Thanks Hank!

[drakula63]

Long ago in a town far, far away…

The music writer/reviewer on my local paper wrote something less than complimentary about Hank. This would have been 1994 I think. Naturally, I immediately penned a response. To be fair, the journalist in question was a friend of mine and we often exchanged banter. He took my missive in the spirit in which it was meant and thus printed it. I shan’t name him, or the paper, but here’s the piece in question…

[John Boyd]

Well done Chris.
Methinks that the music writer, would have penned something quite different had he been
fortunate enough to enjoy a Hank performance from 2015. His mastery of the gypsy jazz style is superb.
Cheers,
JB

[iefje]

I don't think Hank's guitar playing is limited in any way. He is able to play melodic tracks (to some ears easy to play), but he is also capable to play more progressive stuff. One only has to listen to his solo work to know what I mean. "The Hank Marvin Guitar Syndicate" is quite progressive I think and also his guitar playing on the Marvin, (Welch) & Farrar albums. The Shadows' albums from "Shades Of Rock" (1970) to "Live At The Paris Olympia" (1975) also feature more of this style.

[drakula63]

I remember reading an interview with Hank, many years ago, in which he said that there were a great many guitarists out there better than him and that he didn't practice enough! I think that must have been what I was getting at when I said that Hank knew his limitations. I am guessing that since the end of the Shadows he has had far more time to practice and this has obviously yielded spectacular results. I think Hank always had it in him, but, by his own confession, didn't practice enough. I can only wonder what music journos everywhere are making of Hank's gypsy jazz stuff, as I can't say I have read any reviews.

Back in 1994, I was playing the drums in a heavy rock band and I know it came as a surprise to many that I was into the Shads. One particular conversation springs to mind in a music shop on the subject of the recently released (1992) full concert edition CD of 'The Shadows Live at the Paris Olympia.'

But that's another story...

[Allclaphands]

Testament to Hanks particular style of playing and tunes is that many top guitarist have learnt
and played the same tunes as him there might be some difference in the way there played ect.
but are they as good technique wise as Hank's is very much debatable he is a master guitarist in
his own way and versatile enough to play other styles and tunes ect.

Pete

[GoldenStreet]

I can only wonder what music journos everywhere are making of Hank's gypsy jazz stuff, as I can't say I have read any reviews.

These reviews seem pretty positive...

http://blogcritics.org/music-review-han ... os-castle/

http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p10143.htm

http://lance-bebopspokenhere.blogspot.c ... astle.html

http://hankmarvingypsyjazz.com/hank-mar ... os-castle/

Bill

[tolo]

Listen....you know what they say about opinions...right?

The fact is that - however you look at it - Hank has had an indelible impact on guitarists all over the world. Yes - some of those he inspired have gone on to have a more 'global' appeal in terms of commercial success. I think he would actually regard that as much a tribute and 'success' as anything he has done?! The fact is that nobody has had a bad word to say about Hank - all of his famous 'disciples' only ever say glowing things about him - both professionally and personally. That is the mark of the man. But I guess being a nice guy doesn't automatically qualify you to be a 'legendary guitarist'.

Technique - well again very subjective. Is it how you play or how many you play that counts... Personally I think one supernatural note in 20 seconds is better than 100 notes over the same time period... I am always amazed that - despite the amount of discussion and forensic information regarding his equipment, style, guitars, and the amount of care and detail that thousands of us - his imitators across the world take into trying to sound like him - nobody really does.

The moment Hank plays the guitar - any guitar - he is the one and only Hank. Surely that is the stuff of legend - we get close but still are a million miles away from whatever magic he has. Personally I would love to sit and watch him play 1:1 - even play along. I know I would still be mesmerised. I have never met Gary Taylor - but I think even he, having the honour of playing alongside H, would admit to being a little starstruck every day... Probably even David Gilmour & Mark Knopfler too.

Anyway - he is the reason I play the guitar - and that is good enough for me.

[MeBHank]

Listen....you know what they say about opinions...right?

The fact is that - however you look at it - Hank has had an indelible impact on guitarists all over the world. Yes - some of those he inspired have gone on to have a more 'global' appeal in terms of commercial success. I think he would actually regard that as much a tribute and 'success' as anything he has done?! The fact is that nobody has had a bad word to say about Hank - all of his famous 'disciples' only ever say glowing things about him - both professionally and personally. That is the mark of the man. But I guess being a nice guy doesn't automatically qualify you to be a 'legendary guitarist'.

Technique - well again very subjective. Is it how you play or how many you play that counts... Personally I think one supernatural note in 20 seconds is better than 100 notes over the same time period... I am always amazed that - despite the amount of discussion and forensic information regarding his equipment, style, guitars, and the amount of care and detail that thousands of us - his imitators across the world take into trying to sound like him - nobody really does.

The moment Hank plays the guitar - any guitar - he is the one and only Hank. Surely that is the stuff of legend - we get close but still are a million miles away from whatever magic he has. Personally I would love to sit and watch him play 1:1 - even play along. I know I would still be mesmerised. I have never met Gary Taylor - but I think even he, having the honour of playing alongside H, would admit to being a little starstruck every day... Probably even David Gilmour & Mark Knopfler too.

Anyway - he is the reason I play the guitar - and that is good enough for me.

We really need a "like" button on this website!

[Derek Misselbrook]

Listen....you know what they say about opinions...right?

The fact is that - however you look at it - Hank has had an indelible impact on guitarists all over the world. Yes - some of those he inspired have gone on to have a more 'global' appeal in terms of commercial success. I think he would actually regard that as much a tribute and 'success' as anything he has done?! The fact is that nobody has had a bad word to say about Hank - all of his famous 'disciples' only ever say glowing things about him - both professionally and personally. That is the mark of the man. But I guess being a nice guy doesn't automatically qualify you to be a 'legendary guitarist'.

Technique - well again very subjective. Is it how you play or how many you play that counts... Personally I think one supernatural note in 20 seconds is better than 100 notes over the same time period... I am always amazed that - despite the amount of discussion and forensic information regarding his equipment, style, guitars, and the amount of care and detail that thousands of us - his imitators across the world take into trying to sound like him - nobody really does.

The moment Hank plays the guitar - any guitar - he is the one and only Hank. Surely that is the stuff of legend - we get close but still are a million miles away from whatever magic he has. Personally I would love to sit and watch him play 1:1 - even play along. I know I would still be mesmerised. I have never met Gary Taylor - but I think even he, having the honour of playing alongside H, would admit to being a little starstruck every day... Probably even David Gilmour & Mark Knopfler too.

Anyway - he is the reason I play the guitar - and that is good enough for me.

We really need a "like" button on this website!

I'll get Bob Dore to alter the Donate Button to the like button !! that should be fun...