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The Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention
(continued)
Speaking of Buster B. Jones, later that
afternoon I stopped by the hotel lobby bar and had a
cold beer in what is now known as "Buster's Office."
The lounge in the lobby of the Sheraton is known as
"Buster's Office" because Buster B. Jones plays and
teaches for anyone and everyone that stops by. It's
a tradition that started informally a few years ago,
but now it's a regular part of the convention.
Buster is terrific about answering questions and
showing you things, and heck, he'll even pick with
you! "Grab that guitar and sit down and
let's pick! " I heard him yell at one fan,
then without missing a beat to the waitress he smiles
and says, "Can I get another beer please?"
Everyone was having fun.
Muriel Anderson and a cello-playing friend (I don't
recall her name but trust me, she was great) stopped by
and played a few songs, and Muriel even played "Nola"
on Buster's electric Godin.
I also met Jim Stephany, Buster's manager who once
managed
Ray Stevens and I met Paul Craft, the veteran Nashville
songwriter who wrote "Drop Kick Me Jesus Through the
Goalposts of Life."
Later in the afternoon as I was tiring, I grabbed my
guitar and found an empty seat in the lobby. Some
other fans came up and we played a few songs together.
Jim Cobble brought out his beautiful 1934 Gibson and we
played a little and then Chris Vickers and Mark Bruffey
joined us. Just then, I saw Paul Yandell come through
the door. Paul has been Chet's sideman for about 25
years and prior to that he played rhythm for Jerry Reed.
In other words, the man can PLAY. I walked up and
introduced myself and had Paul sign my flattop and then
I asked him for his story about when he met Chet. He
obliged and we spent about 20 minutes chatting alone.
After our chat he
grabbed my guitar and played "Chinatown, My Chinatown"
and a few other tunes for a few of us who had gathered.
I didn't think my old guitar could sound so good.
After dinner at 7PM,
the
Smith Brothers took the stage in the main hall and
these guys were terrific. Richard Smith of England, who
was once considered by guitarists to be a "child prodigy"
because he was playing Chet's tunes flawlessly by age
twelve, is now an accomplished adult guitarist and
gaining exposure in the UK and U.S. He showed his
talents by playing a style that reflects influences
of not only Chet but of Django Reinhardt and Jerry
Reed. Thursday night concerts continued late into
the night as Pat Kirtley, Guy Van Duser,
Nokie Edwards and Edgar Cruz played. So many great
musicians, so little time.
continued....
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