I had a very good friend, that lived near the
Smokey Mountains, of far eastern Tennessee...
He was a very good guitar player, and invited us and the band,
to travel and visit, to play music with him, one early fall weekend...
We drove all day, and got to his country place near Oak Ridge,
late at night. We were warmly greeted, put the instruments
up, and all retired, waking to the smell of fresh coffee, and
a wonderful country breakfast. His family was gracious,
then after eating, visiting and getting ready, we made
our way to the local music store, and then on out
to his good brother's place farther out, deep in
to the rolling hill country. Darryl, an awesome
home builder, with three houses on a nice
acreage. Who was awaiting our arrival, so
gladly helped us get our instruments out,
get all set up in the studio. We all just
smiled and played music. Really deeply
laughed, enjoyed some cold American
brew, and stayed all the sunny day
there, playing late into night. 'Till
we were all worn out, exhausted,
and gave out, all of us thoroughly
enjoying, as the time flew by...
There was a few guitar players and vocalists,
a great drummer, but no bass player. So I
gave up my spot at rhythm guitar and some
vocals, and thumped the bass, to everyone's pleasure...
There was no vain ego or pride, just guys
and gals playing music, taking turns singing
and playing different instruments and parts,
and having lots of fun. We would periodically
all take breaks outside, enjoying the still green,
beautiful Appalachian country side, and panoramic
views, that had been so painstakingly worked, and shaped...
Sunday afternoon, when it was time to go,
I remember hugging my musical brother.
Then he said, Don't we hang out n play
music, with some of the nicest people.
We shook hands, saying we'll all soon
do it again. So, drove back to the big
road, and happily headed for home...
We had all waved and smiled real big, pulling
out of Dayne's drive, saying "see ya later"...
Just a week or so later, I got a call, he had gone
on, died mysteriously in his sleep... So that was
the last time we all got to do that, and that
really made us all miss him, and very sad...
Dayne had his struggles, as most of us do, but
he kept on, and succeeded in life, though he left
his beautiful loving family, and his good friends
sad, at his untimely passing... He was always so
happy, and easy going, caring, with genuine faith.
He was one cool French English/Indian American hillbilly...
I'll always think of the time we spent together, in
them Eastern Tennessee Mountains, making music,
close to where some short centuries before, my own
Cherokee and Choctaw Indian Ancestors had lived,
hunted, and no doubt made music of their own.
I'm glad that I know, I'll see my good spirited and
very talented buddy, more like kindred brother spirits,
and once again, we'll pick the strings, laugh, sing, and smile...
A True Treasure of treasures...
...
