A Note From Richard 072107

CAAS as most of you know stands for Chet Atkins Appreciation Society. This year's convention at the Music City Sheraton in Nashville was perhaps the biggest ever in attendance. Gretsch Guitars, complete with the Chet Atkins name, returned with a huge presence at the convention. Having grown up seeing Chet Atkins on Gretsch Guitars, this was a welcome change. Mr. Gretsch himself was there to emphasize how important the return of Chet's name is to Gretsch. He and top marketing manager, Joe Carducci, made themselves readily available for all. Joe Carducci is a bundle of energy and full of enthusiasm. Mr. Gretsch and I finally met face to face after several years of phone calls and emails to each other. He summed it up best when he said even though we just met, we are old friends. I feel the same way.

What a thrill it was to see my good friend, Doyle Dykes, back at the convention. Man, did he ever put on a show Thursday night? He was joined on stage by Tommy Emmanuel CGP; and also one of the best ever bass men, Dave Pomeroy. Tommy started out playing drums, but toward the end of the set, he joined Doyle on guitar; and all I can say about that is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When Doyle and Tommy played "You Were Always On My Mind," I just about floated away. Absolutely beautiful rendition. Doyle and I have been close friends from the very beginning. Tommy is one of the most caring individuals you could ever be around and also my good friend. Doyle and Tommy are two of the very best ever. They are both just incredible.

I always look forward to seeing Paul Yandell. Paul is a walking encyclopedia on anything Chet Atkins. Paul and his lovely wife, Marie, invited Conchieta and I to have dinner with them the first evening there. What a humbling experience it is for me everytime just to be in the presence of the greatness of Paul Yandell. Although Paul himself is a great guitar player, He never sought the limelight for himself. All he ever wanted to do was play music with Chet Atkins and make sure he did everything he could to make the world's greatest guitar player look and sound even better; and that he did from 1975 up until Chet's passing. No one could ever be more devoted than Paul has been and remains that way. I could not respect anyone anymore than I do Paul Yandell.

Another highlight for me was meeting the great Sonny James. His nickname fits him just right, The Southern Gentleman. Along with Sonny was his lovely wife, Doris, and also one of his former band members. My friend, Richard Kiser, and I were thrilled and honored to get to play "Young Love" in the Saturday night concert as a tribute to Sonny. Sonny thrilled us all as he reminisced about the early days when he and Chet were room mates when they toured. I especially enjoyed him telling about Chet's constant practicing on the guitar. When Chet played he always had to pat his foot. Folks in the other rooms were annoyed by Chet's foot tapping on the floor; so he would put a pillow under his foot to cushion the noise. I can wish nothing but the very best for Sonny James and Doris.

All I can say is if you have never been to the CAAS, you must go. There is nothing else like it. Chet Atkins has influenced more guitar players than any other guitarist in history. The more I learn about him, the more I realize there will never be anyone to have the same impact on guitar music and players that Chet has. What a great tribute to him it is to see the convention grow even more every year. Looking forward to next year's convention already.

God bless you folks - Richard