http://www.dixontech.com/NABA/johnson.jpg

In addition to his work with the Ron Escheté Trio, Johnson has performed and recorded with other artists, including Kristin Korb, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, Scott Henderson, Barbara Morrison, Plas Johnson, Sam Most, Lew Tabackin, Jack Sheldon, Joe LaBarbera, Frank Potenza, Larry Koonse, Kendall Kay, Steve & Jennifer Barnes, Kate Reid, Tierney Sutton, Poncho Sanchez, Mundell Lowe, Paul Humphrey, and Frank Gambale.

As a seasoned performing artist, Todd Johnson has developed a rich philosophy encompassing his spiritual, educational and achievement-oriented sides. Johnson sees his talent as a gift from God to continually enhance and develop.

Though Johnson dedicates himself largely to performing and recording, he also teaches courses and workshops in a variety of settings. Johnson has taught since 1991 at such notable schools as California Institute of the Arts, Musicians Institute (BIT) and The Masters College, as well as teaching private lessons. His unique style keeps him in demand as a clinician demonstrating his innovative techniques and concepts throughout the U.S.

While Todd is an official endorser of Zon Basses (http://www.zonguitars.com/zonguitars/index.html) , he is an ardent supporter of Barker Musical Instruments (he loves his Barker Bass!) and we're happy to have him as a part of our forum!

Greetings,

This is just a quick note to say "hi" and to welcome you all to the Barker Bass Forum.

While I'm primarily a 6 -string player (I'm a "Bigtime" ZON endorser www.zonguitars.com :bassist: ), I'm also a big fan of Lee Barker and the Barker Vertical Bass. :hyper:

This instrument is ideal for people like me who have small hands that need to get that "upright" vibe from time to time. I can't afford to bust up my hands trying to re-learn muscle memory on an upright, so the BVB is ideal. PLUS..........this instrument just SOUNDS TERRIFIC!!! (...and as you all know, Lee Barker is a snappy dresser and arguably the "nicest man in America".) ;)

I'm currently playing one of Lee's 5 string (lined) fretless basses with the black strings. It just "growls" everywhere.

So, open your mind and try something new. This is "forward" thinking bass design.

Enjoy!

Hi Todd

Nice to see you grabbing another forum. :D

For anyone who's interested I recommend Todd's new DVD 'Walking Bass Line Module System - Volume 1 Triad Modules'. It's opening up a whole new world for me in finding my way around some of those tricky jazz changes.

Todd, we'd like to see a video clip of you playing your Barker, so get on it geezer!

;)

Hi Andy,

Hey, I'll be hanging out with Lee & Linda Barker up at the big Christian Musician Summit in Redmond Washington November 11 & 12 at their booth. I'm going to be doing a little playing at the booth :bassist: and also pushing my new "DVD". :cool: (thanks for the plug BTW) We should be able to put together some pictures and hopefully some video of me playing the BVB.

Anyone interested in checking us out in the Seattle area should make a point of trying to attend. It really promises to be a GREAT event.

So......hopefully we'll have some kind of photo/video after Seattle...........

Play slow!!

Hi Todd I thought I would just stop and say Hi, I was at BassQuake, I really enjoyed your playing and found it truely inspirational, when I got home I picked up my bass and began to play slow. Just like you had said, and I have found to my supprise how much it has helped me. I saddly did not have any money to purchase your DVD, or I would have. maybe someday I will run across it again. Thank you for putting all of your knowlege out on the table for young bucks like me.

Hi Scwwitt,

Hey, thanks for the kind words. BassQuake was such a blast. I always come away encouraged and inspired by so many great people. Really a blessing!!!

Also, I'm thrilled to be able to put out my DVD's. It's a challenge, but also, it's a great opportunity to help people figure out this great instrument of ours!!!

Be sure to check out my website www.toddjohnsonmusic.com That's where you'll always be able to find my DVD's.

Oh, BTW, I start shooting my next one around November 16th. It'll be on "Modern Electric Bass Technique". I'll go in depth about all the technique things I spoke about at BQ. I'm hoping it will be beneficial to a lot of bass players!

......and, be sure to get your hands on a Barker Bass and check it out. I know you'll dig it!!

Anyway............enough blatant propaganda. :o

Thanks for stopping by and saying hello!!!

