Today is Ry Cooder's { 1947 } birthday and tomorrow is Yank Rachell's { 1910 }. One of the reasons I wanted to play mandolin in the first place was hearing Ry Cooder play blues on some of his early recordings. With a little digging I was led to the music of Yank Rachell and his mandolin playing with Sleepy John Estes. For my ears the sound of a guitar and a mandolin { or mandola } playing blues together is the sonic equivalent of birthday cake and ice cream. I wish there were more people playing with this combination. When I get home tonight I think there will be a little mandolin blues festival on my turntable. Happy Birthday guys - and Yank - rest in peace.