As if the guitar around here isn't good enough, we have some quality philosophy lurking in obscure corners. "Get more gear' is the meaning of life. ...And as long as you are qualified -- to the extent that you are qualified -- yes, you should talk about politics and religion. They have a large hand in running the world. It's helpful to know how they work. I am a self appointed expert in both areas. I'm thirty-plus years of deep in the weeds research. ..I got this... Ahem.. okay.... Tom and The Meaning of Life...All life is suffering is the first principle of Buddhism -- and the First Law of Thermodynamics -- a series of beginnings and endings. Coincidence? You're in a closed system, Pal. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep collecting new gear, even if it includes reading glasses and a heated lumbar pad for the car. The religion expert in me says that Buddhism is a lovely religion, but it has a PR problem -- "All Life is Suffering" is the first thing that they tell people? You won't get many converts with that opening line... The Dali Lama has said he doesn't want people converting to Buddhism, he wants them to be more compassionate. Tom, your thinking is right up there with the Buddhist scholars, the Jewish mystics -- if you smoke enough weed, you're with the Christian hermeticists -- all they do is ramble with second guessing. As for politics: You're Paine and Jefferson in your heart; you're Franklin and Jefferson in your sense of humor; you''re Adams when it comes to the guitar (the man would not stop); you're Franklin and Hamilton with a checkbook. ...I think what all this means, Tom, is that you're supposed to write a musical comedy based on "1776" and "The Crucible."
Im always happy to hear you talk about your kids. I was fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with mine when they were little. The best part of my life. Enjoy it bro! It goes to fast….
Besides the outstanding musicianship, part of the fun is just listening to you tell your lifetime stories and experiences, it's like having a seat at the table of a family get together....you have brought a community together like no other....
I agree. As awesome as his playing is, his down to earth, no BS way of telling his story is the reason I come here. Of all the people on TH-cam, he's the guy I would just love to sit and have a beer with and talk.
" I PRACTICE when I'm drinkin, so of course I can PLAY when I'm drinkin." I think we just launched a new t-shirt Uncle Larry what do y'all think homeskoolers?
Bukovac you are something else. I'm 73 and playing for most of it, but winding down. Now you show up on my screen and I'm fired up, back on the frets and doing stuff I didn't know I could. Bukovac the guitar wizard, I'm inspired again thanks to you. Magic.
I remember Vince Gill’s daughther telling the story about her dad telling the Grand Ole Oprey “no” because he was playing guitar on a song she was singing at some little event at her school. I guess that tells us all we need to know about his view on fatherhood.
Uncle Larry, I couldn't finish the video! I was actually crying when you were talking about the kids, and I'm not really a cry baby. Just brought back memories of our only child that we spent every possible moment with and enjoyed every stage of growing up. What a ride! I still can't watch the hours of videos that we had made since he was an infant. I know exactly how you feel, you never want it to end. He's 29 now and became a doctor. Couldn't be more proud, but miss riding a recliner together watching Disney movies. Enjoy it, soak it in! I'm still fucking crying thinking about it, but it's awesome!
Hey Tom , lovely chat about your children. My son is 3 now. I work with a bunch of workaholics, we get pretty much get unlimited overtime and they guys tend to hit it pretty hard. One of the old timers gave me the best advice when I started. He said “ you can always make more money but you can’t make more time”. He was a good family man who put 5 kids through college. That was 15 years ago and it always stuck with me. Once those moments are missed , their gone.
I am not a musician, in fact, the only instrument I played was an alto saxophone for 2 years when I was in elementary school. I found your channel do to dumb luck. and I am so glad I did. I love to watch and listen to a guy that is so chill, and real. Period. Thanks Tom, Uncle Larry!
I think my favorite thing that I’ve learned from this show is how good of a dad you seem to be. I love all of the short videos you post playing with your boys. I put the thought of being a serious musician on the back burner in my early twenties because of having children. I wanted to be there for them as much as I could. I hope to retire from construction and play guitar for a living when my son goes to college. Hopefully I’ll have all of my fingers by then. I like Django, but I’d rather play with 10.
Everyone is fascinated with your left hand and your legendary use of your pinky but as a perpetual rhythm guy, I’m absolutely mesmerized by your right hand. As always, thanks for the FREE inspiration bro!
You are so right about enjoying those short bursts of happiness. My son is 23, and lives a couple of hours away, but he has been home for a few days. I posted a picture on Facebook, and it got so many great reactions: He came down into my mancave to learn "Ohio" by CSNY. The picture was of him playing it on my old Goldtop, and looking good doing it... And then he came back 10 minutes later and said: "Dad, you ´re playing it in the wrong key...!" Turns out I´ve been playing it in Am because of a singer I played with, but it´s in Dm... I was so proud of him using his ear, and of the relationship we still have. Happiness, right there.
