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| Letter From the Road |
Dec. 28, 2002 | |
| A Retrospective for this year in passing
Hello all, it seemed like a good time today to share some thoughts and send warm tidings to you all. It has been one heck of a year; full of many experiences- kinds of encounters that one wishes for in their lifetime. Very few times did I have to experience any sadness, and that only of recent memory. Where do I start? Perhaps in being thankful for the many offered gifts of musical challenges. Around 1&1/2 years ago, I had to opportunity to meet a musician named Jorma Kaukonen at a music store in Boulder where I lived and worked. He came in to the store looking for supplies for an E- Town show he was performing at, and we kind of got into a conversation regarding what kind of tone bars and capos we both thought were the best to use. I knew who he was in the musical world, and realized I was talking to someone I had admired musically for many, many years. In fact, Jorma was partially responsible for my taking such a liking to the open tuning sound. So, one word led to many more, and somehow I found myself being bold enough to tell him that I wanted to teach at his camp. I was strong enough to put my best musical foot forward, and let him know that I indeed knew how to teach, pass along, share- whatever way you want to put it- the knowledge and experiences that brought so much quality to my own life. I had heard about how great his camp was, so I just thought, " I want to become a part of that camp", and there you are! I gave him my website address, told him he could look me up and make sure I wasn't some sycophant. Well, that night I got home, checked for email messages, and there was one from the Captain himself, letting me know that he had gone to the website, knew who I was, and that it would be a good thing to arrange for me to teach at his camp. I was both a little scared and more than delighted at that prospect! I somehow knew that this chance meeting would be the start of something I needed to realize in this life of music I was leading, and felt the challenge of self-worth come into the picture. Here it was, and don't walk away from it. When I arrived at the Fur Peace Ranch in lovely southeastern Ohio, it was getting dark, and I was the first one there that night. I walked into the camp, and was immediately greeted by Jorma's wife Vanessa, the backbone of Fur Peace Ranch; she immediately made me feel at home, showed me all around the ranch and then got me settled in for the night's rest. During that weekend, I got to know some kind, funny and serious minded students and the ranch staff, who so generously gave me their time and support unconditionally. What a great weekend it was! To all my students and everyone at the Ranch, a heartfelt thank you for taking me into the fold.
It was at that time, that I was invited to join Jorma, along with Barry Mitterhoff, to tour for Jorma's new recording "Blue Country Heart", a fine and live acoustic folk/country/blues release, scheduled for a summer release. Again, the belief system challenge, and again, my acceptance of it. Before the tour started in June, there were other things on the horizon. The first being that almost immediately after the camp, I went off to England to teach another camp, the Sorefingers Summer School, in the beautiful Cotswold region. Again, I was reminded how universal music is, and how wonderfully small and connected our planet is. After camp was over, which was much too soon for me, armed with a British Rail pass, I took off to travel around England for nearly a month to visit old friends and musical cohorts I hadn't seen in almost ten years. In the course of those travels, I was able to hike, eat, drink and feel all things England. In those ten years of being absent from England, I had lost a dear friend in London, and almost lost contact with many remarkable friends there, and I knew it was a chance to keep the thread of connectivity alive. A glorious gift to behold is the chance to widen your home and hearth from where you stand.
Finally England loosed its grip upon my heart, and let me come home. From that point forward, it was step it up and go! I spent June through September on tour with Jorma, with other great moments like Telluride, Canada, and California added in for work and pleasure. I realize, not only in retrospect but currently as well, that if you leave the door open- just a little even- that sum and substance will find it's way to you. I learned that sometimes your scariest dream could be better than you ever hoped for. I had not ever toured in a 'big' way. Never had been on a tour bus, never had a road manager, a road tech- none of those things. I felt so green, but willing to learn the ropes. And in many ways, it was learning the ropes, to quiet yourself down, let be what will be. I had been a touring musician for over twenty years, but this was different. Not necessarily better, just different- of it's own accord. We went to many different states, and each gig was just that much more fun. I learned how to be much more in the moment musically, and through that experience gained a peace about performing from the heart and soul. What a great adventure! Thank you always Jorma, Vanessa, Barry, Harvey, Paul (our tech) and Paul our bus driver, for the nurturing summer! 2002 also found me finishing up a solo transcription book/CD and
beginning work on my second solo recording. Gerry O'Beirne, a extraordinary
guitarist from Dublin, Ireland was here in Colorado for a few days
and again we retreated to a studio to track some tunes-just to see
what could happen. And what came up was again musically sweet and
alive. It has been great to be home for a while, working on getting
down the idea of nesting (once I got home) and learning about the
wildlife in my own neighborhood (including a stare down with a mountain
lion one night), starting work on another instruction book, trying
to learn Irish back-up guitar, doing lots and lots of session work,
writing more tunes- just so many things. And often barely enough
time to do those things in. It is important to acknowledge those who help you along the slippery slope and I really want to thank the following people: My entirely wonderful family, for always knowing and accepting that I would eventually do what was set in front of me to do and for giving me your love and strength to reach for the moon if that is what is needed. All of my dear friends; much for the same reasons above, and just for being there for me without questioning anything. True friendship lasts… My new friends and new musical compadres: again, thank you to all I have made this past year- you have brought surprise and enrichment to my life, which already felt so full! Ben O'Connor- thank you for showing how committed you are to being such a good pal, webmaster and friend and player. A big thank you to Open Road, all of who sustain me in my never ending quest for bluegrass soul and who help keep me on my toes. Loving thanks to Sally Truitt and, of course, The Boomchicks, all of whom know what it means to be a girl…. All of my students, young and elder, who continue to teach me what it can be like to impart knowledge and receive it in return. My et.al, - Amy and Al, Gerry, Bruce Molsky, KC and Eric,
Dede and Romano, Mike and Darol, Joe, Kahlie Sue, Steve and Sarah,
Gus Skinas, Maria Camillo, Chris Petak, Len Harvey and Bill Dalton,
Jon Dodd, both the Crocker and Dickinson Families over in lovely
England, Roy and Beryl Ray from St Ives, David Glasser & Ann
Blonston at Airshow Mastering, my pal and part time mentor James
Tuttle, Kathy Kallick and Peter Thompson, all the folks at Wind
Over the Earth, Rick and Scott at Woodsongs and the guys at Woodsongs
Lutherie as well, Planet Bluegrass and their entire staff; just
the biggest Thank You to all of you- and you know why! And last but certainly no less important, my kitty--, I simply am grateful she still cares for me during and, more importantly, after those long absences. In this somewhat scary time in the world, I find solace and
joy in the smallest of places and often unexpected. For this I am
thankful beyond description. May you all find the coming next year
fruitful, inspirational and above all full of challenges, passions,
and excitement. Sometimes you just really need to look at life as
one big desert plate, with perhaps just a few not-so favorite candies
sitting on the plate, but you try 'em anyway! Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year to you all! My best, Sally PS- There are also some
new travel photos from this last year of musical journey for you
to view on the photo page. Sally Van Meter |
Archive December 31, 2005 April 24, 2005 December 8, 2004 November 30, 2003 July 15, 2002 May 10, 2002 March 20, 2002 July 3, 2001 |
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