Terry Kingen and Toy Christensen in Hawaii

It was so fun watching Guy and Terry jam on those old dusty acoustic guitars. We started teasing Guy about how he emulates Jimi Hendrix so well and how I want to learn how to play the Guy Johnson “Monkey Finger” lead guitar. Guy informed us that for him to really cut loose would require the electric guitars. So he broke his Stratocaster out of the case and handed Terry a beautiful Gibson SG, and the following video emerged.

Although Guy’s voice is completely trashed, you will get the Jimi Hendrix-like flair that he has. And Terry’s no slouch either! This particular kind of music is not his preferred style. In the future, I will post some videos of Terry playing his rockabilly music ,which is his featured spotlight!

We have this fantasy looming in the world of “possibilities”: that I will move to Seattle and we will start a blues band. Who knows?

Here is the video that occurred when the acoustic guitars got put away and we turned on the amplifiers and pulled out the electric guitars.

As you watch the video, you’ll notice that in the middle of a guitar solo, Guy decides he needs to adjust his amplifier. So while playing the guitar one-handed, he gets up out of his chair walks over to the amp, and never missing a lick, makes the adjustment and comes back and sits down just in time to sing the next phrase of the song. You’ll notice towards the end of the video that he does it again standing and moving over to adjust Terry’s amplifier.

Everyone Has a Light to Shine on The World

Guy Johnson

I really want to drive home the point that any time we create an environment of joy, celebration, encouragement, and support, we are shining a light in the world. I would love to have all of my friends gathered in this basement on this night to feel the magic that was flowing in the air. It didn’t matter that we were not in front of a crowd. It only mattered that we were together: friends sharing who we were (and are) at our core, being with each other. This brought such joy and happiness to each of us, I continue to lie in the beauty and powerful energy of that evening.

So shine your light! Let the world hear you, whether it’s in your shower, your basement, or in your car. Sing, dance, play an instrument, drum, be poetic . . . Whatever it is that brings joy to your heart, take time each day to do it. Share it where ever you can, and realize that it is bringing the energy to the world. That is the important part, not how many people see or hear us.

Begin to create vortexes of joy everywhere you go, and please share your stories.

Three friends 30 years later!

As I travel around and talk to people, my primary messages is about people shining the light in the world. Most of the time people hear me talk about this, but think about me standing up on stage in front of a large group of people teaching or playing my drum. But on my recent trip to  Seattle, something occurred to me. We can shine our light in the world where ever we are and through whatever it is we are doing.

The story goes like this: a couple years ago I reunited with some old friends. They were friends that I had played music with back when I was nine years old. We played together all the way through our high school years. I moved to California right after high school and lost track of my friends. Then, 40 years later . . . okay, that’s just not right! 30 years later we reunited in the most fantastic way. Every time I go to Seattle, I get together with my friends Terry Kingen and Guy Johnson. They are both phenomenal guitar players, and they are both uniquely different. It is an absolute joy to play with them because they both bring such tremendous talent to the world in their own unique styles.

Guy Johnson

Guy Johnson

At 10 years old, Guy Johnson had an old Fender Stratocaster. He was a tall, lanky kid with fingers about a foot long that could move like lightning. Guy had a profound love: Jimi Hendrix. And at 10 years old, Guy could play a lick-for-lick and note-for-note any Jimi Hendrix tune.

I remember when the Led Zeppelin II  album was released. On one of the songs was a very fast and technical guitar solo done by Jimmy Page. I remember little Guy Johnson putting the album on the turntable, putting the needle on the album, and then by hand turning the record slightly slower than 33 RPMs. Each note of the guitar solo was very apparent at the slower speed, and after listening to it three or four times, Guy turned the stereo off, picked up his guitar, and played the solo note for note. It was absolutely unbelievable.

At that time I didn’t know anything about “channeling.” But now I realize that Guy had the ability to tap in to certain energies and literally channel them through his guitar. He really used to piss everybody off because if he heard it, he could play it! Anything!

Terry Kingen

While the rest of the world was listening to Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and the Beatles, there was Terry  Kingen. While we were in the garage jamming out blues licks, bending strings within the blues box, and trying our best to be rock ‘n roll stars, Terry was studying with the most masterful teachers in the Seattle area. He was listening to the great jazz maestros. He was emulating Frank Zappa, John Cole Train, Capt. Beefheart, John McLaughlin and the Maha Vishnu Orchestra.

Terry Kingen

Terry was on the outer stratosphere of another galaxy compared to all of us. The difference between Terry and Guy was that Guy could play it, and Terry could tell you every single note of it and how it relates to every other  note and how that related to the chord progression that was holding the space for the solo to occur.