Hey Tom, there are a lot of drawbacks to getting older, but in my opinion the biggest benefit of becoming an old fart is the perspective that your years can give you. I used to be my own biggest critic, and would beat myself up over any screw up, no matter how tiny. I write this because of your mentioning having self esteem issues. I can see what you are saying in how personally you sometimes take critical comments on this channel. You do know that most of the folks watching your videos think you're the greatest thing since sliced bread, and would happily listen to you play and ramble on for hours on end don't you? So my advice is if someone makes an dickwad comment, give it the attention it deserves and ignore it, and understand that you've done well, and better than a lot of people. Thanks for the great channel.
Wish I could sit around playing and have a chat with my friends that would be 1/2 as honest as what you just said Tom. My favorite TH-cam dude on the interwebby
I believe you just took us to church a bit here Tom. Thanks man. Preach it! That was a beautiful reflection on life. You worded that so perfectly and shared lots for anyone to be able to appreciate and reflect on. You have a beautiful heart. Your guitar playing is pretty decent too! LOL J/K. Hey bro, you are a beast. You are an old soul. I have been playing for 58 years now and I still love the little nuggets you throw out for us to catch and use. Appreciated. Keep them coming. Cheers and regards from Stratford, Ontario, Canada. 😎✌🎸
Keep on rambling, ole Tom. You totally chill the rest of your listeners and me. I broadcast you by texting links of your vids to my brothers (2) and sister (1) and friends all over the world -- just because you make everyone happy and content. Well done, you super nice and kind guy.
Neil Peart had a great quote about life. He said something along the lines of life is a lot of blacks and whites along with a lot of gray. But it’s those glimpses of color that make it worth living.
Unlcle Larry’s 6 string life lessons, on a Saturday morning with a cup of coffee before heading to a session in Atlanta this afternoon and this was is exactly what I needed today. Life is about the experience and the up’s and downs are all part of it, Thank you!
Brilliant! - "I think people respond to dynamics more than anything in music. Sometimes the way to get people to listen the hardest is to play soft with great intent".
Tom, your boys are lucky to have you as their father. You being there for them now at all their special and day to day moments brings joy to all of you and will imprint on them how to be good fathers. One of the greatest payoffs will be when they are grown men and still call you to talk or ask for advise. Enjoy them growing because it really does go by fast. You're a good man Uncle Larry. Proud to be in your class.
Hey, man. Good on you for taking care of your kids. My Dad is a musician who worked all day , came home for an hour or two to eat and catch a nap, then went off to play music till 4am. He missed a lot. I remember watching football and fussing at him because he couldn't stay awake. This was most of my childhood until i was in my teens. He was doing it for the money but i would much rather have had my dad around and been a little less flush in cash.
Willie Nelson and Mark Knopfler are my all-time favorite songwriters, guitar players and artists. Both are living legends. Both have unusual voices that people tend to either love or hate. I love them both so much! Willie wrote and recorded a song called If I Were A Painting. If you've never heard it, check it out. Mark's song, Telegraph Road, is one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. ❤❤
Hey Tom, I wonder if you see comments on these old ones, but what you said about photos and looking at old ones making you cry I can relate to. I wish it weren't the case. It's happening with music now too. I used to listen to music I loved as a kid and feel great about it, and now some of the same music makes me so sad I have to turn it off. I think it's about a break up I went through and the loss of our dog. I hope I can listen to that music again with more of a sense of gratitude than loss. Thanks for everything you talk about brother.
Unkle Larry, most of your music teaching goes right over my head. I know enough to realize that I wasn’t born to be a musician, but I do enjoy playing all the covers that I can play. Thankfully your channel contains more than just music. You just seem like an awesome human being, the long lost uncle that I never had😃
Uncle Larry, Otis, and Zac. My Nashville buds... The stories and the music are priceless and from the heart. But what keeps me coming back is the honesty, love, and passion for music. Thanks Session Man aka Super Dad
"I practice while I'm drankin', so of course I can play when I'm drankin'." Uncle Larryisms Lol That Paul Simon/ Weather Report like intro jam is awesome. Gonna borrow that.
This video is good enough for me to make two comments. You talkin about your mother blesses my soul bro. To think that our mothers would ever expect us to make it financially as a musician? We're lucky dude
Your outlook on life is spot-on! Life is tough and how we deal with adversity is key to how happy we are during those “breezes” and good times. I had a friend that suffered from a neuro-muscular disease. One day as he was having morning coffee with his caretaker his heart stopped. Later in the hospital he described the out of body experience he had during this. Said he was up in the corner of the ambulance looking down on himself watching the EMTs work on him. They defibrillated him and he said “it fucking hurt!” Afterward he described a warm bright light and said is was very comforting and he could have let go and gone to the other side. Instead he felt an overwhelming desire to live and came back. He told me that no matter how good we have it here on earth, life is hard. Three months later he died. His story made a big impression and always stuck with me.
