The Chetboard

One more voice in the chorus that have expressed their condolences so well.. RIP Paul.

I am very sad at the news about Paul’s passing. He left behind a huge legacy in his playing. There is just no one else that could play along with Chet Atkins with greater effect. Paul fit Chet’s playing perfectly. It was always obvious he loved and respected Chet and knew he was in the incredible position of playing with the greatest guitar player in the world.

What an honor it must have been. He delivered on the opportunity, doing better than anyone else could. Paul fit Chet.

He was an incredible solo player on his own, but he will likely be thought of more for the way he helped Chet shine.
I’ve not heard anyone play better with their thumb, of all the great players there are - Paul’s thumb is the best.

He was crushed when Chet died, but responded by releasing all those wonderful solo CDs, which I have worn out. He has been the leading authority on everything related to Chet, and in the last ten years has shared so many great stories about Chet and incredible insights into playing – musical gems for fingerstyle players.
Paul helped the world get closer to Chet.
I will miss Paul for lots of reasons, some I will share and others I will keep to myself. I loved his dry wit and opinionated nature. He was my friend.

I just got back in town and seen the news about my buddy Paul Yandell. I will miss him more than words can say. He was a good friend to me. "Some day we'll meet again Old Friend". Rejoice with God Paul.

This reallys saddens me to hear of Paul's passing. I will surely miss my friend and guitar hero. He was my guitar hero and I enjoyed his emails and his CD's so very much. You will be missed my friend. May you rest in peace. Pick one with Chet and Jerry for us all.

Dan Bishop

So sad to hear. I have an email from him as i asked him about Jerry Reeds Baldwin. Never thought he would answer me. I will save that mail forever. I now close with Glen Campbells Lyrics: A better place awaits - you´ll see.

Matthias

This is sad news. I only saw Paul live once, when he was in Chet´s band back in 1979. He seemed so young. And now he´s gone. I think of him every time I play my Nashville Classic, his guitar. My condolenses to his family and to all of us.

From Paul's website:

http://www.studio9kc.co.uk/paul/index.html

Always liked that photo of Paul - with the thick-bodied Gibson CG.

How very sad. Through his own musical ability and his close working contact and friendship with the greatest players of his time, Paul’s position in the world of fingerstyle guitar was unique. How fitting that in the last year he saw the Chet exhibition come to fruition and received the last c.g.p. to be awarded. My condolences to all his family and friends – I hope they will receive some comfort in their loss from the fact that he achieved so much and gave so generously to others.

So sorry about Pauls passing. He was a wonderful person, and a great player. Condolenses to his family. Respectfully, Bobby Gibson and Family

I thought I would post this photo. The late Kenny Winkler got this photo together. We were the first guys here on the Chetboard to own a new Gretsch 1959 Nashville Classic (which is now the Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentlemam G6122-1959), that Paul did such a wonderful job in making sure it was made like Chet's original 59. Of course Paul had a prototype. I took first delivery, Gary Cochran was next and then Kenny Winkler.



I'm in the Gretsch T-shirt, the late Kenny Winkler is in the cap, and next to him is Gary Cochran. Of course Paul Yandell is in the front. The photo was made in front of the Chet Atkins memorial tree in front of the Music City Sheridan Hotel.