Comments on: Remembering Al Petteway, Prolific Guitarist and Teacher, 1952-2023

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:44:21 +0000

Sean, what a wonderful write up of one of the greatest contributors to the acoustic guitar world! Al had an uncanny way of making complicated look easy. Admittedly, I’m late to Al’s party, but his arrangement of Wayfaring Stranger and The Water is Wide are both so incredible to listen to. As you mention, the technique, the fluidity, the intelligence, all so evident in his approach. His entire album “Caledon Wood” is also what grabbed my attention, as well as his collaboration with RainSong in not only bringing what carbon fiber offers to the acoustic guitar public, but even having a signature model made in his name.

RIP Al.

By: George Arthur

George Arthur — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:25:52 +0000

I’m a nobody who loves playing acoustic guitar in a jam circle environment. I had the privilege of being at the Swan Gathering for 12 years during Al’s tenure. The “camp” atmosphere fostered by AL, closed the usual separation between awesome world class musicians and students, no matter how good or bad they were. Even during meals, instructors sat with students and was a very comfortable setting. At the gathering’s 20th anniv year, I bought a T shirt that has his signature that he singed with a warm smile (along with about 20 other instructors and friends). Al, you will be missed.
George Arthur, Deacon of the Moonshine Chapel (at Swan Gath)

By: Bruce Tricomi

Bruce Tricomi — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:03:20 +0000

Deeply saddened and appreciated I represent a group of home schooled acoustic guitarist that became better by Al Petteways guidance. He made us better by sharing the music we love. A successful life is doing what you love and helping others become better. Thank you Al. Rest playing music.
Bruce T. Guitarist

By: Lynn Wheeler

Lynn Wheeler — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 15:12:59 +0000

Thanks for the beautiful tribute to Al Petteway. It was an honor to know him. His talent was astounding. His kindness, gratitude and joy were inspiring.

By: James Vandenberg

James Vandenberg — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:35:47 +0000

Although I did not know Al well, I will sorely miss him. A lovely human being, and an amazing musician, he helped to create a warm, welcoming community at the Swannanoa Gathering. I was so inspired to attend, and to learn from so many great players (I’m looking at you, Sean!), but the part that most hit home for me was the sense of inclusion that Al fostered. I will never play at his level, but Al helped me to feel that we were all peers, tied together by our love of music and the guitar. This loss really hurts.

By: Martin Anderson

Martin Anderson — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 01:09:47 +0000

Thanks for this remembrance of Al. His music was and shall continue to be played on his local public radio station, WNCW, especially on our “Celtic Winds” show.

Fun fact: Al was in the crowd at Woodstock! I recorded his memories of the experience in 2019 for the 50th anniversary. He was especially excited about the rock acts!

By: Michael Eldredge

Michael Eldredge — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:16:57 +0000

EXCELLENT article on Al, Shawn! While I knew Al and we were friends, and while I knew him from Swannanoa, and knew of some of his ‘credential’ , I was flabbergasted at seeing so many and so varied accomplishments… not that I should have been surprised. I’m SO glad I got to see Al and Amy in one show near the end of the performing career! At the time I didn’t know their career had been so extensive, and had no clue that they were about to stop performing. I count my blessings to have seen them even that once! Their performance, skill, and both musical and personal relationships shone through to make it an extremely outstanding and special evening. I am honored to have gotten to know them personally and to be able to call them both Friend.