Some of the fondest memories I have of my grandmother are when we used to play Rummikub every time I'd sleep over... back when songs had chords and games had boards...TV on in the background...probably Hee Haw or one of the Bob Hope specials. Those were the days Uncle Larry.
Dude, just wanna let you know that it’s still enjoyable to hear you do this stuff, even after all this time. Thanks so much. Always something nice to look forward to. Cheers.
Put my headphones on, closed my eyes, and went with you on that little car trip to somewhere. Man that was a fun ride. The world needs more of THIS. More more more
The good thing is the tough days are just a breeze passing through too, I always feel anyway. I think the part to remember is to not get attached to either the good or the bad days, they both pass. 😊
1:11 Man that really reminded me a lot of Lenny Breau records( aka CD’s ) I wore out years ago from playing them so much. Just phenomenal playing Larry. I really enjoyed your take on the Beatles Get Back film. Like you, I grew up on the Beatles…and my Dad, who played guitar in bands all throughout the late 1960’s and early 70’s and was a total hippie, when I became interested in the Beatles, he bought me every album in the order the were released and we would listen to every track and he would show me the riffs to all the tunes I loved. This was like 4th and 5th grade and the only other people who I could talk to about this glorious music I discovered were my teachers. But those are some of my best memories from my childhood. But back to the Get Back film…I was excited to see it and then I started hearing reviews that it wasn’t so great and it was a tough watch which surmised m…but I knew one day I would sit down and watch the whole thing and after listening to you break it down Uncle Larry, I’m definitely going to watch it now. I remember getting the Beatles anthology box set on VHS for Christmas when I was 11 years old and I watched those videos over and over and over. I remember blasting the White Album and Revolver through my boom box outside while we played street hockey. Uncle Larry, if you haven’t seen it yet, check out the video where Rick Rubin sits down with Paul McCartney and Rick interviews Paul and Paul really dives deep into all the tracks they wrote and there’s a lot of talk about George Martin’s influence and how he played piano on tracks and heard Elenor Rigby on the piano and took the piano out and transposed all the notes on the keyboard to orchestral instruments…just amazing shit. If you haven’t seen it, definitely check it out.
Hey Tom - 7 and 10 are the perfect age for you and the boys to start taking some road trips. Pack em up in the vehicle, with plenty of tunes and snacks and see some scenic America. One of my boys fav memories from around that age (they’re grown men now) is when we were driving thru the Painted Desert in Arizona listening to Joe Walsh, “Meadows”. We got to laughing at that silly scatting intro he does before he busts into the Asus pull off power chord and must have played 50 times in a row. Laughing our asses off in the middle of the desert as the late afternoon sun made the colors of the hills and sand come alive. I treasure that memory.
Loved that you shared what you did, particularly about kids and how they all grow up. I went through a lot of "wish I had more time" with both of my Daughters. BUT, what I learned was the amazing feeling and appreciation of having adult "kids". They are 21 and 28 now, and our relationships are at a completely different level. I spent 30 minutes talking to my oldest the other night as we were both sharing our appreciation for how great Scott Holiday is at creating "guitar landscapes" for the Rival Sons. I had such as huge smile on my face for 24 hours because we were able to nerd out together on music and guitarists. Life is full of chapters, each one has a different adventure in it.
Man I sure miss my kids when they were oh so young and sweet. Enjoy and savor every moment for sure. But don’t worry Tom, you still get to enjoy being a Dad in all stages of their lives. It’s just on a different level. Watching them make their way in the world as adults brings it’s own joy.
Larry, you rock, great philosophy, life is fleeting, Man I could smoke when I was younger no problem, I smoke now and I start freaking out over bills and crap like that
Wow everything you just said about having kids is so true. I have a 2 year old and a new born and looking at pictures of my two year old from a year ago kills me lol… love the channel!
I search for that feeling where everything in your hands is just right that day. It's weird how sometimes that feeling comes after days of playing instruments, others after days of not having time to play. Very mysterious.
Ok uncle Larry. You are certainly not alone. These memories that pop up on these media sites showing you your kids 5 yeas ago , 7 years ago etc all pulling on the heart string. Love hearing your acoustic playing and I don't know what's happening but your playing what looks like standard chords but the sound that coming out just bigger than what I see your hands playing. I appreciate you uncle Larry, for the channel, the music, and the stories. have a good one.
Love this episode... So many things in it touch my heart.. Beautiful guitar playing, your thoughts about dynamics, Willie Nelson solo on "All Of Me", fatherhood,and your memories of your mother were the best. I'm an old guitar player from East TN and Homeskoolin' rings my bell.. I also like Otis Gibbs channel. His show about Hank Williams Last Ride is incredible. Tom, stay well and keep the best content on the web coming!
