Almanac Music: In The Shadow of Hank B. Marvin
Tony Forbes and his red Fender Stratocaster
My good mate Tony Forbes is a brilliant guitar player, a master of the Fender Stratocaster, a fabulous raconteur, and a font of information on all things musical.
Last week Tony presented a musical tribute titled ‘In The Shadow of Hank B. Marvin’ for the Colac U3A group.
In Tony’s tribute he recounted the story of Hank B Marvin’s beginnings, the background story leading up to the formation of The Shadows, and, in particular, how Hank’s distinctive guitar playing came to define the sound of The Shadows throughout their lengthy and successful career.
The Shadows were the premier instrumental band of the late 50s and early 60s, and like most budding or beginning guitarists at that time the first songs you learnt to play were those from The Shadows repertoire.
One aspect of Tony’s presentation that was most enlightening were his explanations and demonstrations of how Hank created the specific and distinctive sounds from his guitar, sounds which of course correlated with the development and history of the solid body guitar notably that of the Fender Stratocaster, and how he played them.
With his red Fender Stratocaster, Tony superbly demonstrated those intricate sounds and effects Hank B Marvin used and obtained with his playing, and together with Tony’s explanations enabled all in attendance to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the music of The Shadows.
Well done Tony, great show!
Check out Tony’s rendition of ‘Apache’ he played for the Colac U3A.
All images CGR.
More from Col Ritchie can be read Here
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About Colin Ritchie
Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.
U3A can offer so much, Col. I did a bit of refresher German after I retired. The session you refer to here sounds great.
As for Hank and co., my favourite was ‘Sacha’.
It was a fantastic show you produced Tony. Time to take it on the road!
Fabulous, Tony
Do it again, please!
Sandra
Loved it!
Great show with a well researched commentary along with lots of music.
Please don’t make this a one-off, Tony. It’s really a top tribute that is worthy of doing at other venues.
#TonyForbes