When I first posted the Bud and Travis Home page in the fall of 1996, I thought I´d be lucky to scare up three or four old folkie die-hards in three years. How wrong I was! Tens of thousands of visitors and a CD re-issue later, I can only say it´s been one heck of a ride! And we´ve only just begun.
Here are just some of the great memories that my visitors have shared with me. If you have a story or memory you´d like to add to the list, please be sure to contact me.
From Frank Hamilton: I used to jam with them at the "Gate Of Horn" in Chicago. They were fine entertainers and put out some lovely music. Both were accomplished singers and guitarists, played nylon strings. We had a lot of fun together and I miss them.
From Brad Morgan: I saw B&T perform one time--at Cornell University-- I think it was the winter of 64-65. They put on a great show. I was amazed at how much they sounded like they did on the records -- an awful lot of sound from two acoustic classical guitars! Was also amazed at how well they could blend their voices and guitar work. Couldn't tell where one ended and the other started. Shortly thereafter, I bought their Live Concert 2-LP set.
I always thought their Spanish-language music was their best. And even though I never understood a word of it, I learned most of the songs phonetically via repeat listening. One time, on a business trip to Mexico, I had been in a meeting all day in which the locals would occasionally converse amongst themselves in Spanish. That night we went to a restaurant and, after a few drinks, I started singing along with the mariachis. The locals got this sudden look of shock on their faces and one asked me if I spoke Spanish--with all looking quite relieved when I responded "No".
As a newlywed on a trip with my wife to Monterey, Mexico, we were having dinner in an open air restaurant when the mariachis came around taking requests. I asked for "Sabras Que Te Quiero" (from Perspective On Bud and Travis ), which they managed to summon up. It was a wonderful romantic moment--but then, like B&T sang in the old Tom Lehrer song, "They would not shut up 'til they were paid"!
Recently, I made a tape of the Spanish language songs for friends who are Cuban and Argentinian. They loved it. Said they couldn't place the accent, but thought it might be from somewhere in Central America.
From Pat A. Harp: i grew up in arizona, and b&t were big favorites there with many people. i graduated from high school in '60, and thus was positioned right in the middle of the late '50's, early '60's folk craze. i just never got over it, although i listen to all kinds of music now, jazz, blues, classical, etc. but i still love the old folkies, and still see the kingston trio, pp&m, as well as the newer groups, whenever i can.
From John Hilvert: One of the great folk duos of the 60s. I saw them tour in Australia once--they were just astonishing. No one expected their combination of Latin American stuff laced with ribald US-based patter. I don't know of anyone who isn't still moved by their live version of "Malaguena Salerosa." My favourites were mainly from their two-album live concert--"Vamos Al Baile (Come to the Dance)," "Sloop John B.," "Malaguena Salerosa," "Bonsoir Dame," and "Delia's Gone." Their music never died for me. I still have an old spanish guitar and my kids still like the way I slap the guitar to get that percussive B&T sound.
From Wayne Seymour: I always enjoyed Bud and Travis because of the excellence of their guitar playing and the very tight vocal arrangements. During a time when most commerical folkies just strummed away, it was good to see some serious nylon-string work by these two guys. I also got a kick out of the guitarron playing of Carlos "Charlie" Gonzales (their long-time accompanist).
From Tom Blumenthal: They were great. They were folk purists, and would not compromise for a more commercial sound. Wonderful. I've scratched my head wondering why these musically superb and super-talented guys didn't win the affection of more hearts and be as dear in memory as they are for me.
From Tony Topping: I am a great fan of Bud and Travis and saw them live many times in Scottsdale and San Fransisco while a student at Stanford. I got to know Bud well enough after having seen him and talked to him in Scottsdale after shows. When I appeared at the Hungry I, he came to my table (I got there early and had front row) and said, "What are you doing here, thought you lived in Arizona!"
