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Guitar chord forum - chordie → Posts by Dirty Ed
That is very impressive, Roger, but I've met the legend that is Dirty Ed! Play that midget song!!
And we Yanks were overwhelmed by the talents of a certain Balding British Balladeer. Or as he as known by his other fans "Old Dude That Rocks".
And it sounds like you had one memorable night Roger.
I'm glad everyone is enjoying the pics and videos (except Dino! AHHH! I'll send you an email with links, perhaps that will help make it easier). I have been the one jealous for not getting to join in on past Chordie Jams and know how much I loved seeing the pictures/videos/sound bytes etc. I'm glad to be able to share this with everyone as well as have it all on my computer for remembering the great time had by all.
Zguitar, funny thing is upon meeting Dirty Ed and knowing he was a fisherman friend of Zurf's I couldn't remember for the life of me if I'd ever heard any of his playing before or not. So there we were, Dirty Ed, myself, and my husband sitting around shooting the breeze. My husband asked Dirty Ed if he played or not and he said something to the tune of "yeah but not very well". Sure as shoot did we get a SHOCK when we found the man could pick one guitar and sound like three, writes his own captivating songs, AND has a voice. I think I had to pick my husband's jaw up off the ground a couple times. I was quite nervous to play the first night (and as luck would have it, I was following him around the fire circle)! As for my playing, I've decided that the fact that I can sing a little helps to fool people into thinking I can play. My voice drowns out the poor playing skills! LOL! I'm going to keep my beginner status until I I can play a song and put my capo on and be able to tell people what key I'm actually playing in (or just change the key without a capo)! Ha ha!
I still stand by the comment that I don't play well. Just as MKM thinks her voice covers for her picking inadequacies, I think my songs hide my guitar playing shortcomings. Bass Viking will attest that among the guitar players at our smallmouth fishing "rodeos" I wouldn't rate very high. However, I thank everyone for their kind words.
As Zurf said, it seems everyone had their "moment" and the person playing next in the circle had a tough act to follow. Several times Jets60 played one of his original tunes and I found my self scrambling to find a song that wouldn't be too far below the bar he set. Of all of us Jets had the worst position in the circle - following Norm the Guitar.
DE
Beautiful pix Kent .......... thanks.
DE
After seeing those pix - I GOTTA GO TAKE THE TOUR .............................
Thanks for posting Amie
DE
I arrived around noon Friday and saw a familiar face - Zurf's friend Roger, He informed me we had three campsites so I picked out a spot near Jets stomping ground. Saw a red car with NY tags and assumed it had to be Amie and Jim so I went over to introduce myself. Every blue moon or so I meet someone I instantly like and that was the case with Amie and Jim - within minutes were were gabbing like old friends. Next to playing around the campfire in the evenings, the time I spent BSing with Jim was my favorite thing to do (plus munching on large chunks of dead cow and sipping the Jack and ginger ale they provided).
Putting up a tent in the hot sun had broken out quite a sweat, but Jets (Jeff) invited me to sit in the shade at his campsite. Before long our guitars came out and we had an afternoon jam going with Jim joining us as our audience. Jeff is one hell of a songwriter, and I really enjoyed listening to his lyrics. We played so much that by the time Zurf and company showed up from their day on the river, I was already hoarse. I was introduced to Paul and found out that evening that "that old dude rocks". Pix (Chris) and BJ showed up and I was disappointed that he was too tired to join in on the pickin', but we all understood that he was pretty tired. We played until around midnight although "quiet time" was supposed to commence at 11. As we didn't get any complaints from other campers, we must not have been too loud.
While others either fished or hung out at the campground Saturday, I drove a "circle route" and visited the Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Civil War Battle sites. It was humbling to view the ground that so many had bled on 150 years ago. I probably bored everyone by playing some Civil War songs I knew or wrote for the first hour or so of the picker's circle Saturday night. We had a great time playing, Jim finally pulled out his guitar and played a couple songs - even teamed up with Zurf on one. Amie shared her fantastic voice with us (I think Jim should just drive a tour bus for her), Paul played one great song after another, Jeff continued to grab us with his lyrics and Chris finally played a tune for us. Zurf (bless his heart) always seems to pull out a tune that matches whatever the mood is at the time and add to the evening's enjoyment. I had a great time playing and was honored that the group seemed to enjoy my songs. We played until about 1:30 Sunday morning. Jeff's family sat with us and I enjoyed talking to his grand daughter - an absolutely beautiful child. I could see where she gets her good looks from - grandma and mommy - lord knows it wasn't from Jeff (bless his heart).
I had a wedding to attend Sunday, so I headed out at around 6 am for the 7 hour drive. I really hated to leave, but hopefully we'll get together again.
