Graham Nash "Bus Stop" (excerpt) live in San Francisco 2-9-15

Like “Echoes from the Canyon,” there are stories I could tell about the vary-sized musical intersections between myself, The Monkees, and the individuals in Crosby Stills Nash & Young. Here’s another one: February 9th, 2015—I was at Guitar Center in San Francisco, helping a man named Will find guitar strings. A conversation unfolded and I learned he is the son of Graham Nash. They were both in town to promote an exhibit of Graham’s renowned photographs (he’s a technical pioneer in digital photography). I got excited, telling him that his father’s music has been with me since I was 9 years old, from The Hollies through Crosby Stills Nash & Young and GN’s solo albums. Graham’s 1971 SONGS FOR BEGINNERS album in particular was a touchstone for me during an unstable time of my life. Will said, “He’s playing an acoustic show at an art gallery tonight. It’s a private event in small place, and it’s going to be crowded, but if you can really make it I’ll get you a pass.” I confirmed, telling Will about my years working with The Monkees and particularly Davy Jones, who socialized with Graham in the 60s and told me stories about those halcyon days. Will said that I should mention that to his Dad.

One rainy bus ride later, I arrived at the packed gallery. I squeezed in and got this short video. Graham played the expected hits (“Teach Your Children”) and told amusing and endearing “back stories” behind his remarkable photographs and his songs—my favorite being how the young “full of themselves” Hollies almost snubbing the even younger songwriter Graham Gouldman (who’d go on to write hits for them and become one of England’s most successful artists).

The music ended and I lined up to say hello to Graham. However, the crunch of people wanting selfies and autographs dissuaded me from any in-depth conversation. After all, he was there to promote his photographs. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the set, the photography, and meeting everyone. Thanks again Will.

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Видео Graham Nash "Bus Stop" (excerpt) live in San Francisco 2-9-15 канала Johnny J. Blair Singer at Large