Posted by Randy Escobedo on August 08, 19101 at 20:37:43:
In Reply to: False Comparisons and a Humble Attitude posted by Steve Johnson on August 08, 19101 at 19:34:53:
Steve,
Very well put. I too feel the same as you. When I
expressed my opinion you will note that in no
way did I ever slander and make fun of Ralph Stanley. When I said Earl sounded as good as he has through the years is true. His music and style has envolved. To me it has gotton better and better. I wish more people can be open to an artist and their ideas. It is too bad people tend to compare ones playing with various times in their journey. It is a very bad habit and only limits ones playing. What you said about Bill Monroe is true. I had the upmost love and respect for him. I knew him since 1979 and played numerous times with him. The last time was around 3 months before his stroke. That was a night I will never forget. He was frail. When we got him onstage he came to life and played like a Texas tornado. I see one of your heros is Bob Black. He and I are very close friends. I see him often. He lives close to me. We have done alot of picking through the years. He also comes under fire at times with his style of melodic picking. He is like Earl. A person with vision on what can be done with the banjo. When I see slanderous comparisions I too do not like it. My comments
where in hope to educate and in some small way encourage folks to discover the wonderful music Earl Scruggs has given us. Those great postwar 1969 albums are still out there! I know you are like me and can't wait until August 28 to hear Earl's new CD. Thanks for your comments.
Regards,
Randy Escobedo