Peace, young man. One of the most obvious characteristics which shone through from day one is that you're a great dad. You never delight in anything more than your boys. And they bring out the kid in you. Granted, it's something not terribly far from the surface at any moment, but the joy of being a kid immediately rises up when your own boys are around. That's a cool breeze if ever there was.
The way you snapped out of the trance 9 minutes in “wut?” I laughed so freaking hard Your authenticity as a human being is inspiring. In my experience self esteem issues stem from a deep desire to connect with others and getting burned 1 to many times. It’s a testament to the spirit within a person to build community and the hurts help the person build healthy communities since they already understand what it feels like to be left out and don’t want to leave others out. Much love from Cali
Thank you for saying that about your view on life. I’ve had many physical tragedies, and I never thought of it that way. Thank you. God bless you buddy.
Such memorable thoughts Larry. As a fellow east side of Cleve guy I can so relate. Mccartney’s song “Gratitude” (from Memory Almost Full album) is a good reminder of how to live, to stop and appreciate even the things that are gone.
Spoken from the heart, as Tom always does. I don’t have a great memory, and I don’t have a lot of photos of myself with my family or friends. But when I see old photos of my family and myself I also get so emotional, but I feel grateful for that moment in time I was able to share with them and also for being able to remember it after the fact. Life’s too short to be anxious and depressed all the time. Life’s all about the small things and the happy moments
Tom, I got two boys, 3 and 6, and I can totally relate. Mom was outta town the last couple days and even though being a single parent is tough, I definitely appreciated having cool dude time with my boys while they are still young and still think dad is cool…
The best stuff ever man! Always a pleasure to listen to you talk about your experiences and whatever else is on your mind. We love it! And please don't stop!!! I messed up a lot of stuff in my life and forgiving yourself is the most difficult part. You have to keep pushing forward and be better than yesterday. Thank you Sir for being yourself and speaking from the heart!
I appreciate what you just recommended about not hanging on to the joyful moments that blow into our lives too tight cause poof they're gone so fast but enjoy them when they happen. Thanks Tom , that was some shit I needed to hear.
Tom, it is so endearing and humanizing to hear a player on your level freely admit to struggling to tune a guitar by ear. After 25 years of struggling to get a guitar really truly in tune by ear, I am glad that I am not the only one. This was some fine playing, with tons of Uncle Larry signature sliding 4ths and other Larryisms.
As if the guitar around here isn't good enough, we have some quality philosophy lurking in obscure corners. "Get more gear' is the meaning of life. ...And as long as you are qualified -- to the extent that you are qualified -- yes, you should talk about politics and religion. They have a large hand in running the world. It's helpful to know how they work. I am a self appointed expert in both areas. I'm thirty-plus years of deep in the weeds research. ..I got this... Ahem.. okay.... Tom and The Meaning of Life...All life is suffering is the first principle of Buddhism -- and the First Law of Thermodynamics -- a series of beginnings and endings. Coincidence? You're in a closed system, Pal. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep collecting new gear, even if it includes reading glasses and a heated lumbar pad for the car. The religion expert in me says that Buddhism is a lovely religion, but it has a PR problem -- "All Life is Suffering" is the first thing that they tell people? You won't get many converts with that opening line... The Dali Lama has said he doesn't want people converting to Buddhism, he wants them to be more compassionate. Tom, your thinking is right up there with the Buddhist scholars, the Jewish mystics -- if you smoke enough weed, you're with the Christian hermeticists -- all they do is ramble with second guessing.
As for politics: You're Paine and Jefferson in your heart; you're Franklin and Jefferson in your sense of humor; you''re Adams when it comes to the guitar (the man would not stop); you're Franklin and Hamilton with a checkbook. ...I think what all this means, Tom, is that you're supposed to write a musical comedy based on "1776" and "The Crucible."
this earned a pin to the spitball wall of shame....but not to be spitballed....to be admired
I'm going to need you to carefully climb out of your own butt. Careful now.
[@@charlesblerzbo1616 what, in case he ends up in your butt, with you?]
Two things: Number one, this is brilliant. Number two, I just now discovered that I must be a Buddhist........
Im always happy to hear you talk about your kids. I was fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with mine when they were little. The best part of my life. Enjoy it bro! It goes to fast….
Keep rambling, that's why we tune in!
Thanks for this, it fells good to not be alone crying at the photos on the kids and ex wife
Besides the outstanding musicianship, part of the fun is just listening to you tell your lifetime stories and experiences, it's like having a seat at the table of a family get together....you have brought a community together like no other....
I agree. As awesome as his playing is, his down to earth, no BS way of telling his story is the reason I come here. Of all the people on TH-cam, he's the guy I would just love to sit and have a beer with and talk.
@@mileswatkinson8135 im going to find Tom, im going to have that beer.....someday!
He's my Dutch uncle.
Absolutely.
Tommy keeps getting better and better . So much love for the guy.
" I PRACTICE when I'm drinkin, so of course I can PLAY when I'm drinkin."
