Here's some notes I wrote my son today on the clinic I
attended last night in Wakefield, RI--thought you'll might be
interested too.
'Last night I sat 8' in front of Doyle Dykes (world class
guitarist) watching him burn the strings with precise clarity
and fervor at a Taylor guitar clinic in
Wakefield--unbelievable. Along with myself, the hundred or so
audience of guitarists was completely transfixed with every
note, chord, harmonic, bend, pull off, slap and hammer that
he would execute during the 2 hour performance/clinic. I'm
not usually too impressed by hyper speed playing which often
translates as 'showiness' --just not my style, but Dykes was
phenomenal in every sense of the word. Maybe 'humbly showy,'
if there is such a thing, and well deserved in his case
hanging out with the best of them over the year--Atkins,
Travis, Grandpa Jones, and so many others. The flawless
lighting speed licks, progressions, changeups, etc., all made
sense in each and every composition, and always kept things
interesting. No falling asleep for anyone here! And the
neatest thing of all, is that he loves the Lord, and thusly
is able like Keaggy and others to provide an experience that
transcends physical prowess in to the spiritual realm in his
flawless and inspired execution. As with other venues of this
world class caliber, I was overwhelmed once again but in a
clearly good way this time. Maybe it's partly because my
playing style is much different, more contemplative, etc.,
(though I'd love to play like that), or maybe it's because
I'm getting more confident in my own God given playing
limitations and abilities--don't know for sure. However, this
time following the clinic, rather then feeling like I should
go home, sell all my guitars and do something else, I was
further inspired to continue using every free minute I can
find to keep practicing, creating, writing and arranging
(more old hymns particularly), recording, and i'd love to
play out more too. I'll be reflecting on this awhile! Well,
that's the news from Lake 'Wobington' for today.'
Doyle played a DD Signature (Maple) guitar, of course,
plugged in to a Riviera (sp?) amp. I was much less impressed
with the amplification and PA setup (he sang some to, which
he is also good at)--very loud and occasionally feeding back,
even with the internal pickup system. Hey, I tend to be an
acoustic purist though. I do think for the most part it
worked well for his extremely energetic, Atkins/Travis/Dykes
style of playing.
Bottom line is--if you ever have the opportunity, be sure and
see Doyle Dykes!
Ken T.