Be sure and continue to PLAY SLOW! ;)

Todd--great advice for Schwitt, but you forgot to tell him how important dressing properly is.

When I want to play slow, I wear a tuxedo. With the shirt, jacket and shoes on backwards. Man, I can really play slow that way.

Just wanted you to know how a real sub average player can take your advice and be well dressed at the same time.

Lee Barker
builds 'em better'n he can play 'em but he can look good if he tries.

Todd, just sayin hello... I think your sig. bass is absolutely schweeet. Congrats man
Peace

Todd--great advice for Schwitt, but you forgot to tell him how important dressing properly is.

When I want to play slow, I wear a tuxedo. With the shirt, jacket and shoes on backwards. Man, I can really play slow that way.

Just wanted you to know how a real sub average player can take your advice and be well dressed at the same time.

Lee Barker
builds 'em better'n he can play 'em but he can look good if he tries.

why not play great and loog great! Barkers Tend to do that. I dont have one but someday i will! Then all the women wont be able to keep there hands off me!! (or keep their hands off my bass anyway).

If you really want to play slow turn your bass upside down and play left-handed - now that will force you to concentrate :confused:

If you really want to play slow turn your bass upside down and play left-handed - now that will force you to concentrate :confused:

See, NOW you've got the idea!!! :D

Seriously though..... You know I'm about half serious when I say "play slow"?! When we slow down, we have time to hear our mistakes............if you can't hear 'em, you can't fix 'em!!
(Sorry, I guess it's the teacher in me.....I couldn't resist ;) )

Hey, here's a thought......get all dressed up, buy a Barker Bass and PLAY REAL SLOW!!! :cool:

Todd, just sayin hello... I think your sig. bass is absolutely schweeet. Congrats man
Peace

Hi Billy,

Cool.......hey man, I REALLY appreciate that coming from anybody, but especially from someone with your credentials. Thanks!!

I am SO blessed to play the finest instruments ( Zon TJ-6, BARKER 5-string lined fretless) amps (Accugroove 110 cab w/Thunderfunk head) and cables, (Ensotec cables www.ensotec.com) along with the HONOR of working with the finest musicians in L.A. on a regular basis. (Ron Eschete, Kendall Kay, Kristin Korb, Kate Reid, Dewey Erney,Ramon Banda, Steve and Jennifer Barnes, Mark Massey, Matt Falker, Jim Martinez...whose a GREAT jazz piano player from Sacramento,......In fact, I'm working TONIGHT with the Ron Eschete trio at Steamers in Fullerton along with our good friend Dr. Glen Cashman on Tenor sax......he's as good as it gets folks!!!! In fact we're going to cut a live cd with him at Steamers on Thursday, January 5th..................)

Anyway.........sorry about that......I got carried away. :o

Needless to say I'm very forunate and grateful for the manner in which God has blessed me......that's the point! :cool:

Thanks again for your kind words Billy!!!

Warm regards,

How does that 6 stringer balance? There was a poster on here recently who had neck dive problems with his Zon and I was thinking that if that was a problem that the 6'er would have it in spades.

Also, is that model going to be available to the public as well?
Just love that deep cutaway and extended fretboard! :D

How does that 6 stringer balance? There was a poster on here recently who had neck dive problems with his Zon and I was thinking that if that was a problem that the 6'er would have it in spades.

Also, is that model going to be available to the public as well?
Just love that deep cutaway and extended fretboard! :D

Hi Akami,

Since this is a Barker Bass Forum, we should probably try to keep most of the posts about the Barker Bass. ;)

Rumor has it I'll be hosting my own "ask a pro" forum here in the near future, :hyper: where I'll be happy to answer any and all questions to the best of my ability. :help:

But to answer your questions:

My 6 string ZON balances PERFEFCTLY. Then again, so does my Barker Vertical Bass!! HA! :cool:

Rumor also has it that my ZON TJ-6 will be offered to the public. Your best bet is to contact Joe Zon at www.zonguitars.com . Thanks.

If you have any more ZON questions, maybe contact me with a personal email off list. I'd be happy to answer your questions.

Thanks again for your question.

Warmly,

Rumor has it that Todd is working on a new solo bass piece for 2 BASSES AT ONCE (his Zon and his Barker)!

For live shows, Michael Manring will be holding the two basses up for him while he plays....

