jack_beuthin - Posted - 03/04/2019:  14:19:01

Many of you will remember Bill Martin who posted his music here until he passed away a couple years ago. I always enjoyed and was deeply moved by his simple and elegant style, and have been listening to him a lot lately on his old YouTube channel (Carl Martin channel). I am so happy that his music lives on through the Hangout and YouTube, and I am busy downloading it all just in case. Anyway, listening to him inspired me to put my hands to a church hymn that he recorded that has a wonderful melody. He played it clawhammer style, but I gave it a go with two-finger picking as well as clawhammer. So this is my remembrance of Bill Martin on this day, and a reminder that simple ain't so easy (but Bill sure made it sound easy).

Hats off to Bill Martin and the delightful legacy he left us!

VIDEO: Old church hymn (instrumental)
(click to view)

 

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 03/04/2019:  16:37:00

Thank you Jack.



Bill was a wonderful musician and a wonderful man.

We were lucky to have made his acquaintance here on the BHO.

May he always be remembered.



For those of you who may not have known, Bill was also a U.S. Marine,

and he fought at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. We speak of "The Greatest

Generation", and they were, but every generation of Americans down to this day contains

great men. Sadly, the Korean War is often referred to as "the forgotten war". Among

Marines, those who fought at the "Frozen Chosin" are legendary as they should be to

all of our citizens.



PBS Chosin Documentary trailer:  youtube.com/watch?v=cpLM4vtsAdY





 

banjered - Posted - 03/04/2019:  17:10:33

I sure enjoyed Bill's music too. Just happened to listen to his rendition of "Angel Band" two days ago in his Doc Watson-ian voice. Bet he is in some angel band now. R.I.P. Bill. banjered

JanetB - Posted - 03/05/2019:  08:14:05

A sweet tribute, Jack. Bill’s Rye Whiskey has 77 likes. He wrote he never had a beer before noon because he valued his wife’s approval. We have lost a wonderful soul on this earth, but will see him again in heaven.

mbuk06 - Posted - 03/11/2019:  01:56:30

Bill typified the quiet, undemonstrative folk musician for whom the medium is central rather than the messenger. There was always a sense with his music that it was shared rather than pushed in our faces for self publicity. The reason for that is simple; he had the rare ability to be able to connect emotionally with listeners through his music. That is an unmistakable quality for those with the sensitivity and care to be receptive.



Too many are swayed to endlessly discuss and admire the technical bells and whistles - the 'how' - when actually facility is relatively easy. Artistry - the ability to express heart and soul through our music is the often overlooked treasure.



I'm sad Bill is no longer with us; but happy that he did what he did and shared it here.

Edited by - mbuk06 on 03/11/2019 01:57:42