Bud was a warm and outgoing guy. He told me he had been a commercial illustrator before getting into the music business. If his artwork was as good as his guitar playing, it must have been a sight to see. Bud was more than willing to talk about himself, his music, fine guitars, practically anything. A truly pleasant, genuine and fun person with an excellent sense of humor. Over the years, I have fooled with folk music ... when I bought a Spanish guitar, I took it to the technician to have white tapping plates added so it would look just like Bud's.
From Mary Osielski: This summer, my bored 16 year-old son dug out my old albums to hear some good music. Because he liked the Kingston Trio, I pointed him toward the one Bud and Travis album I owned, the two record In Concert. I bought it when I was in college in the early 60's, and through the years, it remained one of my very favorite albums in my collection. However, whenever I mentioned the group to anyone, no one had ever heard of them, so I just smugly figured I alone had discovered how great their music was. Within a short time, my son figured out what I had known for 30 years--that they are incomparable!
From Adam Osielski: I'm probably the only sixteen year-old in my entire school who has a record player in his room. I only recently discovered Bud & Travis when my mom gave me one of her albums ( In Concert ), and in the past few months, we've added two new albums to our collection ( Spotlight On and In Concert, Vol. 2 ). The internet has been a big help in locating these lost treasures. The funny thing is, I don't consider myself a die-hard folk music fan, but I can't get over the quality of the songs sung by Bud & Travis.
From George Blackwell: I did my time in the sixties as a folk accompanist and solo performer, and like many of my contemporaries, I owe many of my happy memories to B&T. It was their onstage magic which inspired me to try my hand at performing. (And it was mostly by stealing their musical arrangements and comedy that I survived the first awkward months as a solo act.)
When you think of it, there were very, very few artists of that era who were masters of all the skills: Vocal, Instrumental AND Patter. These two were not only consummate players and great singers, but they could have, in a pinch, done a complete set as stand-up comics. To this day, I think that Bud could handle a heckler better than anyone except, maybe, Don Rickles.
One time, it was "Hoot Night" at some L.A. club (Troubador, Ledbetter's or the Ice House... my memory fails me), and Tom and Dick Smothers were scheduled to play a guest set. Bud and Travis had finished, and were packing their guitars to leave. Biff Rose was onstage, and Tommy was tuning up the new strings on his Guild.
Tommy, not knowing that Bud didn't care much for the Smothers' "Shtick" humor, said, "Hey Bud... aren't you gonna stay around for OUR set?"
Bud clicked shut the last clasp on his guitar case, looked up slowly over the rim of his glasses and said: "I've already HEARD your joke."
He could be pretty crisp.
B&T were the best of the best.
From Ed Shults: These guys were great, and I sure hope you can find a way to bring their albums to CD!
In a way, I must thank Bud and Travis for a summer trip to Spain. While in college, one of the classes assigned to me was French. It was at this time (60's) that I was playing folk music, and though the group was patterned after the Kingston Trio, we were always looking for music from other sources. One of the songs we used was "Sinner Man" by B & T, and another that we tried to use was "Raspberries, Strawberries." After hours of wrestling with the phonetics, I tried to sing the lyrics for my French professor, who was absolutely horrified at my attempt and recommended that I try another language, which I did--Spanish, and a trip to the University of Madrid for a summer. So, thanks, B & T!
From Donald P. Specht: For the life of me I have never understood why Bud and Travis didn't "make it big." It must be that PR counts for a lot more than talent. I thought they were the greatest.
From Erik Darling: Bud and Travis were the best and most professional performers you have ever seen. No one of their ilk can even touch them. They were absolutely extraordinary. When they got onstage and did their thing, there was nothing like it. Wonderful.
When they did Mexican stuff, it was incredibly authentic. And it was very difficult material, not the Gene Autry chords that so many folk singers played. Their patter was amazing, too.
