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Marty,
I'll try not to make this annoyingly long! My name is James, and I've been a fan for an awfully long time. I just wanted to tell you how much of a positive influence on my life you've been, even though you don't know it!
I started playing guitar seriously at about 13 back home in Cincinnati, OH. At the time, I was really into metal and shredding. I was that crazy kid that would shut himself in his room with a metronome and guitar and see how fast I could burn Yngwie licks!! I started getting burned out after a few years, and was playing a lot less.
My mom suggessted that if I got a teacher, it might rejuvenate my intrest in guitar. I got my first real guitar teacher when I was 15. This guy was (and still is) an incredible guitarist. At my first lesson, he asked what type of music I was in to. I told him I was into guitar heroics, and he popped in Go Off! and said, "Check these guys out!" I was absolutely blown away. I can honestly say that was one of the most awakening musical experiences for me. Needless to say, I was dazzled by the technical brilliance, but more so by the amazing musicality. It was the first time I had heard your (and Jason's) playing, and I was instantly an addict, and completely reenergized about guitar.
I went to the store and bought your entire catalog. I had never, and still haven't, heard anyone with the unique sense of melody and phrasing that you possess. You are one of the few guitarist in my mind that possesses a completely unique sound. Your wicked combination of phrasing, melody, harmony, and technique was completely on another level, and you were my musical idol. I've been lucky enough to see you play a few times with Megadeth. Even though I've never met you, a friend managed to get my ticket autographed by you! (Thanks!) On the lighter side, I really dug the hair as well, and you single handedly inspired me to grow my hair out. (Just got it cut last year, and still kind of miss it!!)
When I heard you were releasing Scenes, I bought it immediately. Before I heard it, I hadn't really been exposed to music other than rock. I can't begin to tell you how you opened my eyes with Scenes. It opened up a whole new realm of listening, as well as musical creation for me. I starting wondering what else was out there, and the snowball started rolling.
I starting listening to world music, jazz, blues, new age, and especially classical. You definitely gave me a great gift by opening my eyes to the infinite supply of diversity in music. Since music plays such a central role in my life, I can honestly say that through your music, inspiration, and willingness to take chances and try new things, you have improved the quality of my life.
Even though I never became a guitar hero, I still play quite a bit. I'm 26 now, so I've been a huge fan for 11 years. I still listen to your stuff all the time. Instead of wearing it out and getting tired of it, I can honestly say I enjoy it more with each listening. I can't wait until the new stuff is out.
Sorry to drag this out, but it is really cool to have this outlet to try to thank you for all your great tunes and inspiration.
Thanks for everything,
James Jones |
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