Thanks, Mary, Even though you posted this 2 years ago, it's encouraging me to post a few more of these in the days and weeks to come. Glad you like them. Oh, and "keeping sane" is a relative term. 🤩 My best, Happy

Al Cromwell was from down East I believe Nova Scotia. In Toronto he was on the same circuit as Ian and Sylvia tramping out to New York on occasion. Did the Yorkville scene, festivals, coffee hangouts. Early 60s the British came and out went folk it seemed. I wish I could say more on how someone has influenced us without us knowing. Probably when we remember and reflect as in this blurb. Sometimes we don't see the importance or effect of others on us as our lives interact at that moment. Is it that we are too busy in our own affairs to notice? Or simply just be kind and smile cause we not know how far it reaches to another's heart. And I know many of us already do this without me pontificating at the mouth. Al stayed with us several intermittent days at a time when he needed a place and safe with friends. He gave me his D28 which he gave a caring french polish and I returned some months later. It had done its time in and out of pawn. Early 80s my wife and I with 2 children had rented a 2nd and 3rd story flat on Dovercourt south of Bloor. Al supported himself by window washing. Respect to window washers. Could make a touching and challenging movie with the artist as lead. He found solace in Buddhism - the local center he regularly visited. He has a daughter. He left us too soon without giving notice. Luv ya Bud. Larry and Val

Hi Corey, I never heard of Al Cromwell, which isn't that unusual. Where was he based? If he was local then I probably would not know about him. In any case, I'm glad you like the lick. Thanks for responding. - Happy

@@HomespunMusicInstruction Al Cromwell never did any serious recording so I can't point you to a great album or much that would even confirm that he was active on the scene. As far as I know he spent most of his years in Toronto and played festivals like the annual Mariposa festival on Toronto Island in the 1960's. I used to see him now and then in the early mid 1970's in Toronto coffee houses playing the blues on his well worn 1959 Guild. He was a lovely guy with outstanding vocals and a very authentic blues guitar sound. He told me many stories of hanging with the old blues greats back in the day as well as hanging with a then unknown folk singer named Joni Mitchell before she left the 60's Yorkville scene here in Toronto and crossed the border to find fame and fortune. I believe Al passed away awhile ago and all that's left are fond memories of him belting out blues classics like few could. He once taught me a blues turn around and then casually mentioned that he learned that directly from Bukka White. It wasn't until years later that it dawned on me that I had some of my blues passed on by the early pioneers of the genre.

Thanks, Brian. By now they can be considered collector's items, or "vintage" at least. Much appreciated.

@@HomespunMusicInstruction I loved the Greatest Hits Vol 2 songs you did with Dylan. Played them over and over.