I went to the Fathers Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley last Friday. I mostly went to see and hear Molly Tuttle and family play. But I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that John Herrmann was there also. I neglected to notice that he would be there when I skimmed over the program, so when I walked within ear shot of his playing on the grass during the lunch break session I was delighted. So I got to sit within a few feet of him, and his partner on guitar, doing a presentation/demonstration of songs that he has studied up on that blacks and whites shared years ago, according to the history he has an interest in. I also bought his CD called Chicken Train, which is kind of along the lines of that theme of songs.
Listening to John play live and talk, I can tell you that he is one very approachable and interesting person to listen to. It' was really something to be able to interact with someone who I have so much admired and appreciated. And to have the opportunity and pleasure of being able to say directly to him, "You're one of my very favorites" as I was speaking with him for a few moments after the presentation was also a wonderful opportunity to have been able to take advantage of.
What I find from John's playing is that I like to listen to his tunes over and over again, which is one of the best ways that I know of to get a tune to sink in so that you can take it on and play it yourself.
John Herrmann! Wow, what a thrill it was to have met such a master of of old time banjo, and this great old time music generally.