I think we just launched a new t-shirt Uncle Larry what do y'all think homeskoolers?
Something about the guitar and sipping just go together, but 'all play and no work make Jack a sloppy boy'.
Yes a great T shirt
Aah the limitations of incarceration are many
Bukovac you are something else. I'm 73 and playing for most of it, but winding down. Now you show up on my screen and I'm fired up, back on the frets and doing stuff I didn't know I could. Bukovac the guitar wizard, I'm inspired again thanks to you. Magic.
I remember Vince Gill’s daughther telling the story about her dad telling the Grand Ole Oprey “no” because he was playing guitar on a song she was singing at some little event at her school. I guess that tells us all we need to know about his view on fatherhood.
Uncle Larry, I couldn't finish the video! I was actually crying when you were talking about the kids, and I'm not really a cry baby. Just brought back memories of our only child that we spent every possible moment with and enjoyed every stage of growing up. What a ride! I still can't watch the hours of videos that we had made since he was an infant. I know exactly how you feel, you never want it to end. He's 29 now and became a doctor. Couldn't be more proud, but miss riding a recliner together watching Disney movies. Enjoy it, soak it in! I'm still fucking crying thinking about it, but it's awesome!
Sweet
…good .. I’m not alone with my tears. Uncle Larry tugs at the strings for sure .
My son is 30. I miss him a whole bunch being at home.
Uncle Larry first thing on a Saturday. It’s gonna be a good day.
Hey Tom , lovely chat about your children. My son is 3 now. I work with a bunch of workaholics, we get pretty much get unlimited overtime and they guys tend to hit it pretty hard. One of the old timers gave me the best advice when I started. He said “ you can always make more money but you can’t make more time”. He was a good family man who put 5 kids through college. That was 15 years ago and it always stuck with me. Once those moments are missed , their gone.
Radical as F! Afro Cuban South American jazz? Thank you ! 🎉❤
I am not a musician, in fact, the only instrument I played was an alto saxophone for 2 years when I was in elementary school. I found your channel do to dumb luck. and I am so glad I did. I love to watch and listen to a guy that is so chill, and real. Period. Thanks Tom, Uncle Larry!
I think my favorite thing that I’ve learned from this show is how good of a dad you seem to be. I love all of the short videos you post playing with your boys.
I put the thought of being a serious musician on the back burner in my early twenties because of having children. I wanted to be there for them as much as I could. I hope to retire from construction and play guitar for a living when my son goes to college. Hopefully I’ll have all of my fingers by then. I like Django, but I’d rather play with 10.
"Soft with great intent"... that might be a new mantra for me. Thanks again and again for your openness. Rambling never sounded so good.
the harmony is so existential now the jury is out if that's am easy thing to play or definitive love you man
A quote I've always remembered- " Life can be bearable, and sometimes even interesting, if you don't expect it to make you happy."
Everyone is fascinated with your left hand and your legendary use of your pinky but as a perpetual rhythm guy, I’m absolutely mesmerized by your right hand. As always, thanks for the FREE inspiration bro!
The right hand is what separates good guitar players from great guitar players. Tom has a phenomenal right hand!
I remember that pain of the kids getting older. But now the absolute joy of my grandchildren is overwhelming. The circle game. Love Joni lol.
You are so right about enjoying those short bursts of happiness. My son is 23, and lives a couple of hours away, but he has been home for a few days. I posted a picture on Facebook, and it got so many great reactions: He came down into my mancave to learn "Ohio" by CSNY. The picture was of him playing it on my old Goldtop, and looking good doing it... And then he came back 10 minutes later and said: "Dad, you ´re playing it in the wrong key...!" Turns out I´ve been playing it in Am because of a singer I played with, but it´s in Dm... I was so proud of him using his ear, and of the relationship we still have. Happiness, right there.
Another great story - thanks!
Totally get the felling
Hey Tom, there are a lot of drawbacks to getting older, but in my opinion the biggest benefit of becoming an old fart is the perspective that your years can give you. I used to be my own biggest critic, and would beat myself up over any screw up, no matter how tiny. I write this because of your mentioning having self esteem issues. I can see what you are saying in how personally you sometimes take critical comments on this channel. You do know that most of the folks watching your videos think you're the greatest thing since sliced bread, and would happily listen to you play and ramble on for hours on end don't you? So my advice is if someone makes an dickwad comment, give it the attention it deserves and ignore it, and understand that you've done well, and better than a lot of people. Thanks for the great channel.
This is one of my favorite Homeskoolin' hangs so far. Thanks Unc.
Wish I could sit around playing and have a chat with my friends that would be 1/2 as honest as what you just said Tom.