That would rule....... Hey, that's what bass friends are for!!! ;)

Hi Akami,
Since this is a Barker Bass Forum, we should probably try to keep most of the posts about the Barker Bass. ;)
Sorry, I'd thought it was a Todd Johnson forum by the title.. :(

Anyway, thanks for sneaking that info in here for me! :)

Hey! Isn't that a Zon bass your holding there!
:hiding:

:D

Rumor has it that Todd is working on a new solo bass piece for 2 BASSES AT ONCE (his Zon and his Barker)!

For live shows, Michael Manring will be holding the two basses up for him while he plays....

That would rule....... Hey, that's what bass friends are for!!! ;)

Hi Jay,

You're funny..........actually it should be me carrying Michael's basses around for him (cartage)....... :D

He's the greatest!!!

......maybe Michael and I should be holding up basses for you??!!!! After hearing your great new cd, we may have to!! :cool:

Stay out of trouble!!

Sorry, I'd thought it was a Todd Johnson forum by the title.. :(

Anyway, thanks for sneaking that info in here for me! :)

Hey! Isn't that a Zon bass your holding there!
:hiding:

:D

HI Akami,

NO WORRIES WHATSOEVER!!!! :)

I really do appreciate your question........Thanks!!!

I'm happy to help in any way I can.

Are you in Japan???? Is that right???

I'm hoping to get over there again one of these days. Sorry, just thinking out loud..... :hmm:

Take Care,

Are you in Japan???? Is that right???

I'm hoping to get over there again one of these days. Sorry, just thinking out loud..... :hmm:

Take Care,
This week would have been a good time for you to come. I went to the Japanese version of NAMM today and I think I might have to go back again tomorrow.

Heard some incredible equipment and players but no one with a Barker bass. :(

I need to do some picture editing and try to show some of the cool stuff I saw today! :D

Heard some incredible equipment and players but no one with a Barker bass. :( Akami -

Actually, the Barker Bass IS coming to Japan! :bassist:

One of our endorsers, Ike "Za" Williams (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210304) is in the woodshed as we speak, preparing for a Japanese tour that starts next week -- and he will be bringing/playing his Barker! (He's going to be playing the Blue Note clubs.)

I expect that he'll be posting in the forum sometime over the weekend. If you visit his thread and post a request, I'm sure he'll be happy to tell you exactly when he'll be where ... and I KNOW he'll be happy to talk to you about his Barker when he gets there!

- Dwayne

Todd
I attended the Christian Music Summit in Redmond and had a great time. I got a chance to play a Barker Bass (sounds like the one you play) a five string fretless with lines and tapewound strings. What a great sounding and playing bass. It was capable of electric fretless and upright tones just by favoring the bridge or neck pickups and dimming or boosting the passive tone. It was suprisingly easy to get used to
(not being an upright player) presumably because of the scale and the ease of playability due to the low action. I also had the priveledge to see you play in the acoustic cafe, your playing blew me away. I'm looking forward to picking up some of your CD's. BTW the ZON really is a stunning instrument, pictures would not do it justice.

I'm looking forward to picking up some of your CD's.

Both of Todd's CDs, 'A Solo Offering' and 'Get Happy' are well worth getting, some amazing playing on those. And Todd is not paying me to say this either (as far as I know anyway) ;)
:bassist:

Todd
I attended the Christian Music Summit in Redmond and had a great time. I got a chance to play a Barker Bass (sounds like the one you play) a five string fretless with lines and tapewound strings. What a great sounding and playing bass. It was capable of electric fretless and upright tones just by favoring the bridge or neck pickups and dimming or boosting the passive tone. It was suprisingly easy to get used to
(not being an upright player) presumably because of the scale and the ease of playability due to the low action. I also had the priveledge to see you play in the acoustic cafe, your playing blew me away. I'm looking forward to picking up some of your CD's. BTW the ZON really is a stunning instrument, pictures would not do it justice.

Hi Keith,

Hey, thanks so much for your kind, thoughtful and insightful post.

You're totally accurate in your observations of the BVB! It's REALLY ideal for guys like us to make a smooth and easy transition to the BVB!.......and like you said, it's SO easy to play and REALLY sounds GREAT and is suprisingly versatile in the wide range of sounds you can easily get from it. Plus, let's face it.....it's REALLY an attention getter!! BEAUTIFUL!!

