Songbirds Documentary

There are also a number of shorter videos on Youtube featuring well-known players playing guitars in the Songbirds collection of vintage axes. One of my favorites series features Jack Pearson playing Duane Allman’s Firebird. Of course, Jack could make any guitar sound great but it’s fun to witness his appreciation for that particular guitar and the effect it has on his playing. He looks like a kid with a new toy! This is surely a magical aspect of guitars -- each one will invite you along different avenues of exploration, almost as if each instrument already has a world of music contained within it. I’ve certainly had this experience.

My favorite scene is the one in which Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives sing a Gospel song in 4-part harmony to the dying 16 year old girl. As the song concludes, Marty leans over and hugs the girl. If that doesn’t bring you to tears, check your pulse.

I dealt vintage drums for 20 years (1995-2015), and that world is much like that shown in this film. The most famous vintage drum collector is Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, who collects mostly Ludwig drums. He converted the barn on his property into his storage space, which houses his collection of 50 sets and 200 snare drums (mine is "only" 20 sets and 50 snares). I met him in the early-2000’s at the annual vintage show outside of Chicago, where he always has a space. Joining us for dinner and drinks was John Aldridge, who started the vintage drum collectors magazine Not So Modern Drummer (get it? ;-). Last I heard John was roadie-ing for the drummer of REO Speedwagon (and engraving Black Beauty snare drums for Ludwig). Hey, a guy’s gotta eat ;-) .

Thanks for the heads up on this.  Can’t wait to watch it.

With Marty Stuart and Vince Gill, how could I NOT watch it! I already know Marty owns Clarence White's Telecaster.