I became reacquainted with this tune over the past year after venturing back to Andy Hall’s first solo album by the same name. Every few seasons, I gravitate back to the gorgeous track ‘Letter From Prison’, which I’m proud to say made my Spotify wrapped, along with the numerous songs by the GOAT, Enya - who, of course secures the top spot each year.

Until this version of Redwing, I was only familiar with the song as played by a resident of my small town, aptly named, ’Red’. His instrument of choice was the autoharp, however, and I suppose you could say he strummed the splinters out of it.

Hearing Andy’s take on this old tune reminded me how freaking fun it is to play. Yet, until the exact moment that I’m typing this, I never knew the song had words. And like most folk songs - the uplifting melody is a bait and switch for lyrics about mourning and death. But I digress. Hearing Andy play also reminded me of Andy.

A few years after I moved to Nashville, Andy made his way down from Boston. And while there are more Dobro players bustling around these days, back then there were probably three of us in town under the age of thirty. When he arrived, he was playing this mahogany guitar by a luthier I cannot recall - and I loved the way it sounded in his hands. It was wonderfully frustrating and inspiring to hear him play. He would squonk, slide, and glide his way through any and every tune with the fluidity, speed, and agility of a Quarter Horse. His playing was relaxed, but had an unmatched drive to it. Something my inner angst would never concede and allow.

But what I really remember about Andy is his gentle kindness as a human being. He was always the most supportive of peers, and would be at every show routing you on and providing unwavering support. In a business that trains you to find flaws, he simply floated above it all.

Here’s to you, sir. Thanks for your friendship and for turning me onto Roger Williams.