Glad you enjoyed the music. :cool: Rich Severson is one of my favorite guitar players and also one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet this side of Lee Barker!! ;)

God bless,

Both of Todd's CDs, 'A Solo Offering' and 'Get Happy' are well worth getting, some amazing playing on those. And Todd is not paying me to say this either (as far as I know anyway) ;)
:bassist:

Thanks Andy!! You are now officially on the payroll!!

The checks in the mail.... ;)

Todd
I attended the Christian Music Summit in Redmond and had a great time. I got a chance to play a Barker Bass (sounds like the one you play) a five string fretless with lines and tapewound strings. What a great sounding and playing bass. It was capable of electric fretless and upright tones just by favoring the bridge or neck pickups and dimming or boosting the passive tone. It was suprisingly easy to get used to
(not being an upright player) presumably because of the scale and the ease of playability due to the low action. I also had the priveledge to see you play in the acoustic cafe, your playing blew me away. I'm looking forward to picking up some of your CD's. BTW the ZON really is a stunning instrument, pictures would not do it justice.

I was pretty busy throughout the summit (not much free time between sessions and general stuff), but I finally had a chance to try out these basses the last night before the final concert.

My impressions:

1. Very comfortable - it's been years since I've done any upright playing (more than I want to count), so I had apprehensions firing it up. However, these instruments are very nice to play and have a super feel to them. Thumb rests seem to be standard, and if you play up on the neck with your right hand, the upright vibe is phenomenal.

2. The 34" scale length is money!!! Really enjoyed not having to search for the notes (and relearn muscle-memory intervals).

3. Great craftsmanship is obvious in these basses. Nice wood, quality hardware, and quality pots/electronics. My preferred bass was the unlined 4 string fretless with the ebony fretboard....very sweet, and the LaBella nylon wound strings were the perfect match.

Conclusion - super product...one that I'm considering very seriously. Besides the points made above, the fact that the design is remarkably better physiologically for the wrists/arms is another great selling point.

Thanks to Iotanet and crew for the chance to play these beautiful instruments!

Jay

Hi Todd,

I was one more that caught you at the CMS this weekend. Loved your set with the guys in the corner. It was fun to watch you walking all over the 6 and then someone else groovin on the upright 4.

One of these days, I'm going to have to get me one of those vertical 5's. (do they make a vertical 6?)

Hi Todd,

I was one more that caught you at the CMS this weekend. Loved your set with the guys in the corner. It was fun to watch you walking all over the 6 and then someone else groovin on the upright 4.

One of these days, I'm going to have to get me one of those vertical 5's. (do they make a vertical 6?)

Hi David,

Hey, the CMS was a blast!!! I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Yeah man, go get you a vertical 5. Great bass!!!

Right now Lee does not make a 6.....BUT....who knows??? Maybe if we keep bugging him he will!!! ;)

Thanks again for your thoughtful note.

God bless,

Wassup?
Hey Todd, nice to see you here............ yeah, I know I'm late as always.... geez, I'm really getting old :hmm:

When we'll see you back at the MI?

Hope everything's great.

Big hugs

Mo'

Wassup?
Hey Todd, nice to see you here............ yeah, I know I'm late as always.... geez, I'm really getting old :hmm:

When we'll see you back at the MI?

Hope everything's great.

Big hugs

Mo'

Hi Mo,

Always great to hear from you.

Alexis is threatening to have me back to M.I. sometime soon. We're just trying to find the right day. My schedule has been very hectic.......in a very good way. In fact, I just got back from filming my "electric bass technique" DVD. I'm hoping to have copies available by Christmas. Anyway......

Thanks again for your kind and thoughtful note.

God bless,

Hi Mo,

Always great to hear from you.

Alexis is threatening to have me back to M.I. sometime soon. We're just trying to find the right day. My schedule has been very hectic.......in a very good way. In fact, I just got back from filming my "electric bass technique" DVD. I'm hoping to have copies available by Christmas. Anyway......

Thanks again for your kind and thoughtful note.

God bless,

Great! Good to know!
Hope I'll see you soon at school.....

Happy Holidays!

Mo'

I have met Todd Johnson. There is much evil in him. Much evil. He did show me his booger collection though. :hyper: :scowl:

I just bought Todd's old Yamaha bass. Pretty nice, I must say.

Gotta' do something about the signature on the ramp though. Don't exactly want to change my name to Todd Johnson. We don't need two in this world!!!

