Leave me the fuck out of this! (and when was the last time I used profanity in what I consider the most decent web on the net?)

I appreciate the compliments, but lemme tell you something. The stupidest oft-repeated question I have had to deal with since I became a professional stringed instrument player is "Who do ya think is the greatest guitar player (or banjo, or fiddler, or mandolin, or whatever) in the world (or the universe, or in history etc,)

It is rarely asked by anyone with the knowledge, skill or subtlety to appreciate anything more than a surface answer, but since I try to be nice to other human beings, I usually give a polite but non-commital answer.

If someone wants to know who the greatest guitarist is and is only familiar with the artists who have been served well by the media...then they can only relate to a name that's already part of that very short list. Same with songwriters, fiddlers, banjoists, inventors, hockey players, and writers. If someone seems interested in "walking the walk" rather than just "talking the talk" I'll do everything I can to open a few doors that lead to an amazing underground world of folk music.

Anyone remember when years ago "Clapton is God" was an oft-repeated mantra? Do you think those who said it had even heard of Oscar Aleman, Teddy Bunn, Amos Garrett, Danny Gatton or even BB King, Charlie Christian or Eddie Lang?

Considering I failed Geography, math, and French, I sure wouldn't be venturing opinions on the "greatest country, coolest equation, or most romantic language".

On the other hand, if ya wanna make an informed decision on who the most technically accomplished two finger picker in the key of "D" is...well I've got these 2000 records I want you to hear, and if ya can spare the next 5 years of your life.........

Rick