The Chetboard

I just wanted to once again acknowledge Tommy Jones, born Oct. 8, 1954. He would have been 58 today. We lost him on Sept. 4, 2002, a month before he would have turned 48. I still consider him to be one of the most creative, tasteful, and precise guitarists I've even known or heard.

Rande,

Thanks for reminding us of Tommy on his birth date.

A few days ago, I ran across a photo of Tommy and me in France for Marcel's convention. We had just checked into a fancy hotel. It was Tommy's first time to travel outside the US. He was so nervous that he left a small bag at the passport checkpoint. When we went back to the lost-and-found, we learned that security had found it and blown it up. He lost everything except a bottle of shampoo which somehow survived the explosion. So we went shopping for a French toothbrush, etc. Also, the airlines cracked the neck of Tommy's Haile guitar. Tommy bought some French super-glue and fixed it without any hesitation.

Of course, he went on to delight everyone with his virtuosity and musicianship.

John

The super-glue is still holding. The guitar looks awful but sounds great. A great piece of Chet History. I just wish I could do it justice. When Tommy played that guitar,that sound was magical. Stan

Tommy Jones worked out some of the best arrangement you could ask for. He had a great touch and tone and, just like most of the players at the C.A.A.S., he was really nice to people and good to be around. It's a shame he left so young.
Ray

Tommy has become one of my biggest heroes. He was one of a kind!

John I appreciate the special insights and experiences that I would have no way of knowing about. Though I spent a lot of time with Tommy over the years, I never traveled with him other than for around Nashville. I spent a lot of time with him at his home when he lived there, Chet's office, and at Boots' club when he worked there. I also spent time with him when he lived with his folks in Old Town, Florida and got to be close to his folks.

To travel with him to France and to watch him repair his guitar and then dazzle the audiences would have been a rare treat.

I thank anyone who has had other experiences with him or has any other insights to share.