My favorite TH-cam dude on the interwebby
I believe you just took us to church a bit here Tom. Thanks man. Preach it! That was a beautiful reflection on life. You worded that so perfectly and shared lots for anyone to be able to appreciate and reflect on. You have a beautiful heart. Your guitar playing is pretty decent too! LOL J/K. Hey bro, you are a beast. You are an old soul. I have been playing for 58 years now and I still love the little nuggets you throw out for us to catch and use. Appreciated. Keep them coming. Cheers and regards from Stratford, Ontario, Canada. 😎✌🎸
Hell yeah! “People respond to dynamics more than any other part of music”! ❤
Pearls of wisdom Uncle Larry! Life's joys are fleeting but the reason we continue to put one foot in front of the other.
Keep on rambling, ole Tom. You totally chill the rest of your listeners and me. I broadcast you by texting links of your vids to my brothers (2) and sister (1) and friends all over the world -- just because you make everyone happy and content. Well done, you super nice and kind guy.
Neil Peart had a great quote about life. He said something along the lines of life is a lot of blacks and whites along with a lot of gray. But it’s those glimpses of color that make it worth living.
The reason for life, at least for guitarist is this channel. Tom Buddavac. Slainte’ Uncle Larry🍺
❤ yes, Otis did bring me here and it’s one of the best journeys I’ve ever musically made. Thank you, Tom.
Unlcle Larry’s 6 string life lessons, on a Saturday morning with a cup of coffee before heading to a session in Atlanta this afternoon and this was is exactly what I needed today. Life is about the experience and the up’s and downs are all part of it, Thank you!
Brilliant! - "I think people respond to dynamics more than anything in music.
Sometimes the way to get people to listen the hardest is to play soft with great intent".
Tom, your boys are lucky to have you as their father. You being there for them now at all their special and day to day moments brings joy to all of you and will imprint on them how to be good fathers. One of the greatest payoffs will be when they are grown men and still call you to talk or ask for advise. Enjoy them growing because it really does go by fast. You're a good man Uncle Larry. Proud to be in your class.
Hey, man. Good on you for taking care of your kids. My Dad is a musician who worked all day , came home for an hour or two to eat and catch a nap, then went off to play music till 4am. He missed a lot. I remember watching football and fussing at him because he couldn't stay awake. This was most of my childhood until i was in my teens. He was doing it for the money but i would much rather have had my dad around and been a little less flush in cash.
Willie Nelson and Mark Knopfler are my all-time favorite songwriters, guitar players and artists. Both are living legends. Both have unusual voices that people tend to either love or hate. I love them both so much! Willie wrote and recorded a song called If I Were A Painting. If you've never heard it, check it out. Mark's song, Telegraph Road, is one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. ❤❤
"soft with great intent" . . . that's a great concept for all of us guitar players to internalise and master. Thanks, Tom!
Session Man… My Man
Love the Larry
All soul
Hey Tom, I wonder if you see comments on these old ones, but what you said about photos and looking at old ones making you cry I can relate to. I wish it weren't the case. It's happening with music now too. I used to listen to music I loved as a kid and feel great about it, and now some of the same music makes me so sad I have to turn it off. I think it's about a break up I went through and the loss of our dog. I hope I can listen to that music again with more of a sense of gratitude than loss. Thanks for everything you talk about brother.
Unkle Larry, most of your music teaching goes right over my head. I know enough to realize that I wasn’t born to be a musician, but I do enjoy playing all the covers that I can play. Thankfully your channel contains more than just music. You just seem like an awesome human being, the long lost uncle that I never had😃
And that is why he is a stellar player that touches so many souls. HEART
I came for the guitar playing and I got life lessons as a bonus. I Wish I would have known this stuff earlier in life.
Uncle Larry, Otis, and Zac. My Nashville buds... The stories and the music are priceless and from the heart. But what keeps me coming back is the honesty, love, and passion for music.
Thanks Session Man aka Super Dad
We love the ramblings of uncle Larry
Wonderfully said, Tom. Thank you.
PG was my introduction to you! Always love checkin' in to hear some insanely inspiring playing and some calming wisdom - thanks for this
Ramble on dear Uncle Larry, We are here for it!!
Trouble with good times is sometimes there's someone there to ruin it
"I practice while I'm drankin', so of course I can play when I'm drankin'." Uncle Larryisms Lol That Paul Simon/ Weather Report like intro jam is awesome. Gonna borrow that.
Tom plays more interesting stuff in between sentences than I can play with no distraction.
This video is good enough for me to make two comments. You talkin about your mother blesses my soul bro. To think that our mothers would ever expect us to make it financially as a musician? We're lucky dude
Your outlook on life is spot-on! Life is tough and how we deal with adversity is key to how happy we are during those “breezes” and good times. I had a friend that suffered from a neuro-muscular disease. One day as he was having morning coffee with his caretaker his heart stopped. Later in the hospital he described the out of body experience he had during this. Said he was up in the corner of the ambulance looking down on himself watching the EMTs work on him. They defibrillated him and he said “it fucking hurt!” Afterward he described a warm bright light and said is was very comforting and he could have let go and gone to the other side. Instead he felt an overwhelming desire to live and came back. He told me that no matter how good we have it here on earth, life is hard. Three months later he died. His story made a big impression and always stuck with me.