I told Zurf that since he put the Jam together, it was his responsibility that everyone had a good time. As he didn't receive any complaints, I must assume a good time was had by all.
Dirty Ed
Got off work at 7 this evening, stopped at the grocery on the way home to pick up some sandwich fixin's, adult beverages and ice. Tossed everything in a cooler when I got home, went out in the garage, grabbed a tent,tarp, table, chair sleeping bag and pad and threw them in the Subaru alongside the cooler. As an afterthought I tied a yak to the roof racks, grabbed a couple jackets, a stick, a lid and throw rope and added them to the pile in the back in case someone needs a boat. I decided not to bring any fishing gear - not enough time to properly wet a line. I just finished packing a couple changes of clothes and will grab my my Blueridge and Ibanez (little 3/4 size Daytripper I set up with Nashville tuning) as I head out the door at 6 am.
As soon as I take the dogs for a walk and get a shower, it'll be off to bed. Hope I can get some sleep - I feel like a kid on Christmas eve.
See y'all about 2 pm tomorrow.
DE
I find that having vision trouble is actually a blessing whenever I look in a mirror........................
The last time I had a buzz on an open string, I found that one of the tuning keys was a little loose and a washer was rattling (this was on a Martin ). As already mentioned, there's a good chance that the nut might need a little work or replaced. At times when I've set up a guitar using Nashville high tuning, the larger grooves cut in the nut for the wound strings are just too big for the smaller gauge strings so they tend to buzz a little. I'm guessing the same thing would happen if the nut were a little worn.
DE
I guess I could bring my Kelty Noah 16 tarp. It kept 8 pickers dry during a rainstorm while riverside camping a few weeks ago. If there are some nearby trees to tie off to, it would provide plenty of shelter. I've never been called "equipment poor" when it comes to camping gear. I've also got an 8X10, 9X9, 8X8 and 7X7 tarp as well as two 2-man backpack tents, two 3-man tents, a 4-man and a 6 man. I acquire outdoor gear like some folks acquire guitars. My friends say my garage looks like an outdoor store. I hate to admit how many hammocks, ground pads, and dry bags I've got too. A few years ago my wife questioned my need for 2 rafts, 2 canoes and 5 kayaks as well as all the camping and fishing equipment I've got. I've tried to comply - I'm down to one raft, one canoe and 4 yaks. I tell her that golfers don't have only one club - each hole requires different woods and irons. Same way with boating/fishing/camping. The gear I use while staying in a campground is totally different from my back packing gear or what I take for a 2-week Canadian canoe trip.
You're right on about the garbage bags. I didn't have a big enough dry bag to put a guitar in, so I kept it a couple heavy contractor garbage bags during a 104 mile, 6-day float in my raft down the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho summer before last. I bought a cheap Johnson to take as I was afraid to take one of my good guitars. It actually did a pretty good job after I'd lowered the bridge and did a few minor adjustments. As it turned out, the bags did such a good job, I probably could have taken one of my better axes. The Johnson hasn't been played since that trip - anyone interested in buying a cheap river/camping guitar?
Just 5 more days ...................
DE
Just figured I'd share the weather forecast for this weekend for those attending from a distance...
Fri 15th Partly Cloudy high of 82 low of 61 With a 10% chance of rain
Sat 16th Scattered T-Storms High of 86 low of 65 chance of rain 60% (this is extended so hopefully it'll change)
Sun 17th Partly Cloudy high of 87 low of 67 Chance of rain 20%
Overall looks like very pleasant temps with the only down side being a chance of rain Saturday, but this an extended forecast so it may change some...
Thanks for the update Pix. I'm waiting until the last moment to decide whether to bring one of my tents or my screen house to sleep under. I like the screen for warm nights but its not too good if it rains.
I've been to Gettysburg and Harper's ferry, but its been several years. I may have to make a road trip one of these days to see the new facilities. There is a monument to Battery L on Little Roundtop. The battery was formed from southern Ohio farm boys from around the nearby Portsmouth area. Of the battlefields I've visited, I probably was most impressed with Antietam. Funny, when my kids were little they complained about Dad taking them to another battlefield/fort/historic site. Now that they are grown they want to take their young'ns to the same places.
One of these days I've got to check out the Saltville, VA area. It was the last battle my great grandfather fought before he was killed on Jan 12, 1865. He was the last casualty of the 39th KY Mounted Infantry.
DE
I'm leaving home around 6 am Friday which should put me there around 2 pm. Instead of hauling my boats and fishing gear this time, I plan to get up early Saturday (or just stay up if we pick music all night Friday) and do a driving tour of the Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania battlefields. (I'm trying to write some new Civil War songs and need some inspiration.) After another night of campfire pickin' I'll have to break camp early and head back to Ohio to attend a wedding Sunday afternoon. I'm bringing a minimum amount of camping gear so I can tear everything down quickly. Should be a pretty busy weekend, but I'm looking forward to meeting y'all.
