Chet Atkins created his "Certified Guitar Player" list, including people like Tommy Emmanuel, Jerry Reed, Steve Warner.

While I'm not claiming to be in the same league as Chet, I will show my ego a little and make a claim at being qualified to assemble a list of "CMA's"; Certified Music Associates.

This is my list of people around here whom I would welcome as music associates on a regular basis, and enjoy a long-term music and personal association.

We would write, perform and record together, in an ever-changing combination.

1. VocaL-performance advisor-Tony Mads. Year after year, this guy cranks out the most professional sounds without "grandstanding" (like me). His track record, talent and common sense would make him an invaluable member of my CMA list.

2. Wolf. Man, this guy can sing and, after the initial "potty mouth" shock, you find a committed, talented pro who can cross generations, music wise, with a great understanding of vocal performance, structure and music taste.

3. Texas swing is neat, and I'd like this crew to be able to do that. Who else but Don Mason could guide that effort and add wit and long-term experience? I'd like to play real lap steel opposite his excellent work on keyboards.

4. B-3 jazz. Chas, who checks in every once in a while, is the guy with the taste and talent to contribute. I can see two B-3's playing opposite each other.

5. Uncle Dave brings music taste, the ability to arrange from a horn player's perspective and excellent vocals.

6. Chico Brazil. What a gentleman and player. He'd be the "Bossa Master". No group I'm in will ever overlook bossa.

7. Diki. No question about his knowledge of recording and his ability. What he brings is "Steely Dan" mentality...not necessarily the tunes, but the class and the ability to meld old style materials with the abundance of fantastic new material.

8. Boo. Bless his heart, he's a classic old "jazzer" and would be fantastic as an arranger, soloist and friend to all.

9.Nigel. Man, if he played Strat, I'd play octives against his lead with a 335. A few more years and we'd be like Ron and Kieth in the Stones (LOL)!

10. Rory. He's probably not have the time, but what better generalist to have playing "whatver's left" on whatever instrument is needed?

Folks, this is a "work in progress". It is not all-inclusive, but is my effort to recognize the talent and diversity here. I'll periodically add to the list and tell you why.

In a perfect world, we'd be KILLERS (Oh, I forgot to tell you, I'd be in the group, too).

That would be great!


Russ
(Be out-of-pocket for a couple of days-in Louisville, working on a film score for an automobile manufacturing company)

thank you, Russ ...

Putting me and Steely Dan in the same sentence is SO wrong!

But thanks!

Is Texas Swing when one guy gets two girls from Dallas? I'm all for it!
DonM

I'd play guitar with you anytime Russ. What a blast that would be And I still think we will outlive Ron and Keith

Didn't get nominated for a Grammy?
Maybe its your year for a Russy.

Eddie

Forgot to mention; Mason is about as tall and ugly as the Asleep at the Wheel dude (LOL).

R.

My list is.......

Uncle Dave Boyd my Mentor & dear friend, learned so much from the man....

Fran Carango super knowledgeable Musician, always there when you need him and beyond.

Gary Diamond a superb entertainer, & renaissance man for all seasons a true friend, would give the shirt off his back to help you..

Don Mason a super musician, southern gentleman & a close friend, I love the man!.

Dan O'Neil good friend, great Ketron demonstrator, a class act all the way thru the years..

Prince AJ Ketron Specialist always helpful, superb technical assistance, good friend.

Capt Russ lay, generous, helpful, knowledgeable, a dear friend.

James Tubbritt (Irish Acts) http://www.irishacts.com/ a good friend from across the pond & technical guru who has helped me in so many ways with my website designs....

And a big mention to my fellow musicians & dearly departed friends & great musicians RIP Hank B.& Joe Lee Williams good times will always be remembered.

There are many more you know who you are..