Absolute gold Ray! GE tells these amazing stories so casually, I love it! Nov 4th, 1989 they played Fisher Auditorium at my college, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Hometown of Jimmy Stewart. I win the Bob Dylan campus scavenger hunt and scored two tix, front row center stage. They come out and open with Subterranean Homesick Blues, and tear it up. The whole show and experience of being so close while they played is something I’ll never forget. I remember so well when they did the acoustic numbers and GE was right there just barely outside the spotlight. It was incredible, couldn’t stop thinking about for weeks. And I still do all these years later. Keep up the great work and thanks!
Fantastic read. It was so good, I just couldn't wait to comment. It was so so good, I even went along and shelled out the dough to be a founder (and although I looked , I don't think I found her), and still just wanted to say, GREAT ARTICLE!
Another great one Ray! Wonderful to get GE on the record about his experiences. He was there at the beginning of NET (no matter what you call it!). Fascinating to hear his stories and get his inside look. Thanks!
When I would occasionally go on the bus with Bob or go in his hotel room or something on a day off, he’d be sitting there playing. And he’d be playing his ass off. I mean playing acoustic guitar, fingerpicking, super high quality. He can really play. I know that he’s had like carpal tunnel or whatever. He’s had troubles. His playing might be a little bit different than it used to be, but he could really, really play. And listen to stuff on especially the first six or eight records where he’s fingerpicking stuff. He’s a great, great guitar player.
Lovely interview! Smith is right up there with Koella and Bloomfield in my personal Dylan guitarist pantheon, and I'm happy you referenced that incredible "Water is Wide" from '89.
Great interview. I was at one of the early shows where Neil sat in at Mountain View, but way up on the grass, and had no idea who the guitar player boppin' all over the stage was. Learned later it was Neil! So is this going in Volume 2 of the book? Maybe you can get Neil too and some of the other people who've say in at different shows!
Absolute gold Ray! GE tells these amazing stories so casually, I love it! Nov 4th, 1989 they played Fisher Auditorium at my college, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Hometown of Jimmy Stewart. I win the Bob Dylan campus scavenger hunt and scored two tix, front row center stage. They come out and open with Subterranean Homesick Blues, and tear it up. The whole show and experience of being so close while they played is something I’ll never forget. I remember so well when they did the acoustic numbers and GE was right there just barely outside the spotlight. It was incredible, couldn’t stop thinking about for weeks. And I still do all these years later. Keep up the great work and thanks!
Fantastic read. It was so good, I just couldn't wait to comment. It was so so good, I even went along and shelled out the dough to be a founder (and although I looked , I don't think I found her), and still just wanted to say, GREAT ARTICLE!
Big appreciation you two. I love reading the interviews and remembrances…
This was nice! Thanks to both of you.
The icing on the marvelous cake that is Pledging My Time!! Working your way towards Volume 2??
Thanks! Feel so lucky that I got to see GE and band with Dylan two times. Great shows.
Great interview! Thanks to you both. nm
Another great one Ray! Wonderful to get GE on the record about his experiences. He was there at the beginning of NET (no matter what you call it!). Fascinating to hear his stories and get his inside look. Thanks!
I LOVE that you got this quote Ray:
When I would occasionally go on the bus with Bob or go in his hotel room or something on a day off, he’d be sitting there playing. And he’d be playing his ass off. I mean playing acoustic guitar, fingerpicking, super high quality. He can really play. I know that he’s had like carpal tunnel or whatever. He’s had troubles. His playing might be a little bit different than it used to be, but he could really, really play. And listen to stuff on especially the first six or eight records where he’s fingerpicking stuff. He’s a great, great guitar player.
Thanks Ray- another great one. 👍🏻
GE needs to do an autobiography if he hasn’t already. Great post.
Lovely interview! Smith is right up there with Koella and Bloomfield in my personal Dylan guitarist pantheon, and I'm happy you referenced that incredible "Water is Wide" from '89.
Fantastic stuff! A completely enjoyable, illuminating read, as per usual.
Great interview. I was at one of the early shows where Neil sat in at Mountain View, but way up on the grass, and had no idea who the guitar player boppin' all over the stage was. Learned later it was Neil! So is this going in Volume 2 of the book? Maybe you can get Neil too and some of the other people who've say in at different shows!
Sooooo great!
Amazing !!Thanks!! My dream interview that I wished was in your book !!