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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday July 11, 2007 - 21 Artscene Oakville Beaver · WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2007 Rick Washbrook has three decades of guitar playing secrets to share By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF LIESA KORTMAN / OAKVILLE BEAVER MUSIC MAN: Rick Washbrook, who has more than 20 years of professional guitar playing experience, just moved to Oakville to teach others. Rick Washbrook was in his 20s when his then-girlfriend handed his demo tape over to the Canadian rock band, Glass Tiger. It wasn't until two years later, but the singer, songwriter and guitarist did get a phone call. It led to one of the highlights of his career. "I couldn't believe it, because two years had gone by, and suddenly I got this phone call. It was Glass Tiger's bass player, Wayne Parker," Washbrook said during an interview at his home studio in Oakville. "He said `I loved your cassette tape, and I'd love to co-write with you.' "I was so excited. It was unbelievable." The result was a number three hit on the American Billboard chart: Rescued by the Arms of Love. The song, written by Washbrook, Parker and fellow Glass Tiger member Alan Frew, climbed to number one on Canadian charts. It was one of the top 10 songs in the country. A story of getting through life's tough lessons, it hit the airwaves just as Washbrook was dealing with one of the roughest times in his life. "The song was a huge hit. I was just in tears about it, because at that time, in particular, was when my mom was dying of cancer," he said. "It would come on in the donut shops and I would hear it and just be so emotional." That was 1992. Two years earlier, Washbrook lost his father, also to cancer. In 1997, one of his brothers passed away. In 1998, he lost another brother. "I sort of went into hiding for a while after that," he said. "It was a difficult time." Washbrook got through it, though, in part by writing and recording his feelings. Now, at age 48, and with more than 30 years of professional musical experience under his belt, he's focusing on sharing his musical expertise with others. A native of California, who moved to Canada in the 1970s and settled in Oakville five months ago, Washbrook has been teaching guitar lessons for 27 years. Having just completed his 12th album, Roncesvales Tango, Washbrook is now making teaching guitar ­ everything from rock and blues to classical and flamenco ­ his focus. Released under the independent label, Dirty Ice Cream Music, Roncesvales Tango took nearly five years to put together. It took time, Washbrook says, because he wanted it to be as good as his album before that, A Gypsy's Bed. That was his tribute to renowned Canadian guitarist, the late Lenny Breau. "Just to come close to his geniusness, just to touch his geniusness as a guitar player was an amazing thing," he said. "I had the honour to follow the footsteps of a genius." Washbrook started to admire Breau at age 14. It wasn't until 2001, at the age of 42, that he released a tribute. The effort earned him accolades from musical legends including Randy Bachman and Moe Koffman, and was his most successful album to date. Washbrook achieved what he calls "every guitar player's dream" after the album was released ­ a mention in Guitar Player Magazine USA. "That's like the epitome of making it, getting a mention," he said, smiling. "It's the magazine that all guitar players read. They read about their heroes in there." Washbrook's second most successful album was his debut in 1986, Summer Roads. His single I Don't Believe was a top 10 hit on Canadian charts. But for a member of the Washbrook family to have success in show business is no surprise. The youngest of four brothers, he grew up watching two of his older brothers become child stars on sitcoms including Petticoat Junction, My Friend Flicka and Lassie. "I came from a family of two child stars, and I was the one who chose to play the guitar," Washbrook said. At age 16, he started performing in bars, singing with a voice he describes as "storytelling." From the age of 20 to 40, he made a career of playing in bars and teaching guitar lessons. An eclectic guitarist, Washbrook describes his latest record as World Music, incorporating Latin, flamenco, tango, jazz and Spanish styles. In addition to studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Washbrook worked to educate himself and learn his craft from others. "Anybody that I wanted to learn something from on the guitar, I was banging on their door, asking them to teach me," he said. Among those teachers was Bob Erlendson, who taught and influenced his idol, Lenny Breau. "I got a whole bunch of lessons just from asking people to teach me what they know," Washbrook said. To arrange guitar lessons with Rick Washbrook, call 416-824-3377 or e-mail rwashbrook@hotmail.com. LUCK One summer I made a new friend. It was the best summer. Ever. We don't know what role luck played in the joy of finding a new friend, but we do know we need more than luck to give some deserving kids the same opportunity. Let's turn these memories into a reality for children at risk in our community. Here is your chance to make a difference in a child's life today by supporting The Hamilton Spectator Summer Camp Fund. Donations go directly to the Fund, which pays the camp fees of children whose families are unable to shoulder the cost of even a few days at camp. With your help, we can do it. For donations to the Summer Camp Fund, please call the Hamilton Community Foundation at 905-523-5600 or go online at www.thespec.com/scf or mail to the Summer Camp Fund, c/o The Hamilton Spectator, 44 Frid Street, Hamilton ON L8N 3G. 00000695