From Benjamin Sainz: I grew up in Tularosa, a small town in southern New Mexico, and I have been a Bud & Travis Fan for a very long time. My father introduced me to Bud & Travis when I was about 7. He used to serenade my mother, my sister, and me with their Latin songs on his folk guitar. Those are some of the fondest memories I have of growing up. Their music was/is very beautiful. I used to listen to their Latin album over and over.
From Tony R. McKennon: I am currently a student and songwriting collaborator of Travis Edmonson, and I want to reaffirm that Travis is alive and kicking!
I met Travis at a Christmas party three years ago. I was singing for some friends and he approached me. He offered me friendship, and he offered also some formal training. I gladly accepted and began a journey that has had a tremendous impact on my life not only as a musician but also as a human being. I consider Travis to be a dear friend. He and Bud were and are the most dynamic duo folk music ever produced.
I have composed and written a tribute to Travis called "The Poet's Way." To accomplish this, I spent countless hours with him talking, listening to his many wondrous stories and adventures, and learning from him. It was a year in the making, as I felt I needed to study Travis, his mannerisms and his thoughts, in order to do him justice. In writing this peice, I wanted to show my love for him, so I incorporated many of the things that he taught me, which included but are not limited to skills in playing, writing, and singing. I can't tell you how many three in the mornings I've seen in with Travis, but they are many!
Travis's patience and virtue and love for me will never be forgotten.
From Bob Burlinson: In the early '60's, probably the summer of 1962, I wandered into The Bitter End on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village in New York and was blown away by Bud and Travis. I had never heard of them - but continually play their music to this day. My kids got so tired of "The Last Train to San Fernando," which I played often as we drove various places when they were little, but today include it in their family reunion repetoire (They are now 28, 26 and 22). I bought the Live Album at the PX in Uijong-bu Korea in 1964. Indeed, Bud and Travis and The Tarriers were the two of the best, in my opinion.
From Bob Seale: Great page. I may have a unique perspective for your work; in, I think, 1962, I hired Travis and Dion? for a series of gigs at a coffee-house in Ventura, Calif. I think it was just after a "split" with Bud, and Travis was attempting to establish and act on his own. Interesting times. Also, I saw Travis on public tv several years ago on a program centered around a particular type of Mexican music.
From Barbara Warren: Saw Bud and Travis in Virginia Beach in 1963 and have a couple of their records. We have always been fans - thanks for your update.
From Don Johnson: I was (and am) a huge fan of Bud and Travis. I met Travis during the twenty years I lived in Tucson. I was racing greyhounds at the local dog track and would occasionally go out to a lounge where he was playing, and he would comment that the races must be over. He was often M.I.A., though, as he would instead be playing with mariachi's at a local restaurant instead of being at his own gig. He was a marvelous singer and musician and could tell a great story.
He told me of going with John Hammond out to Greenwich Village to see a young singer named Bob Dylan. When John asked "What do you think?", Travis replied, "He can't sing a lick but he's going to be something special," or words to that effect. I think he had a hand in some of the Kingston Trio's musical arrangements too.
Travis also did a nice production for Tucson's PBS station that he filmed at the Halfway House, halfway between Tucson and Nogales, that featured Mexican music that had crossed the border. It is a treasure. A great talent.
From Bill Horlick: I remember having a jam session at my friend's house in St. John's. His name was Frank Siffington. Man!!! could he take off on B&T with his guitar! He had a tremendous gift of picking up just from the record exactly what B&T were doing. It was an absolute pleasure and thrill to listen and watch as he played, and if you closed your eyes you would think it was B&T. A memory I'll have forever.
From Jerry R. Long: I am a fan of B&T to the inner marrow of my bones! I was introduced to their music, by a friend, while a high school student, at Clark AFB in the Philippines. He had several albums including, "In Concert." I could not get it for almost a year, but finally a special order through the PX brought it my way so I could listen at home.
