Indianapolis, Indiana

Packed the bags again for the final departure from Nashville before the tour ends, and we flew into Indianapolis for the gig tonight at the Murat Theatre. It was a capacity crowd of 2,476 and a more appreciative audience would be hard to find, they were great.

Before the show, my friend Frank Dean came back to say hello. Frank has a band called Sindicato that works very regularly up this way, is a singer, guitar player, songwriter and partner in the Dean Taylor Guitar shop. He came bearing gifts of ancient guitar method books, Al Caiola record albums, Down Beat Magazines and a pair of size 12 black Bostonian loafers belonging to the late great bluesman Yank Rachell. Yank lived in Indianapolis for many years before his death and Frank knew and played with him. Yank of course was the brilliant blues mandolin player on the Sleepy John Estes recordings of the late 1920's and early 30's. A long forgotten figure to the world, but a real hero to me and Mark. Size 12, big shoes to fill indeed.

A runner tonight to Chicago, so we'll see nothing of Indy this time except the lovely Murat Theatre and a good visit with Frank.

All the best,

Richard