Sorry this is a bit late but it's taken me longer to download the pics and form this post than I'd anticipated. (I actually wrote this out). So here goes;
As I sit and reflect 24 hours after one of the greatest experiences of my life aka The Georgia Roscoe GTG(which I hope will be an annual event
), I'll share with you all the entirety of my day as well as my experience overall.
When the guys that planned and hosted the event, began discussing what was to be the Georgia Roscoe GTG, I being my goofy self, slid into the discussion merely to interject humor in hopes of getting someone to chuckle.
Within minutes I recieved a PM from Joe (JOME77), not only with an invitation to attend, but an offer of transportation both to and from the event (Over 200 miles one way). That gesture alone should've foretold what was about to take place but.......
I immediately told my Pop of the GTG (and the gesture made) and I was given an "all go" from my Pop when he said, "Tell the guys I'll bring ya down, no problem.
I was "very excited"
to put it mildly. Like a child who'd been told they were going to Disneyland.
Well fast forward a little over a month (the anticipation was off the charts)
After woodshedding as much as possible
the evening prior had finally arrived. I'd gotten my Roscoe tee cleaned, packed everything away with only one problem, SLEEP!!!!
I (uselessly) hit the sack early, setting my alarm for 7 a.m. Along came 5:00 a.m. guess what? NO MORE SLEEP!!!!
After a whole lot of "Hurry up and wait", and a decently quick trip through the Georgia Woods, (Gard got sent through those same woods with his GPS
) I arrived "early" at about 1 P.M. (I beat Joe there
). We pulled into the parking lot to notice Dennis (bassWR) unloading some of his stuff. Dennis graciously greeted my Pop and I and walked us into his churches youth building (Beautiful place BTW).
I'd never had the pleasure of meeting Dennis, or conversing with him much here at TB that I know of but he was so open and receptive that within seconds it was as if we'd known one another for years. (Infact the first Roscoe I'd ever touched was Dennis' LG 2005)
After "Talking Bass"
with Dennis for a few minutes, Joe (JOME77) popped in. MAN that guy is a ball of positive energy (Which I love
). It was still early (Prior to 2 P.M. the "official" start time) so Joe set all of his gear up, as well as gave my Jazz Bass a teriffic setup. (Thanks Joe
) Once I sat awestruck at Joe's chops, he gave me my first shot at a Roscoe Fretless
. I swear I could hear the nearby dogs howling
. After noodling around on the fretless like a newborn fawn, we sat down and had the best barbecue I've had in Georgia
.
By that time folks started arriving and I went into full "OOH OOH, LEMME GET A PICTURE"
MODE
. Had the pleasure of meeting Deon (sha975) Roland, Mark, and several others including a terrific Air Force Bassist whose name escapes me(apologies) as well as Joe and Deon's wives, Joe's grandson and Deon's newborn. After all that I sat down, as I'd been running about like a duck in a shooting gallery.
My NFL threads arch nemises
(Gard) arrived a bit late. (Apparently he got lost in those Georgia Woods
. He mentioned something about banjos, porches and somebody hollering "Ooh Wee, We like 'Em Fellers from Norf Carolina"
I don't know
but I'd bet he headed back home via the interstate.
Now as promised, THE STORY TAKES AN UNEXPECTED TURN................
As Gard unpacked all the gear he brought (after exchanging pleasantries with everyone of course). I went back into picture mode. I got a shot of his electric upright and his "Rainbow"
Century 6. Moving right along across his massive stand of axes, I noticed(and was captivated by) a a very unique Century Standard 5. First thing that caught my eye was the beautiful blue finish (Blue is my favorite color). It took a second to notice the equally unique and beautiful inlay (A Dallas Cowboys Star
)
By the time all this registered I was all
and what the .... and all of that. I mean I was thinking what in the world is MR. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS doing with a bass with a Cowboys star on it?
Just as I turned to find Gard and ask him that very question, Joe stopped me to ask if I'd gotten my pics of ALL of Gard's basses (More specifically the CS in question). I explained to Joe how I loved the color and the inlay but.... WHAT THE HECK WAS MR. NEW ORLEANS HIMSELF Doing with such an instrument????
After a while of good natured ribbing from all in attendance THE BOMB WAS DROPPED
. The newly dubbed "Cowboys Roscoe" was MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:b assist:
.
They're lucky they didnt have an unconscious fat guy laying out on the floor
Apparently the guys in attendance (Gard, Joe, Dennis, etc) and a few who were unable to attend had gotten together and decided to welcome me into the Roscoe Family.
So through the generosity , caring and love of several guys that up and to that point I'd never met, and several I've yet to meet, I can humbly and graciously say;
I AM (LEGITAMATELY) A ROSCOEHEAD!!!!!!!
Needless to say I was speechless for the remaining duration of the GTG.
Gard knows all who were involved, and believe me I plan to thank everyone personally,
(It may be a while, I'm running on fumes
) but please don't take the duration of time as a sign of disrespect or lack of grattitude. NOTHING could be further from the truth. And to be honest I've not put the bass down since the guys presented it to me yesterday
Those that would like to remain anonymous, I'll contact everyone through PM, and I'll respect your wishes. If you're OK with it, please join in the discussions so I can elaborate further as to what this means to me.
For now I'll leave you with this;
As the GTG began (prior to the majorities arrival). Joe asked me "What drew you to Roscoe?" To which I replied, They look great, they sound great, and as of now I can say they play great
. And I continued, that my favorite part was the people. The ROSCOEHEADS
and the vibe of Family. How much I'm astonished at how everone had accepted and "taken me under their wing" as though I owned more Roscoes than Rocket Music has sold. And how I felt a part of the Roscoe Family.
Little did I know how much a part of the family I am.
As You're all well aware, It takes a lot to render me speechless.
But I was and still am indeed speechless.
So to all my Brothers from other Mothers, I say God Bless and Thank You to all of you
Sorry for being long winded but the entirety of Merriam Websters dictionary can't describe how I've felt not only the last 24+ hours but since joining TB and meeting you all.
With that, I'm off to learn to play a Roscoe
Thank You,
God Bless, Ray
