Gary:
I agree with you... Don Mason comes very close to being a "National Treasure" as far as I'm concerned. Hmmm... I also have to agree with Willie Nelson regarding Emmylou Harris.
So sad to hear of your back pain. Sciatic Nerve Pain is not easy to live with or cure. I had to give up golf because of it. It would bring me to my knees when I swung.
Take care, my friend and if you find a cure besides surgery, please let me know about it.
Regards,
Dave rice