Roy, I just got it back from the luthier who was making some minor adjustmants on it, and I have put its third set of strings on it. (so I can pitch the high string to C# where it seems to want to live--not my customary C natural for a guitar that size) So I have only really played it with this set of strings for about a day, and don't really know much about it. My guess is, though, that when my hands find their way into the playing of it, my brain won't be much wiser than it is now. I think I'll be playing it more like a classicaal guitar than a twelve. I'll see if I can find those other photos.
Gordon

Thanks, Scott. Our chorus just resurrected Hearth & Fire (choral arrangement)for Anne Dodson's Winter concert last December. 'Twas fun singing it again.
Gordon

Hello Gordon,

Your song "Hearth and Fire" has been with me since I heard it on Denver station KVOD (John Wolf's 'Down the Earth' program) in the '80's. About five years ago I was on an offshore passage, as well as an emotional and spiritual journey, and came up with another verse:

Seas and winds be kind tonight
for sailors far from land

Free from harm and passage fair
until our journey's end.

Submitted in humble gratitude, Scott

Gordon, please tell us guitar players and other interested parties all about your Birthday 12-string, and maybe post some more pictures of it.

Indeed I remember you, Ken, and can still sing the chorus of that lovely piece Drummakill..."Give me your hand, for I'll not let it pass..." and yesterday got as far as " wild geese fly in o'er Drummakill and settle on Endrick water" Would you mind sending me the rest of the words? I've got the tune. Glad to hear you're doing well--still playing the pipes, I hope.
Thanks for checking in.
Gordon

My wonderful guitar teacher Barry Olivier introduced me to your song Turning Toward the Morning. I really love the melody and both the melancholy and hopefulness of the words, but I felt it ended too soon. One day while driving to work and singing it, another verse popped into my head. I had to sing it over and over until I could park and write it down.

I hope you feel honored to have inspired it:

Turning Toward the Morning
(by Gordon Bok)
Additional verse by Georganne Ferrier©December 5, 2007

When the winter moon is falling,
And the icy stars shine bright,
And you feel your heart is sinking
In the darkness of the night,
And the sun’s a long way coming,
There’s no promise of the day,
But your eye is always searching
For the morning.

Thanks for the songs,
Georganne Ferrier

Gordon hi, You may recall we met way back at Keith Festival in Scotland and then corresponded and you graceously praised my music and one of the songs I wrote way back. I am still singing Tune for November and others from your repertoire and now back on the road full time with a new line up. You can find me on www.kencampbellscotland.co.uk Your singing and broad repertoir remain a major influence for me. Also of course how a 12 string can be used most effectively to the point where I am now also using a 12 string Spanish Lute way up the top end as well. Hope you are well and thriving. Good luck to you and thanks. Ken Campbell Scotland

Ah, Jay, the real gifts are the love of it and the people who have given it to us and those who are listening for it. How can we go wrong if we just keep doing it?
Thank you.
Gordon

I had the wonderful opportunity to hear you at the Old Town School of Folk Music back in the mid 70s.

Thank you for bearing so gracefully and energetically the gifts you've been given.

Jay

Dear Gordon,

I love your songs and have learned several on my Celtic harp. Recently I had the honor of playing 'Brandy Tree' for a dying lady - and she gave me the last smile she ever had.

O-E-Dallay was the first song I ever learned on my harp... I totally love seals: they know the joy of play their whole life through, but when you look into their eyes you see the sadness of the Ages.

Thank you for your music.
Dot

Thanks, Valentine. Shows how often I listen to myself. There is, however, a traditional song about recruitment whose hero is (I believe) an Arthur McBride. That's what was confusing me.
Onward, then.
G

The Eric Bogle song about Willie McBride is called "No Man's Land." It's on Trickett, Bok & Muir's recording "The Ways of Man."

And hello to you both, Gordon and Carol. I hear you're snowed under up there.

Gordon, seeing the recent exchanges between you and Larry Meyer reminded me of an email exchange between you and me a couple of years ago in which I expressed hope for a DVD release. Since then the number of fine acoustic musicians with DVD releases has been steadily increasing. I would be so happy to see you in that group. Whether a live concert, or an instructional program or a guitar demo I think that such a documentation of your artistry would be a significant and valuable addition to our culture.

David

Hi Gordon,

Earlier this year we visited Australia, and driving between Coonabrabran and Warrumbungles National Park we came across Bert Bok Bridge. Is this the uncle you mention in the sleeve notes to "Glen Ava Farewell"?

Thanks, Anne; of COURSE it's Eric Bogle. I got two songs tangled up in my head, I guess. Not that uncommon around here.
Gordon

Dear Gordon,
Heard you several times in Scotland (Inverness, Ayr etc.), and would be thrilled if you were to visit again --Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow for two weeks each January?
Anyway, there was a mention of Willie McBride ; this was written by Eric Bogle, a Scot from the Borders now resident in Australia and probably best known for composing And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda.

Thanks, Al....hope you enjoy your time in Minnesota.
Gordon

Nina, that song about the river of fish is called Sarabande's Story, written by Valentine Doyle, aand I have recorded it for the next CD, which will be done some time this winter. Gordon

Many heartfelt thanks for your music over all these years. We so enjoyed the concert last night at Swallow Hill... laughed much, sang along, came home with a lighter heart. I have a request, since my memory is pretty bad: Can you tell me the name of the song you sang, from the point of view of the boat, where the fishes were a ribbon from horizon to horizon? And is it on any of your CDs? All best wishes to you and to Carol.

Mr. Bok,

A number of years ago a friend of mine who lives in New Hampshire played a song you sang and I liked it very much. Its title is probably William McBride. I've checked on the internet and I can't find your recording of this song. Can you possibly direct me to a place where I could purchase it?

Thanks.


Richard