Simply said, Terry was, and is, a musical genius! He is my guitar teacher and mentor. His gift is that he can take his complex knowledge of music and put it into very simple terms, so that even a guy like me can understand.

Discovering Joy in Guy’s Basement

I’m so grateful to have these men in my life. Terry, Guy and I had a wonderful, spontaneous experience on my last trip to Seattle. Terry and I went over to Guy’s house, picked him up, and went out for a burger. After dinner, we went back to Guy’s and slid down the stairs to the music room where Terry and I picked up a couple of old, dusty acoustic guitars. That’s when we went into an amazing blues jam.

Me, being the newcomer at the guitar and not being in the same league as those two, chose to pull out my iPhone and take footage of this masterful, spontaneous combustion of music. And it occurred to me as I was listening with a feeling the joy that filled the room as this great talent was expressed that we bring our light to the world whenever we shine, wherever that is. I realized that in the basement of Guy Johnson’s house was a vortex of great joy created by three friends getting together and sharing their gifts. No spectators, no recording. Just three open hearts connecting in a beautiful way to bring the gift of music to the world.

Setting an Example for Shining Light Into the World

Every time we open our hearts and step into the place of joy and passion, we are shining a light in the world. We are creating a vortex of joy that brings good energy to the planet.

I hope as you watch this video that you’re able to feel the fun that we had that night. Guy had sung for hours the night before and his voice was trashed, but it didn’t prevent him from shouting out the lyrics as best he could!

As you get caught up in the playful energy of this evening, please remember to bring your gift to the world. Shine your light into the world as often as you can! I hope you enjoy.

Toby and Guy Hanging Out After a Gig

In previous postings I’ve talked about the amazing joy that I have experienced reuniting with some old childhood friends with whom I used to play music. One of these friends is Guy Johnson. On my last trip to Seattle, I was able to spend quite a bit of time with Guy. He is a kindhearted person who takes good care of his family, works hard, and is one amazing guitar player! On a video posted at my website www.healingdrummer.com I show a video of Terry King, Guy Johnson and I in Guy’s basement, jamming on acoustic guitars and having an amazing time.

This kind of joy of spontaneous music is what has been such a wonderful element throughout my life. It occurred to me that afternoon that joy, connection, and creativity is not just a good thing when it is presented on a stage or before a large group of people. I thought driving home from that afternoon that if this was the last experience that I had in my life, it would be a great one.

Shining Your Light in Public or with Friends is all Good

The night after our informal basement jam, Guy was performing at a benefit concert to help a friend raise money for medical bills. The video below is one of my favorite songs of Guy’s. He has an uncanny ability to channel Jimi Hendrix—he has since he was about nine years old. It was so interesting to watch Guy as a young child listen to Hendrix play, pick up an old Stratocaster, and play note-for-note what he heard Jimi playing. Well, some things never change. Guy, in this video, shows his amazing talent and doing it for the good of the community that he is part of.

Spontaneous Footage

I was sitting at a table in the restaurant where the fundraiser was being held, and Guy begin the first few notes. I knew the song he was going to play and fired up my iPhone. Although it is not a professional film quality, I think you get the idea of how amazing it is to be in the presence of this gifted musician. You’ll notice that at one part of his solo in the middle of the song, he goes out into the audience where he plays his guitar with his teeth, a spoon from the table, and some mysterious object handed to him by one of the men at the table. Either way, Guy Johnson is a consummate performer and amazing entertainer. He knows how to win the hearts of the people he plays for.

Whether it is in the basement playing an old beat-up acoustic guitar, or on stage with a crowd of people, Guy always comes from the heart. It is my pleasure to share with you this video of my good friend. Please check out other videos of Guy Johnson on YouTube and, of course, at TobyChristensen.com.

Another member of the gang is named Guy Johnson. All I can say about Guy it that he is an enigma. Now some of you are saying, “Isn’t that some new age musical group?” Well, that is not what I’m talking about. By definition an enigma is, One that is puzzling, ambiguous, or inexplicable. This fits Guy to a tee. And it is because of this he is loved so much. I met him when he was 10 or so and when he found out I was a drummer he said, Lets get together and play! By saying yes, I had no idea what I was in for. Guy was not just a kid guitar player. He was able, at 10 years old, to match the skill of Jimmy Page, Lesley West, and Joe Walsh, note for note on the Strat.

BUT Guy’s claim to fame was his ability to imitate the greatest of all, Jimi Hendrix, note for note, fret for fret, and at 10 years of age! When he played it was not only deafening in volume but entrancing how THAT music could be coming from that skinny little kid!

