Hey everyone!
We'll be at Stockman's Grill at the Amado Territory Ranch on Friday, July 3rd. It was pretty hot and sticky last week, but as we entered the patio, the temperature was noticeably cooler and there was a light breeze that made everything just perfect. I always feel so sheltered there, and because we're elevated a bit, it almost feels like we're in a private little hideaway in the trees. And the hummingbirds are exquisite this year.
We won't be at Stables for 4th of July festivities but Tubac Golf Resort & Spa has the most incredible display of fireworks that you can enjoy from your favorite seat on the patio (if you can find a seat - you should plan to get there early). I'm not sure what the guys have planned but I'll bet it's something special!
This is the first 4th of July we've had off in a long time. We've decided to stay close to home and celebrate in our own little town I think we'll start off with breakfast at Dot's Diner, then the coaster race, then the Bisbee Farmer's Market - stopping long enough to see the parade, then to a potluck to have fun and play with folks we haven't seen in a very long time.
I'm so excited about this new enthusiasm we have for learning new songs. We're concentrating on the blues right now because 1) we have the Dusk 'til Dawn Festival in September and 2) I love having Scott play that blues harp. He's really getting into it and will be singing more!
I've been working on a couple of blues classics that I should have for you by the weekend of the 10th. I'm rediscovering Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Sippie Wallace and Alberta Hunter, and I've discovered other women blues pioneers like Ida Cox, Victoria Spivey and Clara Smith. I also had my first "lesson" with Scott Baekeland who taught me some new finger-picking patterns.
You should know this about me. I learned how to play guitar because I couldn't afford an accompanist. I'm a vocalist. So much of what you see is relatively new to me (I was a late bloomer), except for the folkie stuff - I've been doing that for years. I hear your comments, "Oh, you can play anything" and "Well, it must come easy for you". But no, it doesn't come easy. By the time I "got" the bossa nova rhythm, I had practiced it for (collectively over a few days) about 3 hours. Then I had to learn how to sing and play it at the same time which took another 3 hours! If you do anything for 6 hours, you'll get it, no matter how difficult or how much of a novice you are! Now that I'm learning a few blues songs on the guitar, you can bet that I'll be spending a few hours just trying to get the rhythm down, then another few just trying to sing and play.
I say this because I also hear (often sheepishly) from some of you, "Oh, I fool around with the guitar (or bass or sax or harmonica...)". Well, that was me at the beginning. For so many years I felt like if music was school, I'd be in the 2nd grade. Now that I've been at it a while, I feel like I could be in junior high, but let me tell you, I certainly don't feel like guitar is one of my greater strengths. The key for me is simplicity. My friend and mentor, Todd Stratton always said, "Keep it clean and simple". I've always lived by that rule when it comes to playing the guitar (I let Scott do all the fancy stuff).
I often hear the voice of another friend and blues mentor, Mr. Bill Brown. He used to tell me that I worried too much. "Simplify, Becky" he'd say to me, "you're making it harder than it really is. It's not that complicated!"
Now as I'm practicing the things Scott Baekeland taught me yesterday, I realize that Bill was right. I just have to slow down a little bit, clear my head, work out a simple and suitable rhythm and just practice it until I get it right. Until I feel it in my bones. It's meditative in a way. And it really is so simple. It just takes a little time to get it right.
For those of you who play, fool around or are just learning how to play an instrument, I hope this inspires you just a little bit. You really can play, you know. And if you want the notes to any songs I play, just let me know! I'd love to share what I've learned. And please don't compare yourself to anyone! Not even me! Remember, I practice anywhere between 10 to 20 hours a week when I'm learning new material, then I perform 8 hours on the weekend. ANYONE who plays that many hours a week will sound good. Take it all at your own pace. Simplify. But most of all - have fun!
Me? Well, I'm just gonna sit here for a little while, contemplatin', cogitatin', messin' around with this here guitar and see if I can't come up with a little tune for you this weekend. Hope to see you soon. Hey! I'll be 51 on Monday the 6th. I'm gonna celebrate all weekend! -B
Happy Birthday America!
Chef Jeff Clock serves it up at The Stockman’s Grill at the Amado Territory Ranch. Come and enjoy graceful walking paths around the pond and through the gardens, savor delectable dishes and hear Becky and Scott play songs from the 1700’s to the present. When the weather is beautiful, which it is quite often, Becky and Scott are on the patio!