It was December of 2003, a dark and stormy night in San Antonio, Texas.
Or perhaps not stormy, but it was night. So it was dark.
I had what I believe to be the first Bongo in the city, perhaps in the state of Texas, received in November of that year. Sapphire Black, it was, a fiver with two humbuckers. I knew I was on to something....and I brought it to a local dive where certain people were having a "blues jam".
Ray Duke was there. Here is his initial reaction to holding a Bongo:
See that look? "You gotta be kidding me."
Later in the evening, I prove that "Rocky Mountain Way" can be played with one arm tied behind my back.
Perhaps that isn't relevant, but it is funny:
Fast forward to January of 2004.
I finally convince Ray to actually play the damned Bongo by saying this: "Ray, play the damned Bongo, will you?"
He does.
Note the expression, which could be ascribed to alcohol, but let's be positive about this. He liked the bass:
Leaping forward in time, it's two years later, maybe more. At least I know it's 2006. Ray Duke, you took a long time to come around, but I love you, brother.
May, 2006. Ray Duke takes possession of his Medallion Gold single H Bongo.
Dang, it took long enough!
Jack
Then you'll be able to have tea @ Tiffany's and dinner at Tavern on the Green 
