by abstamaria » 19 Feb 2020, 15:35
I think it was Bob Bogle‘s simple style that attracted fans back in 1960 and brought the Ventures to national and worldwide fame. So many wanted to learn to play guitar or form guitar bands, because they would listen to Bob Bogle and say, “I can do that!“
Walk Don’t Run seemed simple t to do.
Nokie Edwards was of course the more accomplished guitarist. However, if from day one he had been the lead guitarist of the Ventures, playing his style, the Ventures may not have become the hit they were. As I said, the simplicity of Bogle‘s style was probably a major component of their early sound and success. That is true of Hank Marvin and the Shadows, too, probably.
Gerry McGee, playing with a thumb pick and usually no trem bar, had his own style, very different from the original Ventures’. Although he was an excellent guitarist, I didn’t relate much to his music. It was no longer “Ventures” to me.
The Ventures is like George Washington’s axe The head and handle have been replaced many times, but people still refer to it as George Washington‘s axe.
Sorry, my thoughts only.
With best regards,
Andy