DE
On second thought, I might throw a yak on the roof of the Subaru in case someone needs a boat Saturday.
23 years ago I stopped at a dry goods store in Atikokan, Ontario to get a fishing license before entering Quetico Park for the first time. The owner of the store, a friendly and helpful old gentleman gave me some good advice about what canoe routes to take, lures to use for catching smallmouth bass and walleye, etc. The thing I remember the most though was him explaining how Canada got its name:
It seems our neighbors up north were pretty taken with we Americans calling our country the USA, so they decided that they would also choose three letters for their country. The legislative body was assembled, letters were carefully placed in a hat, an elder statesman was chosen to pick the letters, and an official scribe was chosen to record the result. After a proper introduction and ceremony the big moment arrived. The three letters were pulled from the hat and read:
"C - eh?"
"N - eh?"
"D - eh?"
So the official recorder wrote down CANADA and a nation was born ......................
HAPPY CANADA DAY !!!!!!!
DE
I'm kinda like the guy that has played golf for years but still can't break 90 for 18 holes. I enjoy playing, but will never be considered "good".
Years ago I tried playing at a few local bars. I found that if I played songs people knew, they would soon figure out I wasn't very good, so I tried finding obscure songs to play but invariably someone in the audience would be familiar with the song and know I was butchering it. Next I began writing songs and attributing them to my friend "D.E. Howard" (my knick-name Dirty Ed combined with my middle name), and told the audience that if they didn't like the songs I'd tell ol' DE that he sucked. I haven't played anywhere but open mics and creek banks for the last 25 years but still about 95% of what I play is what I've written, so who knows if I'm playing it wrong?
DE
A Martin tour has been on my list of "must do" items too. Let us know what the tour was like.
IMO, Martin guitars, Hershey chocolate and Yuengling beer are the reasons PA exists.
DE
Since this event is getting closer, I thought I'd bump it for you Derek.
I'm still planning on being there.
DE
Can I be your grandkid, Dirty Ed?
- Zurf
Hmmmmm ................ I think more of you as a slightly "disturbed" nephew Zurf.
I talked to Diane again last night. She'll be calling you in the next day or so about the August Jam.
DE
Great story Zurf. Sounds like your youngun's had a good time.
Got back Tuesday evening from taking my three grandkids on a camping/rafting/canoing/kayaking trip in WV. Stayed two nights at Riverchase but the kids didn't think the rapids were big enough so we floated Glade Creek to Grandview Sandbar the third day. We had to overcome a little rain, but they still got to fish, paddle, explore, make smores, and catch bugs, turtles, crawfish and a myriad of other creepy things. By the look of the smiles on their faces, I'm pretty sure I'm currently holding a pretty big lead in the "Grandpa of the Year" catagory.
DE
Congrats on the 28th anniversary Badeye. Hope you get to spend another 28 together.
I tell folks that my wife and I have been together 5 wonderful years - which gets me "the look" as we've been married 37 years. I then explain that at least one day a week was wonderful and adding them up equals about 5 years - which gets me another dose of the "the look".
I wouldn't recommend trying this tactic unless your wife has a great sense of humor ...........................
DE
New Facebook event set up for getting a head count. Name is August River Jam and I set it up as a public event. The August event is more paddling and fishing oriented than music. There are other things to do there than paddle, but not many. The particular campground is more on fishing water than serious whitewater, but there's class 2 and 2+ whitewater nearby. If one does not know what rapids classes mean or needs to ask what kind of boat to paddle (i.e., will my XYZ canoe work), then I would recommend using an outfitter rather than going it alone.
That said, I am willing to help new bumpy water paddlers on some of the easier runs here and there. I am not qualified or sufficiently skilled to outfit or lead a large group of novices and I will not agree to do anything that will create more than a necessary level of risk.
Nearby Meadow Creek is Beckley, WV, some really great whitewater on the internationally famous New River Gorge and Gauley Rivers (contact outfitters for paddling these areas) and Bluestone State Park. There's a humorous story about Bluestone State Park. Usually, if an Army Corps of Engineer dam project floods a town, they name the dam after the town. The town of Gad is submerged beneath Bluestone Lake but the Army Corps of Engineers chose not to name it Gad Dam. It is possible that the West Virginia State Fair will be going on (and also possible that it won't). There's the prison where Martha Stewart did her time. A hundred years or so ago John Henry raced a steam drill. There's a statue on the spot. Oddly no one does that song. Aaaaaaaaaaand that's about it. Mostly this trip is about fishing (or recovering) during the day and music by night. In August the fish are lazy and the water low, so the music is usually very good. There are no quiet hours enforced, mostly because we have always been respectful and not been obnoxious with excessive noise. The campfire concerts often last until 3AM or later. (thus the recovery)
- Zurf
You got the story partially right but missed the old location of Gad by about 40 miles Zurf. Bluestone Lake is in Summers County. Gad was located on McKee's Creek in Nicholas County and is now under the waters of the Summersville Dam (Gauley River). From what I've been told its near the marina. Over the years I've logged about 450 days on the New, with about 200 of them on the Gorge, mostly kayaking but probably have guided in the neighborhood of 50 -60 raft trips. By contrast, I've only floated the Upper Gauley about half a dozen times and the Lower Gauley about 20 times. The upper stretches of the New near the campgrounds have small class II rapids which are ideal for novice paddlers to learn in. However, a well-made and well-fitted type III or type V PFD (personal floatation device or life jacket) is very important when attempting this water.
