Another one, about the Ed Bicknell talk during the Chet Atkins Musicians Days
X-Sender: donldson@mail.atl.bellsouth.net (Unverified)
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 1998 20:53:47 -0400
To: telegraph-road@knopfler.net
From: "Kenneth B. Donaldson" <kdonaldson@bellsouth.net>
Subject: TR-list: MK in Nashville
Hello my fellow TRoadies,
I just got back from Nashville (about 4.25 hours by car). I cranked up the
PC immediately and checked to see who of my fellow TRoadies in attendance
had already posted their reports. It would appear that some people are not
home yet, but I have a few additional observations to add to those already
made and yet to come.
I was at the CA Musician Days last year (when MK came out at the end for
one song!) so I was extremely anxious to see much more this year. We were
not disappointed! As Alex noted, Mark was greeted extremely well from his
very first stroll on stage. I didn't think that most people in attendance
even knew who Mark was, but his applause and standing ovations seemed as
long and genuine as for the Nashville icons Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings
(both have been in poor health). Mark responded to the outpouring of
affection and appreciation with sincere humility and humor. Mark was in
wonderfully witty form and had the audience in laughter on several
occasions. He mentioned that he had breakfast with Chet that morning ("as
one does") and told of how Chet had sent his grits back to the kitchen. I
wish I could remember more of the exact dialogue, but my brain was in
overload the whole evening!
All of the music was wonderful, and, as I told the rest of my group on the
way out, Sultans of Swing was worth the price of admission alone! It was
incredibly well played, better than any version (audio or video) that I can
recall. Of course being there probably had a lot to do with it, but
apparently I wasn't the only person so impacted.
The presentation of the Gibson guitar from Chet to Mark was another example
of their strong friendship. Mark was quoted in a local newspaper as saying
that when he presented Chet with the first "Chettie" at last year's
concert, it was the proudest moment of his life.
I did not attend the after-concert party, but Mark did not attend either.
I did not attend the MK Masters Session on Thursday, but my sister did.
She works at Vanderbilt University across the street from Blair Auditorium.
She practically ran into Mark and Ed when they arrived by taxi. She was
not big fan like me, but she went because she knew how badly I wanted to,
but couldn't (no reservation). She came away extremely impressed and I
think a new convert has been made. She also pointed out the MK humor and
wit. She did get to meet Mark afterwards, shaking his hand twice and got
MK to autograph the Musician Days flyer for me. It is signed "To Ken,
Happy Anniversary! Mark Knopfler" in large handwriting. The concert date,
June 24th was our 20th wedding anniversary! (My wife, whom gets overdoses
of things MK/DS from me, really enjoyed the show as well!). My sister said
Mark was taking time to talk with everyone getting autographs and was very
gracious indeed!
I did attend the Ed Bicknell session at Tomkats on Friday afternoon. Ed
spoke to a small audience of about 40 or so persons. Many were
songwriters, musicians, managers etc. There were some record company
personnel in attendance as well. It was a question and answer session
that, as Ed put it, "could last for 5 minutes or 2 hours" depending on the
involvement of the audience. He ended up speaking for about 2.5 hours.
Some of the highlights...
-MK was once approached by Ford who wanted to use his music to promote the
Ford Sierra. MK said something like "No, it's a piece of crap" and refused
to allow them the use of his music. As it turned out, Ford copied
Telegraph Road for their commercials, but just enough that legally it
wasn't copyright infringement. I think the music had to have 7 or 8 copied
notes in succession, but the copy always stopped short enough to keep them
(Ford) out of trouble. MK called Ed, told him they were using his music
anyway and he should have just said "Yes". It was a big contract (I recall
about US$750,000) and Ed said he fell out of his chair when Mark said "No".
-Ed said that David Knopfler didn't quit Dire Straits, he was DEFINITELY
fired!
-Ed had to wake Mark up just before session. Apparently he had a long
night (but not at the after concert party!)
-Ed made the observation that he and MK never discuss the possibility of a
Dire Straits reunion - it just never comes up in conversation!
-MK has taken a somewhat "self-indulgent" path with his new music, and that
although Ed hasn't always agreed with him, MK can certainly afford to take
a less commercially successful route at this stage of his career.
-I asked Ed if there was any chance of seeing MK play again during the
events that ran through today (Sunday). Ed said almost definitely not,
that MK and the Band would be in the studio exclusively.
-Ed is a very funny and frank speaker. He didn't hold back any punches
when talking about people he doesn't care for.
-Ed autographed my Notting Hillbillies liner. He said he would because he
did play on it.
-When the session was finishing up, Tom Morales (President of Tomkats, the
promoter of Chet Atkins Musician Days) brought a note to Ed and said that
VH-1 was interested in making a special or the concert. Ed indicated that
should be OK!
-Tom also said that CBS wanted to videotape some of Mark's Master Session,
but Mark said NO!
-Tom said that MK wanted less of a roll in next year's Chet Atkins Days,
but has apparently agreed to come back again!
-Tom is trying to convince Mark to bring the Notting Hillbillies for next
years event. COOL!
An incredible 3 days... my only regret being that I couldn't attend the
Master's Session (I think I could have gotten in if I had showed up!) My
respect for Mark Knopfler the musician, songwriter and man has grown
substantially as a result!!!
Sorry for going on and on - but for me and my fellow North American fans,
this was probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Come on '99!
Ken Donaldson
Lawrenceville, Georgia USA
kdonaldson@bellsouth.net