I have met Todd Johnson. There is much evil in him. Much evil. He did show me his booger collection though. :hyper: :scowl:


Hi Trip.........thanks for the abuse!!! :)

Will I see you at NAMM this year??

I just bought Todd's old Yamaha bass. Pretty nice, I must say.

Gotta' do something about the signature on the ramp though. Don't exactly want to change my name to Todd Johnson. We don't need two in this world!!!


Can't blame you there Eric........I'm so glad that my old Yamaha has a good and loving home!!

We just have to get you a different ramp!!

Hi Trip.........thanks for the abuse!!! :)

Will I see you at NAMM this year??

Yeah I'll be there! 'Twill be good to see thee. Hope you had a really good Christmas. :D

So we'll all be at NAMM. New thread called for. Meantime, we're all worried about this ramp, and I'm the guy here with a few manual skills and 1800 square feet of sophisticated electrical tools all of which contribute to making any given piece of wood smaller. That being said, I know my way around ramps, having been at airports and loading docks, and I do have a pretty good grasp of working with asphalt, so I, Mr. Wylie, am obviously the one to rip that ramp outa there and replace it with a decent piece of tarmac. Just send that Yamaha 2manystring bass on down to Oregon and I'll get 'er fixed right up.

Did you want diagonal parking lines or parallel?

Lee "Save the Pavement" Barker

So we'll all be at NAMM. New thread called for. Meantime, we're all worried about this ramp, and I'm the guy here with a few manual skills and 1800 square feet of sophisticated electrical tools all of which contribute to making any given piece of wood smaller. That being said, I know my way around ramps, having been at airports and loading docks, and I do have a pretty good grasp of working with asphalt, so I, Mr. Wylie, am obviously the one to rip that ramp outa there and replace it with a decent piece of tarmac. Just send that Yamaha 2manystring bass on down to Oregon and I'll get 'er fixed right up.

Did you want diagonal parking lines or parallel?

Lee "Save the Pavement" Barker

Way to go Lee.........you found another use for all that wood working equipment!! Way to go!

Meantime, we're all worried about this ramp, and I'm the guy here with a few manual skills and 1800 square feet of sophisticated electrical tools all of which contribute to making any given piece of wood smaller. That being said, I know my way around ramps, having been at airports and loading docks, and I do have a pretty good grasp of working with asphalt, so I, Mr. Wylie, am obviously the one to rip that ramp outa there and replace it with a decent piece of tarmac. Just send that Yamaha 2manystring bass on down to Oregon and I'll get 'er fixed right up.

Did you want diagonal parking lines or parallel?

Lee "Save the Pavement" Barker

Hmmm.... Interesting offer. Perhaps I should just drive down with your necks, eh?? Personal delivery?

If I were to go for a Barker Bass, which I admit I am considering, I'd like it to be a fretless five string, but strung E-A-D-G-C. Not only would I not have to worry about the Oomph of the B string that way, but any gigs I'd be using this style of bass for I'll more likely want the more treble voice for soloing than I'll want the lower notes.

I'm sure you get these questions frequently, but ...

o Does the bass use standard bass strings?

o Is there a flight case available for it? (I live in Alaska and buying a seat for the bass isn't practical).

By the way, Barker's website is GREAT. I can't believe all bass makers don't post mp3's showing off their bass tones.

Thanks for the questions, Tom7. I especially like those I can answer, unlike Todd's, who often wants to know things like, "what's the square root of corn flakes?"

Doing up a nifty 5 string fretless with the tuning configuration you're requesting is no problem. I have done one like that for Ken Wacker, who lives in Colorado. His pic is on the "My Barker and Me" page.

Regarding roadcase, indeed. I have mine made by Mark at Rock Hard Road Cases. He does the bulletproof box and I do the custom foam insert. It's a good, practical solution to the flight problem.

I have no little pins in the Alaska part of my wall map. I'd be honored if you were the reason that gets changed!

Kindly,

Lee

If I were to go for a Barker Bass, which I admit I am considering, I'd like it to be a fretless five string, but strung E-A-D-G-C. Not only would I not have to worry about the Oomph of the B string that way, but any gigs I'd be using this style of bass for I'll more likely want the more treble voice for soloing than I'll want the lower notes.