The other thing about Guy is that he had zest for life. He is the one human being in the world who has done more drugs and drank more alcohol than anyone I know. His wild antics combined with his sweet smile made you love him and hate him simultaneously.

As a child, I had a deep love for Guy and admiration for his talent. I still do. I tried over the years to find him but was never able. Then it happened. A friend who you will meet on a future entry called me out of the blue. As we talked, I asked if he had any idea where Guy Johnson was. Or if he was even alive! “Yes, he plays in a band here in town once in a while,” my friend replied. I happened to be in Seattle at the time and when I looked up Guy, there he was AND he was playing that night just a few miles away. When I saw him I could not believe my eyes. He still maintained that same high energy and looked amazingly healthy. I found out later that Guy has been clean and sober for 16 years. I’m proud of you, Guy! That is a HUGE accomplishment. 

The other thing I realized as we got together a few days later to jam, is that Guy’s love and passion for music has not diminished one bit. I was honored to play with he and Terry and another member of the gang, Joel Bisset, one night in Guy’s basement. It was like when we were still in grade school or junior high.

Guy was so on top of things that he even set up lights for us! I felt like I was back on stage.

Guy Johnson has become a man of great character, conviction, and intention. He cares for his mother and girlfriend and plays music as much as possible. He is bright and uplifting to be around and is still having the boys over to jam. When I saw Guy’s mom it was like going back in time 35 years. Or more. She remembered that as kids we LOVED peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and yes, that night after an amazing dinner (thank you so much, Mrs. Johnson) we polished off a tray of PBJ’s for dessert!

I see in this picture of Guy a man full of dreams and ambition. I wish for Guy that they all come true. I’m so glad to be reconnected!

Thank you, Guy!

Amazing Reunion is a series of stories that honor old friends that have profoundly affected my life. It is a series that acknowledges the influence of those who have helped me become who I am today. I am grateful for these people and want them to know. 

Have you ever thought about old friends? Have you ever wondered… where is _______________(fill in the blank)? Well I have. In my youth there was a group of guys who were like me. We were boys who connected to our gifts early. While our other friends were playing kickball, soccer, or tag, we were in my parents basement or in Guy’s garage ( you will learn more about the amazing Guy Johnson in my next entry) playing Jimi Hendrix, Mountain, Led Zeppelin, and James Gang. I loved these guys with all my heart. In many many ways we were the “odd balls” and in another way we carried a sort of celebrity status. In the next few entries I would like to pay tribute to my old, new friends. I hope this inspires you to reconnect as well. We are not always aware of the impact we have had  on others and reconnecting with these amazing men that has helped me realize that even the simplest acts of kindness or spontaneous moments can have an unbelievable impact and inspiration on those around us. 

I searched for them from time to time but with no luck. For decades I thought about them. One of my favorite musical artists is the great Frank Zappa. My friend Terry Kingen and I used to go to his concerts when he came to Seattle. Sometimes waiting 6 or 7 hours at the door of the Paramount Theater to be the first ones in! Every time I hear a Frank Zappa song I think of Terry. I have since I was 14 years old.  I searched his name and was never able to find him. Then through a series of phone calls and synchronistic occurrences, which I will get to in future entries, I reconnected to Terry Kingen. Even though it had been 30 some years since we had seen each other, when I saw his trade mark Terry Kingen smile and heard his cheerful voice, it was as though no time had passed at all.  

Although back in the day, he had long dark hair, which has been replaced by short grey hair, the youthful and mischievous sparkle in his eyes has not dimmed. Terry was always the best musician of us all. While we were playing blues riffs and figuring out what the heck chords were in a song, Terry was taking lessons and practicing his Mixolydian Modes, Phrygian Scales, and his Dominant flatted 2nd what-evers! 

Over the years, he has developed into one of the greatest guitar players I have ever heard and has become a prolific songwriter whose style is somewhere between Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. Whether he is on his pink paisley Telecaster or his deep rich acoustic guitar, Terry plays with a driving rhythm and sings with a soulful tone. His music reaches deep into you and gently extracts the goodness of life that sometimes hides beneath the rough waves and tumultuous currents of the everyday goings on; sometimes with a hint of mischievous sarcasm. 

But this is not all that makes Terry Kingen great. What to me makes him a very amazing human being is his humility, willingness to help a friend in need, and his complete lack of judgement. Terry is an example of finding the best in each person he meets. He is quick to set aside differences to find the common ground of connection. When you have a conversation with him you can feel the authentic interest he has in knowing who you really are and hearing what you have to say.

I am so fortunate to have re-connected with Terry. Sometimes it seems that life passes us by and the rich joy of the past is all we have to hold onto. I am here to say that sometimes that rich joy of the past comes around and makes another pass through life. 

Thank you, Terry.