SKF NOTE: My friend, Jason, started a guitar player YouTube channel. As his schedule permits, Jason puts together a comprehensive video, a “how to play” the guitar part, on songs of his choosing.

Recently, Jason’s posted a video guitar lesson for Atlanta Rhythm Section’s 1979 hit song, “Spooky.”

I emailed Jason a tongue-in-cheek note saying the original Classic IV’s 1967 version of “Spooky” was much better than ARS’s remake.

Jason, a well-schooled musician, tells me he is unaware of the Classic IV’s “Spooky.” True to form, and to his credit, Jason gives the the 1967 “Spooky” a listen.

My first reaction is surprise. How could a musician as well-grounded as Jason not know the Classics IV? Or “Spooky?”

I’m reminded of a conversation I had several months ago with a guy who runs a sophisticated internet drum and drumming operation. During our conversation, I assumed this guy knew all of the drummers I knew, and why they were important.

But he didn’t.

On the other hand, Jason and the drum guy mentioned modern drummers and other musicians new to me. Jason, I remember, recommended guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, saxophonist Chris Potter, and Punch Brothers.

So I gave those musicians a listen. I like Rosenwinkel and Potter. But after several listens I’m unsold on Punch Brothers.

The music lesson, I suppose, is that both younger and older musicians have much to offer each other. I suppose that’s always been true and I lost sight of it.

I thank Jason, in particular, for reopening my ears and eyes.