It's 4AM and I'm thirstier than a desert pharoah, but that's what I get for popcorn before bed. The motel offered "popcorn night", a perk I had never even considered... but as a traveler who does get his money's worth, was obligated to pack so densely it was like a little popcorn planet with its own gravitational pull. Well, it drew in my face, I can tell you that! And really, there are only so many three-trip dawn assaults on gratis continental breakfasts one can make. So, no backpack bagels or banana in the pocket this morning. I'm just happy to be here. But thirsty, man. Really, really thirsty.
How did I get here? Well I, Captain Scott, am on what my land down under friends may call "Walkabout." More of a drive-about really, but off on the road for business, adventure, and new horizons. Voyages in my little starship to "Explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations," quoth James Kirk. This is my chapter, and I am out seeking. My hands, wrists, and eyes are very grateful to Birdsong Head Luthier Jake Goede for, in Olympic terms, grabbing the passed baton and running like hell with it. On this past road trip I popped in to the Texas Hill Country and saw and played the latest of the most beautifully made Birdsongs ever. Basses that may have formed from client calls in, for example, a Florida hotel with a giant gold statue of a dog's ass by the front door, or taken deep in the Adirondacks, or aboard the housetruck Moondancer in a truck stop parking lot in Mississippi during near hurricane conditions. Call and be a part of your own adventure - I'm here for you wherever I am and the basses are the best value they've ever been with Birdsong absolute legend Jake hand crafting each one!
Here and now, though? I can tell you this - among other happenings and quests of this run, the legendary and much looked-for Birdsong doubleneck bass was found, and in a series of surprising twists involving 20 states, two vehicles, and an amazing pizza, is where it will spend its next chapter. The whole story of the bass itself is really something, including all of this, some of which will be told in time and some not. Much like the continuing chapters of Scott's Big Adventure, which began at 18, setting out in a '77 Dodge van with a duffel bag and a guitar to see what could happen. Here I am at 55 in a much newer Grand Caravan yet with duffel bag and guitar, seeing what can happen. Not a traditional journey for most, but certainly for me. This is how things start when you're me.
Also along this leg was delivered a wild, special order, lined fretless 6-string Bliss bass, in person, to this happy guy who let me play Birdsong 5-string #1 from many years ago. Client as a word feels a little cold; I have love for all of you, we're a circle of sorts. The extended Birdsong family. And, this kind of thing has happened over the years - Scott The Birdsong Guy popping over to hand you your new bass - magic every time, so much for me too. This chapter of my life and how my role in Birdsong evolved last year, kind of lends this time to... like, while we have this open window, let's jump through it, shall we? SO… there's a SUMMER SPECIAL on right now of 15% OFF... OR I WILL HAND DELIVER your bass, regale you with tales of music and machine, answer any questions, and eat your pizza. Now how's that for an offer, hah? HAH? Obviously, realities of season and schedule and location apply, but we can talk about that while we figure out the woods and whether you'd like a body-matching headstock veneer or gold hardware or what not.
Here's an inventory build that qualifies - one of the 20th Anniversary basses! A custom one-off Cortobass of spalted Texas pecan, a little real turquoise fill, some black walnut, figured maple, wild exotic cocobolo, and a Scott-carved full scroll! It just needs hardware and sound-makers and trim plates, and then to either be shipped off as a heck of a bargain or delivered by a little hairy guy with mirrored shades, fedora, and a guitar case. Do not be alarmed, that's the regular world disguise of the woodgnome; it's a GOOD thing! You will laugh, I will get to tell you eye-to-eye how grateful I am for you, and it will be so much more than a purchase... however cool obtaining a Birdsong may be. It's that so much more that really makes life, and the stories along the way that become our book.
In this moment that's you in your world reading this, me in another typing this up eating cold Chinese food (which, like cold pizza, is its own delicacy). Life is magic in either spot - it's up to us to work that extra bit in, or really just allow it to happen, wherever we can... to seek THAT in the moments while we attain and obtain and take care of business. That magic is what makes the stories and it doesn't always have to make sense if it makes for a great story.
Be well and stay tuned,
Contact anytime:
512.395.5126 (calls) or
birdsongbass@yahoo.com
Listening to: SO much music over the miles, but here are a few standouts. Herbie Hancock The New Standard is great jazz from familiar songs in outstanding fidelity; Van Morrison Moondance ("The caravan is on its way..." Yes it is, bud. It sure is...); and the Rolling Stones Exile on Main St. I've always been more of a Sticky Fingers fan, but loving this one on this drive.