DESCRIPTION:
This video clip comes out of my “favorite things” collection.
I’m guesstimating that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) aired this, in prime time, one summer night, … about thirty years ago, give or take.
I recall it was promoted as “the evolution of the electric guitar … hosted by (Canadian) Randy Bachman … who, at the time was well known as the leader of Bachman/Turner Overdrive.
The complete show ran for an hour. This clip, in my opinion was the best part of a show that was a disappointment that didn't begin to live up to its hype.
Generally, the show was poorly written and produced … typical CBC, most of the time, … although, I will admit there are times (though few and far between) when the Corp has surpassed itself. But this one was a stinker … lacking the sensibilities of Austin City Limits, for example ... and sticks in my mind for that reason.
This segment features Bachman, jazz guitarist Ed Bickert and the late (irreplaceable) Merle Travis,who, … I’m sure inspired thousands of budding guitar players.
A few years later, Randy Bachman was being interviewed on CBC radio about his career, … and he mentioned this meeting with Merle Travis … volunteering that the “’flu” Travis claimed to have was, in his estimation, the result of excessive alcohol intake. Merle Travis was known as ”a good ol’ boy” by his friends, who liked to bend his elbow with the best of them. Regardless, Merle Travis acquits himself well with his guitar ... although his initial interaction with Bachman is obviously stilted, ... in what appears to be their first meeting (other than to tune together, presumably) ... cold and unrehearsed. By the third and final number with Bachman and Bickert, Merle appears to be settling in and enjoying himself as these guitar players begin to cook. AND THEN IT ENDED!