Today’s post was written by Paul.
If you watched the video that I uploaded three weeks ago, where I discussed the future of the Blind Pig & The Acorn YouTube channel, then you know that at that time, I figured that I would not do a train song series this year and that I would just let the series end with last year’s videos.
At that time, I could not have imagined that instead, I would have the wonderful opportunity to bring the train series to a perfect climax with Doyle Dykes! I also had no idea that I would get to play with his son Caleb, who can pick with the best of them! If I could play the licks that Caleb plays at 4:59 in the video I’m sharing today of “Mystery Train,” I would work it into every song that I play! 🙂
Ever since Pap and I first heard Doyle Dykes play, back in the late 90’s, he has been one of my musical heroes. They say, “Never meet your heroes,” but I have never met a nicer person than Doyle! Getting to spend time with him and his son, Caleb, is something that I will never forget, should I live to be 100.
The first song that I ever heard Doyle play was “Nothing’s Too Good for a Friend.” The opening of that song requires such an intense level of coordination that I describe it as athletic. The opening of that song, as well as the rest of the song (and many others that Doyle wrote and performs), leaves absolutely NOWHERE to hide for the picker. In other words, it has to be played perfectly, or it just won’t work. Years ago, as I listened to the opening of “Nothing’s Too Good for a Friend” on the radio, I decided that it was being played by TWO guitars. I figured that Doyle had overdubbed another guitar part to support his playing. When we got together this past week, Doyle played it in front of me, and I saw that I was wrong! It’s just one guitar! He plays ALL those separate parts AT THE SAME TIME, on one standard guitar, using his thumb and three fingers. Doyle’s ability to process and execute so many things at once as a guitar player is nothing short of a gift from God, as is his ability to write such beautiful music.
Doyle is one of those rare people who makes you want to be a kinder, better, more humble person, simply by the example that he sets. It’s no secret or mystery to me what makes Doyle such a wonderful man. It’s the Light of Christ shining through him!
When I learned that it might be possible for me to collaborate with Doyle, my idea was that we could do “Wabash Cannonball” to end the train series (a tune that Doyle picks better than anyone), but thanks to Doyle’s suggestions, we wound up doing three other great train songs! It’s my great pleasure and honor to share these videos with you this year.
Thanks for watching, and remember, when you finish this video, head on over to Doyle’s channel to subscribe. If you subscribe to his channel, you’ll be helping bring his music to more and more listeners by feeding the YouTube algorithm. 🙂
You can purchase Doyle’s book, Lights of Marfa, at doyledykes.com. It’s truly a fascinating and inspiring read. If you buy it new, it also contains a companion DVD where you can hear Doyle perform some absolutely beautiful music, with help from his family and other legendary musicians.
“Mystery Train,” along with four additional uploads that will follow, represents a musical dream come true for me and Tipper.
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a copy of our cd Live to Never Die which has 18 of Pap’s original songs performed by Paul and 5 classic hymns performed by Pap. The cd is new in the wrapping, but the case has a crack in it. Leave a comment on this post to be entered. Giveaway ends November 8, 2024.
Paul
Original singles released on Spotify.
I can’t imagine you giving away a CD of Pap’s songs. Wow!!! Makes me think of my dad’s picking and singing. I wished I had a cassette tape of my dad. Back then wasn’t no CD’s. I would love to hear and have the CD.
Oh my more good music. I love to listen to all of you, and Paul’s train songs are so good. Thanks for the joy.
I just love to hear your brother sing and also your girls they are so talented!
I’m always in awe of the talent your family has – if only I had just an ounce of that! Thank you for sharing such great talent and music along with Doyle and Caleb today. I really enjoyed the music. Blessings on your week.
Thank you for the music! And for introducing me to Doyle. Now I can listen to music on his YouTube channel too!
We are all blessed by those who are musically gifted and share it! Thank you!
As I am oft say, them boys play faster than my pea brain can process it. I get a headache when I try to listen to it. I did subscribe to Doyle’s Youtube channel in the hopes of finding something played for simple-minded people like me.
I struggle with faith, Paul, still shaking off the bindings of the cult I was raised in. The things that bear witness to me are the beauty of the mountains I live amongst and musical talent. You have provided a welcome example of the latter in this video. Clearly a creator given gift on display. Thank you.
