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Got my Larrivee back at noon today, and couldn't believe how much better it sounded on the first strum. The tone is much clearer on detail, it's brighter, and has a lot more sustain. Yet none of the strong all-solid-wood bottom end has disappeared. Played everything I know by Jethro Tull on it this afternoon, and it even sounds great for tunes played with a capo at the 5th or 7th frets. I expect there are conservation issues as to why most guitars are now built with synthetic materials, but genuine bone does give a better sound.

Camel   "Pressure Points"   London, 1984

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHbWvA1kfpc

A new entry from a different band this week. Fronted by talented multi-instrumentalist Andy Latimer, they first performed in 1971, released their first album in 1972, and have 14 studio albums to date. They typically represent a bit softer side of the Prog Rock genre, with strong influences from middle-ages English folk music. Latimer was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in 2007, and endured bone marrow transplants, chemo, and other formidable therapies. After several years of gradual recovery, Latimer began his "Retirement Sucks Tour" in 2013. His love of performing, incredible talent, and "never give up" attitude is truly inspirational.

Here's a another selection from Jethro Tull's "Christmas Album" (2003). The bass playing by David Pegg is phenomenal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrrIO_rXNO8

Love it, love it, love it .... congrats a-plenty, Topdown! Those Orange amps are fantastic, and the Strat ... well, it's a Strat!!!

Good post, Amy! Excellent post!!!

George Orwell, Gene Roddenberry, Isaac Asimov, and many others all saw this coming. As we have handed over our decisions to technology, we have in turn forfeited the right / ability to think for ourselves. I cringe when someone speaks of another "app" that'll do something for me, so I don't have to think. Our simple spell-check or grammar-check programs are a good early examples. If my computer is going to take care of these things, then I'll quickly lose the ability to express myself in writing, or spell my words correctly.

One of the side benefits of playing music, is that we have to remember so much in pattern form, and yet still pursue the learning. That's very healthy for the mind, and is one way to keep the brain from atrophy due to lack of use.

Apart from Chordie and a fishing forum I take part in, I don't use any "social media" (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) Why would anyone want to put their entire life online for everyone to see? And how much honesty is needed to put up a profile of a person that someone just dreams about being?

I'm not at all important, and no one really needs to know who I am. There are too many predators out there who are victimizing people through these channels, and I'm quite content to have no involvement. I'm blessed to have my incredible wife of 35 years, my family, good friends, a safe neighborhood, and some solid business colleagues ... that's all the social network I want or need.

That's some great banjo work, Badeye ... good post. Do you play one? I've seen those "banji-tars" or whatever they're called, but never picked one up.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends at Chordie!

You folks have been a most enjoyable source of inspiration and information to me since I joined a couple of years ago, and for that I am truly thankful.

The P-38 was going "zoom zoom" before Mazda ever started building cars. Very cool looking aircraft!

My brother and I shared a bedroom with bunk beds, and me on the top. One night, I rolled over in my sleep with my arm swinging the blankets over me. I caught my Heinkel HE III, essentially "spiking" it across the room. It took out 6 or 7 planes, and created quite a stir. I was very sad to lose my Heinkel, because I'd spent a lot of time building it. I had even heated a needle to make strafing bullet holes in the glass nose cone where the gunner sat.

All of our combat pilots who went to war in these aircraft deserve a salute for their courage. It was the Allied combined might and determination that countered the formidable Luftwaffe, after they'd wreaked havoc on much of Europe.

No worries, Uncle Joe ...

We're starting to get in the spirit around home too! I wasn't aware that Ian had collaborated with Greg Lake on a Christmas tune, and am grateful for the post. Here's another catchy one from the "Jethro Tull Christmas Album" with a very warm message:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKjdIqcEbRo

Right you are, Graham.

I must have been thinking about "White lace and feathers, they made up his bed" from "Lucky Man". It doesn't always pay to get up early!

Nice catch!