Some of the fondest memories I have of my grandmother are when we used to play Rummikub every time I'd sleep over... back when songs had chords and games had boards...TV on in the background...probably Hee Haw or one of the Bob Hope specials. Those were the days Uncle Larry.
The music just flows out of him
thanks for the chat about your mom....I'm sure it made us all think fondly of our dear old moms
That right there was a stellar lesson about playing guitar and numerous, far-reaching epiphanies about life. Hell yeah!
5 guitars Tommy 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
Dude, just wanna let you know that it’s still enjoyable to hear you do this stuff, even after all this time. Thanks so much. Always something nice to look forward to. Cheers.
Put my headphones on, closed my eyes, and went with you on that little car trip to somewhere. Man that was a fun ride.
The world needs more of THIS. More more more
The good thing is the tough days are just a breeze passing through too, I always feel anyway. I think the part to remember is to not get attached to either the good or the bad days, they both pass. 😊
You nailed it Tom! Be content in whatever circumstance you are in, where you are & what you have.
1:11 Man that really reminded me a lot of Lenny Breau records( aka CD’s ) I wore out years ago from playing them so much. Just phenomenal playing Larry. I really enjoyed your take on the Beatles Get Back film. Like you, I grew up on the Beatles…and my Dad, who played guitar in bands all throughout the late 1960’s and early 70’s and was a total hippie, when I became interested in the Beatles, he bought me every album in the order the were released and we would listen to every track and he would show me the riffs to all the tunes I loved. This was like 4th and 5th grade and the only other people who I could talk to about this glorious music I discovered were my teachers. But those are some of my best memories from my childhood. But back to the Get Back film…I was excited to see it and then I started hearing reviews that it wasn’t so great and it was a tough watch which surmised m…but I knew one day I would sit down and watch the whole thing and after listening to you break it down Uncle Larry, I’m definitely going to watch it now. I remember getting the Beatles anthology box set on VHS for Christmas when I was 11 years old and I watched those videos over and over and over. I remember blasting the White Album and Revolver through my boom box outside while we played street hockey.
Uncle Larry, if you haven’t seen it yet, check out the video where Rick Rubin sits down with Paul McCartney and Rick interviews Paul and Paul really dives deep into all the tracks they wrote and there’s a lot of talk about George Martin’s influence and how he played piano on tracks and heard Elenor Rigby on the piano and took the piano out and transposed all the notes on the keyboard to orchestral instruments…just amazing shit. If you haven’t seen it, definitely check it out.
Hey Tom - 7 and 10 are the perfect age for you and the boys to start taking some road trips. Pack em up in the vehicle, with plenty of tunes and snacks and see some scenic America. One of my boys fav memories from around that age (they’re grown men now) is when we were driving thru the Painted Desert in Arizona listening to Joe Walsh, “Meadows”. We got to laughing at that silly scatting intro he does before he busts into the Asus pull off power chord and must have played 50 times in a row. Laughing our asses off in the middle of the desert as the late afternoon sun made the colors of the hills and sand come alive. I treasure that memory.
Yep, I do enjoy the rambling videos. I enjoy them quite a lot.
'breezes of joy' skoolin' at it's finest
your outlook on life is amazing.
Truly incredible playing 👏🏼
Willie is my mom's favorite as well. She named her Martin guitar after him. I still ask her permission to play it after 35 yrs!
Loved that you shared what you did, particularly about kids and how they all grow up. I went through a lot of "wish I had more time" with both of my Daughters. BUT, what I learned was the amazing feeling and appreciation of having adult "kids". They are 21 and 28 now, and our relationships are at a completely different level. I spent 30 minutes talking to my oldest the other night as we were both sharing our appreciation for how great Scott Holiday is at creating "guitar landscapes" for the Rival Sons. I had such as huge smile on my face for 24 hours because we were able to nerd out together on music and guitarists. Life is full of chapters, each one has a different adventure in it.
Nothing like a little “Larry and Lattes” to start your weekend! Amazing playing and great words my brother. Isn’t Otis great? Have a great day! ☕️🔥🎸
I downloaded this volume , good advice and a refreshing common sense approach to life. 👍✌️Tom
This rambling was as good as your best guitar video .
Thanks for sharing stories about your mom .
That was so moving . ❤
Loved hearing the stories about your mum Tom, very warming...
So very Cool. Found this video interesting, Informative and Entertaining. While enjoying a beer and a shot or 2 of tequila on a Friday evening. Cheers
Man I sure miss my kids when they were oh so young and sweet. Enjoy and savor every moment for sure. But don’t worry Tom, you still get to enjoy being a Dad in all stages of their lives. It’s just on a different level. Watching them make their way in the world as adults brings it’s own joy.
