Clarence White

Subject: Clarence White
From: Bojangles
Date: 07 Apr 98 - 02:43 AM

A friend lent me the CD, "Muleskinner, Live" (The original television soundtrack) and although it is nearly impossible to wear out a CD, with this one I have come close. I have played and replayed Clarence White's flatpick guitar leads and I am struck by his extraordinary musicianship. I have listened to Doc Watson, Tony Rice and Norman Blake for years, and I love them all, but Clarence White really knocks me over. Is there anyone who can tell me which albums to go after to hear the best of his work? Peter Stanley Alias: Bojangles

Subject: RE: Clarence White
From: Axe
Date: 07 Apr 98 - 07:19 AM

Bojangles,

Try The Kentucky Colonels "Appalachian Swing". I'm a big fan of all the guitarists you've mentioned. Tony Rice not only learned a lot of his basics from Clarence White, but has his original pre-war Martin D-28 I believe. It's unfortunate that Clarence White died prematurely; we lost one of the great flatpickers of acoustic guitar. I've never looked, but I'm sure there must be web site for The Kentucky Colonels with some album reviews, etc. Try searching from Alta-Vista or other engines.

Subject: RE: Clarence White
From: chet w
Date: 07 Apr 98 - 07:58 PM

Appalachian Swing (even though they were from California) is the best bet for the Kentucky Colonels. Also, Clarence White played on an album or tow with the Country Gazette, and, both on acoustic and electric guitars, on the Byrds' later albums. I actually got to hold the guitar once, backstage at a David Grisman Quintet concert in Atlanta when Tony Rice was still in the group. He told me I could play it, but I was afraid to and I just put it back in the case. Then some guy came in behind me and struggled to impress with 2 or 3 chords for the whole intermission. I still think I did the right thing. Back to Clarence, the Kentucky Colonels appeared on at least one episode of the Andy Griffith Show, the one where the guy comes to town to produce a "folk music of Mayberry" album and records all the local talent. Worth staying up late for.

Good luck, Chet W.

Subject: RE: Clarence White
From: Joel Ponzan
Date: 08 Apr 98 - 12:39 AM

For those interested, his brother Roland (no musical slouch) can be heard singing and playing mandolin with The Nashville Bluegrass Band. Roland also appeared on the Appalachin Swing album.