The true artists in our world...

[olrocknroller]

The Gift of a Lifetime

We all give to one another, sometimes without thinking that we are giving. Often, when we do things freely, the gift becomes even more precious.

On the 25th of November, 2010, I received the gift of a lifetime from Nokie Edwards. We were in another friend's home, enjoying the afterglow of Thanksgiving dinner when we picked up our instruments and began “jamming.” The great thing about the musicians who gather here is that we are at all levels of expertise, yet we work together to produce the best music possible. Some of the pieces we attempted were pretty rough, but we were having fun.

That was when Nokie came in, set up his guitar, and joined in the jam.

Although I have known Nokie for some time time, this was the first time we had actually played together. At first, my nerves went through the ceiling, but his easy manner, and friendly smile encouraged me to calm down, and just enjoy the experience. I was actually in the same room with Nokie, playing guitar. He very diplomatically chose simpler numbers for us to play with him, but when he added his magic to the leads, he made us all sound good, and feel great!

The gift, for me at least, was that a master of the instrument would sit down with novices, and clearly enjoy playing with us. This is truly a rare characteristic. Most masters of an art form insist upon working only with others of their level of expertise, but Nokie possesses a simple joy of music that allows him to share with every one of us.

That is Nokie's true gift to us, his willingness to share his joy of music with anyone.

Thank you Nokie.

[Veenture]

Yes, Nokie is a very modest man, I got to shake his hand a few years ago in Amsterdam. He never braggs about his talent...it speaks for itself

Thanks for sharing, olrocknroller.

[Sarah93003]

What a fantastic experience and memory for you! What a gift.

[rog43win]

Wow.....that's awesome! What a memory for you to replay forever....I'd love to watch him play in a relaxed, informal setting...

Roger

[TerryTNM]

Wow.....that's awesome! What a memory for you to replay forever....I'd love to watch him play in a relaxed, informal setting...

Roger

The Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) which gathers in Nashville the second week in July has some of the finest players on the plant, playing for 4 days. Nokie Edwards has been there every time we've been there. A very relaxed setting with scheduled shows all day long on at least 3 stages and several clinic rooms plus impromptu jams that can break out any time, any place. Nokie usually hangs out at his own table to chat and sign autographs. Don't look for him to 'get down' on the Ventures song book though. Nokie's much broader than surf music. He's actually a very fine fingerstyle player which is the style of the week at CAAS. This is the place for guitar playing overload if you're into Chet. There are also world class 'Gypsy Jazz' players there as well that will make your head spin.

A summer trip to music city is a Chet fans dream.

-Terry
'

[Veenture]

....I'd love to watch him play in a relaxed, informal setting...

The Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) which gathers in Nashville the second week in July has some of the finest players on the plant, playing for 4 days. ...//...
A summer trip to music city is a Chet fans dream.

Terry, that sounds 'Terryfic' Folks living in or near Nashville sure are fortunate.

-Paul

[sleeperNY]

Actually Paul, I am a member in the Chet Atkins forum and people from around the world attend the CAAS. I have never been there but maybe some day before I pass on.

Jim

[Haole Jim]

Wow. Good on you. Perfectly said, an experience of a lifetime.