March 1995...
Up till now, I'd only been to two Watson concerts. The first was
just Wayne. No backup vocals, no band, no DAT, just Wayne and his acoustic. And the
concert couldn't have been more perfect. Whether he was strumming or playing piano, his
sound was fantastic.
The second time I saw him, he was accompanied by a multitalented gentleman by the name of
James Dillingham. Now this guy can play some acoustic lead. Yeah! Just the two of them up
on stage. At one point Wayne was on a grand piano while James came in with a wonderful
sounding Saxophone... I believe the song was, "More of You". Wow. Talk about
chills.
Of particular mention on that evening....
during the intermission. I walked up to examine his gear on stage (he played at a local
high school auditorium/stage kind of thing). And.... there it was.... Wayne's dropped
guitar pick. It was just sitting there on the cold, hard, wooden stage. So, I picked it
up. Of course, I felt guilty about it later, so I wrote him a letter and enclosed a dollar
for repayment. (Which, incidentally, he says he never did get it.)
As for Wayne's equipment at this concert.... the only thing I remember was the TC
Electronic's Chorus and some sort of swell pedal. Even though Wayne travels light, this
one effect box was perfect for the occasion, giving a rich, lush sound to his acoustic
guitar.
The Letter
Here's a copy of the letter that I sent to Wayne, along with a $1 bill attached, and a homemade "postcard" with some numerous "check boxes" on it:March 9, 1995
Wayne Watson
3100 West End Avenue, Suite 820
Nashville, TN 37203
Dear Wayne,You’re probably wondering, "Why is there a dollar bill in here? Is this some sort of clever telemarketing scheme? Did someone feel they owed me more for my albums? Is this my IRS cash refund?" Actually, it’s none of those. You see.... it’s time for a true confession. Read on....
I recently enjoyed a concert by you in Sebastian, Florida, at the Sebastian High School. And, as you said, "You kinda have to want to go through here, don’t you?" Ha ha. Yep, you’re right!
Back to the dollar.... Just before the first break in the concert, while you were talking up on stage... something happened that I’m sure has never befallen you before: You dropped your guitar pick. Horrors! The audience gasps. What will Wayne do? Will he kneel down and try to retrieve it among the cables snaking their way across the floor? Will he bang into the microphone in the process? As the audience breathlessly awaits, Wayne reaches into his back pocket and... and... and retrieves another pick. "Don’t worry," he says, "I’m a professional." The crowd cheers! (Is this guy good, or what?!)
Well... during the break, I thought to myself, "Self, do you think that pick might be findable?" (Is findable a real word?) A quick trip to the front of the stage, and.... well.... there it was... laying quietly atop those snaking audio cords. Hey, and look at this! He even uses Fender Mediums! The same kind I like. Whoa, Dude!
But after the ride home from the concert... (A very well done concert, I might add. Even changed the life of a friend I brought with me.) ...I started thinking: if everyone took a pick from Wayne every time he had a concert... well, let’s see, 90 concerts a year times 25¢ equals....hmmm..... where’s that calculator? So, rather than mailing the pick back, I thought I’d buy it off of you. Plus give you a little more, to replace a few of those other "stolen" picks. So, there’s the reason for the dollar.
And now the quick mushy stuff: I’ve always enjoyed your music, Wayne. But I’ve never thought of writing to you... till now. I’ve listened to your music since your very first album. (Hey, that makes me pretty old...! Like you! ). Beautiful job on the Christmas one, too. And that hair style? Fantastic piece of work! It’s definitely you. (Or, is it Mel Gibson? Ha ha.) I’ve been playing guitar for just as long. The extent of my playing extends to playing church songs for my junior church kids (and then jamming with my headphones on at home). The one song (I’m glad you did it live at the concert) that everyone identifies me with, is Touch of the Master’s Hand. I think it probably has something to do with my last name being Masters. Oh well. (Incidentally, I love the new key you do the song in. I’ve got to break down and learn it.) Anyway, thanks for all the great albums that I and my family have enjoyed through the years. And, thanks for keeping everyone apprised of your family. You make it feel like we’re neighbors. Heavenly ones.
So, to wrap this all up, if you agree to letting me purchase your pick, please return the enclosed post card marked accordingly. I even put a stamp on it. (Pretty nice of me, huh?) If you return it, I’ll hang it up on the wall next to the pick. You don’t think I’d use it do you? Why, I’ve got all kinds of Fender Mediums.
Blessings,
Ron Masters
Haven't heard from Wayne since I sent this... oh, well. Maybe he'll see it here first.
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