https://app.box.com/s/kz2j6qynwi40rfqk1xmp5y3vqci1gmb2

Mike was a friend of 55 years. I wrote this upon Mike's death. His wife loved it.

Mike and I worked to co-design the ultimate resonator guitar (Dobro is a registered trademark) that was stillborn when the Japanese factory could not make a spider cone assembly to meet Mike's discerning ear.

Don

Wow!! Don, Mike was a friend. I wrote an article about him (actually an interview) for Pickin' magazine and I shot publicity photos for the Seldom Scene. Mike was the mentor of my friend who played Dobro in our bluegrass band. I had the privilege of playing with Mike a couple of times - motel room jams. On my phone typing - will listen soon.

Bud

Bud,

It was a quick job in BAIB. Definitely not ready for prime time, but Mike's widow loved it. Music that touches hearts accomplishes a special purpose in life.

I never met Mike in person but determined by letters and phone calls that he was a big-hearted gentleman. Immediately upon learning that fellow BIABer Howard Tate had terminal cancer, Mike sent him a couple unreleased tracks that Howard treasured until his death.

I was Import Agent for Kiso Suzuki, the Japanese violin maker. That was about '69-'70.

Would love to swap Mike Auldridge stories with you anytime

Don

PS: If you know resonator guitar players/makers, Rudy Jones bought parts from me also.

Mike went on to endorse Beard Resophonic Guitars who made a MA Model for him.

Mike sent me every vinyl LP that was available at that time (probably 8). He was a very generous friend.

Thanks for refreshing these wonderful memories, Bud.

Don

That's nicely done, Don.

Pleasant melody and well mixed.

floyd

Floyd,

Thanks for taking time to listen and especially for your encouragement. It was never intended for anyone but a grieving widow and she emailed me to thank me. QED.

Guitarist Nina Gerber for the late Folk singer songwriter Kate Wolf complemented my "Dobro ears" when I recognized Mike's distinctive picking on "In China Or A Woman's Heart" that Josie covers so beautifully. Upon hearing the title, I thought: Now, how is Kate ever going to resolve such diverse nouns - China; and a woman's heart.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14siRMH-9Uo

Agreed! That instrument has a wonderful emotional quality. Nice tribute!! Take care. Greg

Hi Don.

Well, that was just superb.

I can see why his wife loved it. A wonderfully emotive track which I had to immediately listen to again and which must serve as the very best tribute to your good friend.

Super stuff my old Irish pal.

ROG.

Greg,

Very much appreciated. Thanks for the ears and encouraging support.

Don

ROG,

Thanks so much, my friend.

Actually, the mix was strictly BIAB default levels. I seldom mess with the default settings.

You are too kind.

Don

That's a wonderful tribute Don. Mike was the most consistently tasteful musician I've ever listened to. His ability to wonderfully solo and provide incredible supportive backing to vocalists is, IMO, unsurpassed. BTW, the interview and photos I did for Pickin' were 40 years ago. Sheeesh!

Thanks again for the tribute and increasing awareness of an incredible musician and a very nice man. Indeed, we need to swap some stories some time. I have a few but my personal time with him was all in the 1970's although Janice and I both still listen to the Seldom Scene and his solo albums. "Blues and Bluegrass" is FANTASTIC!

Bud

Bud,

I've posted this before but it features Mike while stealing an extra instrumental break.

If you haven't seen this clip of The Seldom Scene you'll love it.

https://youtu.be/JaojfdxYsK4

Don, very moving tune - excellent arrangement and mix as well.

Bob

Thanks, Bob.

It's an example of "less is more!" I saw no need to over-produce it, just to let the Dobro "speak" to Mike's widow, I think that the track achieved that.

Appreciate your ears and encouragement, as always.

Don

This is a very great tribute, beautifully done. Would probably be warmly accepted by film library type people. They use this kind of stuff.

Great job.

Hi Don ...

That was simply lovely! Simple but with everything that was needed. I am a big fan of the resonator guitars. I have good friend who is one of the best in the business right now. His name is John Heineman. He's currently playing dobro, pedal steel, sax and clarinet with Ronnie Milsap's touring band. With your permission, I'd like to send him a link to this.

Resonator guitars have such a distinctive sound that can be mellow or exciting. Your composition here is mellow and such a treat to listen to. Great job, Don. And your mixing skills shine on this one. Di says "Hi, Don!" Best to you ...

Alan & Di

Al & Di,

I'd be thrilled to share with your resonator playing friends. Thank you.

I fear that the "fame train" done passed me by 40 years ago when I was turning over flat stones and cow-pies searching.

Let me know what they think.

Don

Hi, Donny !


You can feel the emotion
you´ve displayed when
writing those beautiful chords !
Your vailing for a good friend lost
shines true in every turn !

Take Care

Dani

Dani,

Your keen, discerning ear for harmony is especially appreciated.

IIRC, Mike was selected Guitarist Of The Year 4 times by Guitar Player Magazine but he remained the most humble, unspoiled artist you could ever hope to meet. Quick to jump in to help anyone. Dying Howard Tate is but one example known to me personally.

Nina Gerber named about a dozen other tunes that Mike backed Kate Wolf and Nina said he was a joy to work with in the studio.

Few guitarists have been so honored by the leading guitar magazine. Those artists who can remain "grounded" without forgetting they made it due to their fans tend to last longer.

Alan,

An album that you and Di would absolutely love by Mike is: "Eight String Swing" with Mike on 8-string resonator guitar. Upon pondering you kids style, you'd love it! I no longer have a means to play vinyl so I'll be happy to find it and send it to you. I will need some time though. It's at my home, not handy.

Inspiring.... I like that

David,

Thanks, my friend.

We've briefly discussed collaboration. If you can get this into the the hands of those "film librarians" you can take 50% for your efforts. I am extremely interested in getting a foot into that particular music market.

I can no longer sing or play but BIAB is the perfect tool for soundtrack creation.

Thanks again.

Don

Hi Don my friend. I can see you have been busy while I have been busy! Good on you. What a nice tribute. I am sure his widow was very touched.

Josie,

I asked Nina Gerber which additional songs that Mike backed Kate Wolf on. Here's Nina's reply just moments ago:

Hey Don,

I’m [not] sure of the exact songs, but can you look up Kate’s record “A Poet’s Heart”? That’s the recording he is on. I know he played on Slender Thread, probably on All He Ever Saw Was You. But it’s been so long, I can’t really remember.

Yes, things are crazy busy these. I guess that’s a good problem.

Hope you are well.

Nina

I am hoping to have Nina back you on your beautiful Kate Wolf covers. Wooden gnat kick the slats outta my crib? She's very busy right now but that goal for you is never for from my mind and heart.

Donny, your badly bent Oyrish cyber dad.

PS: Do you have Kate's "Poet's Heart" album? I'm checking YT right now. I am confident that Mike makes Kate even more radiant. What a wordsmith she was!

PPS: Actually, Mike finally succumbed to prostate cancer on the day before his 74th birthday, December 29th, 2012.

The list of recording artists that Mike backed reads like the "Who's Who" of popular music without regard for genre. He backed such great ladies as Emmylou Harris; Dolly Parton; Linda Ronstadt; then Blues artists equally well.

Mike's album "8 String Swing" demonstrates versatility as an artist.

R.I.P., my dear friend!

Don