rick, i'm really glad they pulled you into this 'discussion'. you are the best one i know to answer this kind of thread. rick is excellent at what he does, but he does everything and more to ensure that folk music is there for everyone.

i'm relatively new to folk music, and rick is one of several who has (mostly unknowingly) encouraged me to jam, to perform, to ask questions, and even to teach. my favourite concert of rick's was up at 'the woods music and dance camp'. throughout the concert, which he could have very well and beautifully performed solo , he invited various campers to come to the stage and back him up on a variety of instruments. most of these campers were amateur musicians, just doing the best they could, as most of us do, with our various day jobs and families, but everyone felt special that night. everyone in the audience was feeling might special, too, rick.

so what i'm trying to say is that you can try to make a mudcatter ladder, but at least one of the guys on the top is doing his best to turn the ladder sideways so we can share the view.

thanks, rick.

~black walnut