I'm sure you get these questions frequently, but ...

o Does the bass use standard bass strings?

o Is there a flight case available for it? (I live in Alaska and buying a seat for the bass isn't practical).

By the way, Barker's website is GREAT. I can't believe all bass makers don't post mp3's showing off their bass tones.

Tom,

Hey, Lee beat me to the punch........(as usual!:D )

He answered your questions better than I could have.

Way to go Lee!!!

Happy hunting!!

Todd, I think we both get a C- on this one. He asked about scale length. Are we avoiding that? This might be the 34th time I've forgotten the answer. So I'm going to give you, oh, 3 - 4 minutes to answer on your own. If you don't, you've got to go do 34 laps and then take a shower in water that's 34 degrees.

Kindly,
Lee
IQ: 34

Todd, I think we both get a C- on this one. He asked about scale length. Are we avoiding that? This might be the 34th time I've forgotten the answer. So I'm going to give you, oh, 3 - 4 minutes to answer on your own. If you don't, you've got to go do 34 laps and then take a shower in water that's 34 degrees.

Kindly,
Lee
IQ: 34

Lee,

I'm gonna say it's..........(drum roll, please!)......

34

Hey, I have a knack for the obvious!!!

Your "humbled" servant,

Interesting ... I posted a response a couple of days ago and it hasn't turned up yet ... must be a glitch.

Thanks for the 34 humor, that was a fun way to answer. Unfortunately, I wasn't very clear when I asked my question. When I asked if the Barker Basses used standard strings, I didn't mean to infer standard string length. Actually, knowing the bass has a 34 inch neck is a major reason I am looking into it to begin with. What I meant to ask is does it use standard strings like we put on most electric basses, or does it use something funky like the silicone rubber strings of the Ashbury bass. I think I know the answer though: standard strings.

Well, I think my C- just got downgraded to maybe an F+. As for Todd, he was just swept along on my erroneous inference. I'd say it's a clearcut case of guilt by association and we ought to give him a passing grade. And he's such a nice guy.
Thanks, Tom7, for the clarification on your string question.

I've tried many strings on the basses and guess what--I've got my biases, as do others. Point, is, if you're used to Ferndock's Smedley-endorsed Unobtanium Compressed Cryogenic Ipod Compatibles in the new Cubit Gauge, string 'em up on your Barker and it's gonna sound great.

Often my preference for string has been driven by the color of the yarn on the winding end. If it matches my socks.

Kindly,

Lee

Well, I think my C- just got downgraded to maybe an F+. As for Todd, he was just swept along on my erroneous inference. I'd say it's a clearcut case of guilt by association and we ought to give him a passing grade. And he's such a nice guy.
Thanks, Tom7, for the clarification on your string question.

I've tried many strings on the basses and guess what--I've got my biases, as do others. Point, is, if you're used to Ferndock's Smedley-endorsed Unobtanium Compressed Cryogenic Ipod Compatibles in the new Cubit Gauge, string 'em up on your Barker and it's gonna sound great.

Often my preference for string has been driven by the color of the yarn on the winding end. If it matches my socks.

Kindly,

Lee


What Lee said!!

Ditto.........:D

A certified gymnastics coach, plenty of hot and cold compresses, and an ultrasound therapist should be on site, standing by.

A certified gymnastics coach, plenty of hot and cold compresses, and an ultrasound therapist should be on site, standing by.

Now there's 2 beautiful heads of hair!!!!!

Now there's 2 beautiful heads of hair!!!!!:eek:

Hmmmmm ... methinks the pot callest the kettle black! ;)

nice to meet you!, I am new here in this forum, Glad I am here...
So much to learn new things there/:hyper:

nice to meet you!, I am new here in this forum, Glad I am here...
So much to learn new things there/:hyper:

Welcome Mythikal!!

Take a look around.... Let me know how I can help.

Cool...:cool:

... I have no little pins in the Alaska part of my wall map. I'd be honored if you were the reason that gets changed!

Kindly,

Lee
By the way, Lee, you DID remember to put a pin in your map for Alaska and me, didn't you? :D

no, nope, negatory...or rather yes, affirmative, posolutely I forgot. And Alaska, more shame on me, was covered up by my periodic table of the elements (I can't explain that). So remind me again of the city and I'll place the ceremonial pin accompanied by "Fanfare for the Vacuous Bassmaker."

I apologize for the oversight.

Kindly,

Lee: