Retread

Daily writing prompt

Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.

View all responses

Last year, one of my winter-time prescriptions for the winter blahs was to pick up the guitar again and begin playing. It’s been a struggle to restart something that was once like breathing. There was a time when I practiced for a minimum of an hour each day. I am nowhere near that level at this point, but at least I no longer feel guilty about passing where my guitar, Charlie, is hung. Things have progressed, and I no longer think that I should practice in a closet because it’s so bad.

But there is something odd about this process. While I am out of practice, I am not returning as the same player. I’ve especially noticed this in the past few weeks. My right hand technique is different; the sort of picks and strums I use and combine are not the ones I used to use. Also, I’m selecting different pieces to play.

In a clutch, could I echo the old Wes Carson? I don’t think so. Not only is the old playing style gone, but the singing is different, too. In the old days, I made the best of an average set of vocal cords, and made delivery and style make up for a lack of vocal virtuosity. I make no claims for having been a great talent – just enthusiastic.

Part of the issue is that years of inhalers for intermittent asthma did not do wonderful things for my voice. I think with practice, I’ll improve again. But I now sound more like Dave Van Ronk than Wes Carson. The irony of that is that in the old days I struggled to imitate Van Ronk’s throaty growl, and now it’s easy. However, a clearer baritone is more evasive.

I’ve discussed all this with Charlie. Yes, I do discuss things musical with my guitar. We’ve been together since the very early sixties, hitched all over, played the nightmare circuit, and…well, you get the idea. So, yeah, while the conversations are one-way, they are frequently productive. Charlie is a guitar, and his whole gig is providing resonance. so it works out.

How do I feel about this developing difference? Happy. There’s a Muhammad Ali quote that runs: “A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” I think that applies to old Folkies as well, who are rediscovering their music.

Wait a minute, I hear a thrum from Charlie. What’s that? ” When are we going to go looking for a gig?” Ahh, I haven’t thought that far. “Yeah, well, comebacks are hell, man!”

So that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. Onward!