Well this sure was a nice treat!! Thanks for sharing Paul.
Thank you, Paul and Doyle and Caleb!
Doyle is one of my favorite YouTubers. I look forward to his Sunday String Along every week. I don’t recall how I found the channel, but I am so grateful that I did. His lessons are better than his guitar picking.
Can’t wait for the next episode.
I read Blind Pig & the Acorn everyday, but I especially look forward to Sunday mornings to hear what musical treat you have for us. It never fails to start my week off in a positive way.
WOW!!! Awesome picking. All I can pick is scabs off my scratches and my nose, but I love to listen to good music especially with strings involved. Guitar and banjos being my favorites. I listened to this one three times.
Jackie, I laughed out loud when I read your comment!! Loved it!
Great music as always!
I enjoyed this so very much! I will go to his channel and subscribe! Paul, you sang wonderfully right along with your picking. He and his son certainly can make those guitars talk! Thank you for sharing. God bless you and yours❤❤
Christ’s love just pours out of your entire family. A reflection of being truly born again! I have always wanted a cd from Pap & Paul. Thanks for doing these giveaways! 🙂
How wonderful!!! Beautiful music !!! So fun !!! Thank you for sharing !!!
Love this video. I am so happy to have found Tipper and you. Happy Sunday! God bless you!
Totally Awesome!! Paul, thanks for sharing the video. I am so happy you got to perform with Doyle Dykes and his son, Caleb.
All I can say is “wow!” That was amazing to watch and listen to.
Paul, your singing and playing is amazing! I have been a country music lover for 60 of my 75 years and you do that genre of music proud! To be the winner of Live To Never Die would be one of my best Christmas presents ever! Listening to Pap singing is so moving!! I’ll hope my name is pulled. May God’s blessing cover your family and all of your fans!
All I can say is Wow! Music and I are near total strangers. All I know is I heard some gifted picking. Just how gifted I couldn’t say because I have no context. Keeping on racing down the tracks. Here’s my wave as you go by.
You are all three pretty amazing musicians. I really enjoyed that and looking forward to the next video.
I love hearing you, Doyle and his son play. The train sounds are remarkable. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Would love to have the CD you are offering this month too!!
Don’t think I’ve heard that song performed so well. The guitar picking was amazing!
Wow, that was great!! I too can find the rain and a soft train whistle in the distance so soothing to fall to sleep. Great singing too Paul!! I clicked over to Doyle’s channel and subscribed. He can sure pick that guitar and his son is good too.
I’m so glad you got to fulfill your dream of playing with Doyle & Caleb Dykes! What an outstanding guitarist and entertainer! Thank you so much for this video & I look forward to the others to come.
I watched the video the other day and enjoyed it. I watched again and enjoyed it again this beautiful Sunday morning as I’m getting ready to go to church. Have a blessed Sunday y’all!
Live to Never Die sounds like a wonderful CD.
I would love a copy. I sing some of the songs I’ve heard on the Blind Pig and Acorn
Not something I would normally listen to, but I’m so glad I did. Thanks for featuring it. I love music and while I’ve never even held a guitar it was great fun to watch.
Beautiful music !! enjoyed listening over and over!! Thanks for y’all time and music
I think I saw wisps of smoke coming from the guitar strings. That sure was some good picking. Carolyn, I don’t think I have I ever heard Boxcar Willie sing anything I didn’t like. To me he always seemed so “ down to earth.”
While looking at the weather forecast for the upcoming week, it seems like the chance of rain will be the best it has been since the hurricane. I sure hope this does not add to the troubles of the ones suffering from Helene.
Music is what ties humankind together, no matter what differences we can have amongst ourselves, music will bring us together.
I think nothing is more soothing than rain at night with train whistles in the background.
Love all of the music you share. So glad you continue to cultivate your talents and preserve your dad’s work. And, seek out the musical talent of others to share.
Wow, what a treat to hear such pickin! I am thankful this collaboration came together.
God bless you Paul I’ll see y’all on YouTube
I’ve always enjoyed train songs….Boxcar Willie could do’em up good..
Paul, thanks for sharing the video. Were you in “hog heaven” singing and picking with him and Caleb?
Everyone have a great Sunday and do Jesus to someone!