North of the campgrounds on the Greenbrier River above I-64 there is a 70 mile bicycle trail which follows the river, also a scenic railroad. West of the campground near Beckley there is a coal mining museum and Tamarack - a large building which houses and displays the wares of many of WV's finest craftsmen.
I'll be camping at Riverchase Campground this weekend and will be taking my grandkids on a couple easy floats in my raft. I'll tell Diane you said Hi Zurf.
DE
Last week I hosted a camping/fishing/picking get-together on a local stream, similar to the ones Zurf has planned for July and August. Played from about dark to 2 am Wednesday through Saturday. The format is similar to the one NELA mentioned - everyone gets a turn and can either play or pass. If others know the song being played they join in. At times we had as many as 8 guitar pickers, also a couple mandolin players and a harmonica blower. Each evening was different, with Friday night really special.
After rising at 6 am each day, doing a float (with adult beverages being consumed), cooking an evening meal (with adult beverages being consumed) and then playing music until about 2 am (with adult beverages being consumed)....... I was ready to go back to work Monday to rest.
We had a couple dozen campers in attendance, mostly Ohio folks, but a few from MI, KY, PA and VA showed up to add to the mix. All-in-all it was a great time. Most of the music was folk/country/bluegrass but a few rock songs managed to sneak in too.
Bass Viking (Big Jim) showed up and easily fit right into the group - I hope he posts to give his impression of the event as it was his first time to join us.
DE
I was given the name by upperclassmen during my freshman year in high school 47 years ago and it stuck, to the point where even a lot of folks in my home town think my name is Ed. When I started whitewater kayaking 35 years ago it became my "river name" and became the name that most paddlers knew me by. I guess "Dirty Ed" is a lot easier to remember than Ken Willis.
DE
Any chance you can make it to Ohio this week? Buckeye Smallmouth Rodeo III is gonna be held June 7-12 on a creek about 4 miles from my house. So far we've got about 30 of the old Riversmallies crowd who are planning to show including 6 guitar pickers and one of the best harmonica players you've ever heard. Might be a couple banjos and a fiddle show up too. Because of the weather, we had to wait until the last minute to decide if the shindig was gonna fly. After weeks of flooding creeks are now at prime levels and fishing has been great.
DE
Zurf wrote:MKM - Thanks. All my life I've had physical jobs leading to an enormous metabolism. I could eat anything I wanted any time I wanted as much as I wanted. Now that middle age is in full swing and I have a sedentary desk job, such is not the case. I am following a diet - both volumes and substances - recommended by my GI. It's just that being used to eating three or four times as much, I'm hungry all the time.
I'm drinking tons of water. I haven't measured the volume, but on a thumbnail guesstimate it's more than you've listed. Whenever I feel hungry, I drink some water. And I am always hungry.
I get my blood work done annually. I'll be telling the doctor this year to have a particular eye on thyroid.
My hair has been long gone and I would prefer it to stay that way. I had the most baby fine ridiculous hair. It looked greasy minutes after washing and blow dry AND it had a double crown so I was constantly fighting a cowlick. It's better gone. If it grew back, I'd cut it off anyway.
- Zurf
Dang, dang, and dang some more! Well, I'm glad you've got a diet to stick to, and you're doing it! The only other thing I can think of is to change the exercise routine, but you're already on your way there. Stick with it, and don't get discouraged! I am happy to hear you'll have a few drinks with us all in July, although I hear I'm much funnier if you're sober and I'm the one that's been drinking.
ha!
Nothing worse than being the only sober person in the midst of a bunch of drunks ..................... or so I've heard, as I've always been part of the "bunch".
DE
Another great song Jeff. And especially nice that you posted it for Memorial weekend! I look forward to meeting you and hearing more of your tunes at the Doah Jam in July.
I thought about posting one of my new ones too, but it's about the Civil War and a pretty dark song.
DE
Guitar chord forum - chordie → Posts by Dirty Ed
