lately is named Jelly Roll. His rap/blues/rock combo is unique and deeply meaningful. He talks about real life problems and how God saved him. Give him a listen if you don’t know who he is. ☺️
Here's a song that I think fits and I've been thinking about since my drummer died.
Fans of The Descendents have different theories on the song, whether it was an homage to another band, or Bill Stevenson's thank you to his own band.
They're some of the most genuine people in rock n roll and easily one of the most underrated American bands of all time.
https://youtu.be/x8K4hjaB6Ok
Beautiful, I can remember testing out instruments in the past and how they made me feel.
... he wanted to play.
Great story Justin -- thank you!
How wonderful to write this for your brother!
I'm always "late to the game", but on YouTube, I'm listening to Japanese guitarist Ichika Nito (also is his YT channel name). He plays Ibañez amplified guitars.
Excellent story. I know nothing about music other than I like to listen to it. Love how you tied in the family.
"There was a tiny hole in his heart." I think this is your opening line right here. As a reader we see this sentence and ask, Why? (IMHO ha ha ha.)
Fine story, I can feel the lurching of his heart at the sight of all those Gibsons hanging on the wall. Such treasure! My mama, Katy, played a black sunburst arch-top f-hole Gibson for years. I still remember the bold sound of that mid-century steel-string acoustic . Thanks for reminding me, Justin. As far as bands... I have been listening to early 70s Graham Nash. He breaks my heart when he says, "I just want to hold you, I don't want to hold you down." One of the many genius musicians of my halcyon hippie days. Sigh. Thanks for the memories.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpkELuj6kn4 - Graham Nash
Such a sweet encounter between two music lovers. I wasn't expecting the ending--but glad that Mel has his music for comfort. Amazing how many memories and emotions are attached to the music we love.
Great story! There’s a lot of empathy between characters in your stories, which I appreciate.
In terms of rock songs, I was listening to one of my favorite bands in the car the other day - New Pornographers, “High Ticket Attractions.”
A great read Justin! Such a truth; the things we pause in our life that we truly love. Your story really brought it home. An acoustic guitar help bring my wife and I together! I saw her cute self with a guitar case, between classes in the church basement. (it was a religious college!) I had taken beginning guitar and started a conversation; and I was smitten! Sooo-guitars, I'm a fan!
Had that same feeling the first time I strummed a J-200. Could never justify the cost though. Jimmy Dooms Roulette Weal comments section brought me here. I like stories like this. Good work!
Great story Justin!
This puts some intrigue into it with the comment about his doctor's appointment. I read into it that it might not be good news.
As far as band or song, I've been listening to a lot of music lately. I can just point you to the two genres I listen to all the time: Country and Contemporary Christian. Anything in those genres gives me inspiration for my writing. If I'm not listening to music, the cursor sits still and the words don't flow. When the music is on, the words flow like crazy.
Music, and stories about it, always tug at my heartstrings. Both of my sisters are self-taught hobby guitarists. Me, not so much. I'm a flute player, and boy oh boy did your story make me miss playing. I might just have to sit down and make some music now.