Larry, you rock, great philosophy, life is fleeting, Man I could smoke when I was younger no problem, I smoke now and I start freaking out over bills and crap like that
These are the best episodes - you're a great hang Uncle Larry!
I wish I could like this one more than once...peace on ya Uncle Larry🙏
Wow everything you just said about having kids is so true. I have a 2 year old and a new born and looking at pictures of my two year old from a year ago kills me lol… love the channel!
Wow.
Just heard him talking about working with John Fogerty... went to this and subscribed. Just wow.
"So many clams 🤣".
I search for that feeling where everything in your hands is just right that day. It's weird how sometimes that feeling comes after days of playing instruments, others after days of not having time to play. Very mysterious.
Ok uncle Larry. You are certainly not alone. These memories that pop up on these media sites showing you your kids 5 yeas ago , 7 years ago etc all pulling on the heart string.
Love hearing your acoustic playing and I don't know what's happening but your playing what looks like standard chords but the sound that coming out just bigger than what I see your hands playing. I appreciate you uncle Larry, for the channel, the music, and the stories. have a good one.
Love this episode... So many things in it touch my heart.. Beautiful guitar playing, your thoughts about dynamics, Willie Nelson solo on "All Of Me", fatherhood,and your memories of your mother were the best. I'm an old guitar player from East TN and Homeskoolin' rings my bell.. I also like Otis Gibbs channel. His show about Hank Williams Last Ride is incredible. Tom, stay well and keep the best content on the web coming!
Peace, young man. One of the most obvious characteristics which shone through from day one is that you're a great dad. You never delight in anything more than your boys. And they bring out the kid in you. Granted, it's something not terribly far from the surface at any moment, but the joy of being a kid immediately rises up when your own boys are around. That's a cool breeze if ever there was.
Kids are grown and I made sure I was there for all of it. I've loved all the stages. You have a lot to look forward to Tom.
The way you snapped out of the trance 9 minutes in “wut?” I laughed so freaking hard
Your authenticity as a human being is inspiring. In my experience self esteem issues stem from a deep desire to connect with others and getting burned 1 to many times. It’s a testament to the spirit within a person to build community and the hurts help the person build healthy communities since they already understand what it feels like to be left out and don’t want to leave others out. Much love from Cali
Dude thanks so much. Huge Willie fan. That is rad. Can’t stop smiling
Rummikub! man you brought back so many memories.
Thanks Tom for all you do for us homeskoolers. Can't believe how fast the last few years have gone by. Look forward to every lesson and life hacks.
Thank you for saying that about your view on life. I’ve had many physical tragedies, and I never thought of it that way. Thank you. God bless you buddy.
Such memorable thoughts Larry. As a fellow east side of Cleve guy I can so relate. Mccartney’s song “Gratitude” (from Memory Almost Full album) is a good reminder of how to live, to stop and appreciate even the things that are gone.
We love you man. You know that. But we literally friction' love you and there's a genuine sense of community around here. It's the best.
Spoken from the heart, as Tom always does. I don’t have a great memory, and I don’t have a lot of photos of myself with my family or friends. But when I see old photos of my family and myself I also get so emotional, but I feel grateful for that moment in time I was able to share with them and also for being able to remember it after the fact. Life’s too short to be anxious and depressed all the time. Life’s all about the small things and the happy moments
Tom, I got two boys, 3 and 6, and I can totally relate. Mom was outta town the last couple days and even though being a single parent is tough, I definitely appreciated having cool dude time with my boys while they are still young and still think dad is cool…
that was a great visit....
The best stuff ever man! Always a pleasure to listen to you talk about your experiences and whatever else is on your mind.
We love it! And please don't stop!!!
I messed up a lot of stuff in my life and forgiving yourself is the most difficult part. You have to keep pushing forward and be better than yesterday.
Thank you Sir for being yourself and speaking from the heart!
Thank you for this awesome episode and advice, I really needed!!!
I want to learn blues licks but I also appreciate being reminded to appreciate the breeze.
I appreciate what you just recommended about not hanging on to the joyful moments that blow into our lives too tight cause poof they're gone so fast but enjoy them when they happen. Thanks Tom , that was some shit I needed to hear.
Tom, it is so endearing and humanizing to hear a player on your level freely admit to struggling to tune a guitar by ear. After 25 years of struggling to get a guitar really truly in tune by ear, I am glad that I am not the only one. This was some fine playing, with tons of Uncle Larry signature sliding 4ths and other Larryisms.
They legalized weed where I'm from. Now no one goes at a 4-way stop sign.
....and that's the pedestrians. Can you find twinkies anywhere?
Twinkie desert now
...yup .. might as well not have a blinker on cars either😐
Love this ep. More story time with uncle Larry!