My friend and I were such fans that out in the jungles above the base, upon finding a waterfall with two cascades of water, we named our find Bud & Travis Falls. It was a special place where water, through eons of time, had carved out a vertical cyclinder in the rock, and the falls hit two cascades as it dropped into a pool at the bottom of the cylinder. This was about 18 feet across, and the first falls was about 14 feet high. The higher falls hit a ledge about 10 feet above that. We used to go there and swim in the lovely pool under the falls.
Upon returning to DC for college, at American University, I found to my joy that B&T were coming to the Cellar Door. I was practically the first in line that night. After sitting through the first set, I chanced to meet Travis outside, where he was smoking a cigarette. I introduced myself and told him the story about the waterfalls. I even drew him a map later. He then introduced me to Bud. Bud said it (our waterfall) was the greatest fan tribute he had ever heard of. I saw them a couple of times at the Cellar Door.
I fell in love with Latin music due to them. "Malaguena Salerosa" is my favorite Latin number. I later went on to love Julio Igelisia. His "Malaguena" is pretty good.
From Lori Barth: Today, one of my friends rang up in great excitement to tell me about the Bud & Travis Web Site. She was the girl who introduced me to Bud Dashiell when I was looking for a guitar teacher in college. I spent several years studying from Bud, only to become a protege and co-owner with him in a guitar studio on Westwood Blvd. in Westwood, CA for thirteen years until we had to close it due to his illness. Everything I do was influenced by Bud. I miss his wit and humor and friendship.
And --- not only did B&T influence the Smothers Bros., they used to come and listen to B&T often.
From Patrick Mullarky: I ran across your Bud & Travis Web Page. Talk about bringing back the memories!!
They were one of my absolute favorites in the early 60's. I wore out several of their first albums. They had a totally unique sound....superb guitar work, and haunting harmonies . . . particularly their "Latin" songs. I'd very much like to have their music available to me again!
From the Atkins Family: Great home page--this is the kind of thing that makes the Internet irreplaceable. We've done our part to "Help get Bud & Travis on CD;" we're looking forward especially to getting the Bud & Travis Latin Album (I bought a "cut-out" copy in Venezuela sometime in the 70s, I think--could it have been that early?). Keep up the good work!
From Don Elder: I live in the Washington, DC area and met Travis and Bud here back in 1960. I was a 15-year old hs sophomore and a would-be picker. Spent time with them on at least a half dozen occasions - picked up some good licks from Travis. Knew his first wife, Dian James, and met a couple of subsequent girlfriends. They invited me to every DC performance they gave until the final breakout. I was even in the audience when they recorded B&T at the Cellar Door.
From Art Podell: I was a co-writer with Rod M on the song "So long, Stay Well"..(a story in itself...I wrote the music). Keep up the work. I listen to the albums to this day.
From John Galanos: B&T had a great musical impact on me in the early sixties (yes I'm that old!). As a university student between 63 and 67 I used to earn a paltry income singing at coffee houses and small night clubs on the West Coast in Australia (over 10,000 miles from L.A!!). B&T songs and style featured prominently. Nowadays I sing and play only for personal enjoyment and my kids and grandchildren.
Something I do recall from somewhere between 61 and 64 or so was seeing B&T perform Malaguena Salerosa on one of the then variety shows on TV (man, that brought on the goose bumps!). It may have been either the Andy Williams Show or the Danny Kaye Show.
From Larry Yates: I visited the Bud and Travis home page and would like to thank you for the time you've put into it. They were one of my favorite groups way back when, and I frequently listen to their albums today.
I still remember buying my first Bud and Travis album (the two-record concert) in the very early sixties and, in the parlance of a later generation, being "blown away." I seem to recall seeing them a few times on TV, but that was a long time ago. I still play the albums I purchased back then.
From Joe Bethancourt: Your page on Bud and Travis is fantastic! Thank you SO much for putting it up. As a long-time folk musician, I have adored their work since high school in the -60s. I was VERY privileged, as a skinny high school kid, to be allowed to sit in with a local mariachi band many times. One of the things I learned there was the guitar slap technique that B&T used to such great effect.
From Lawrence D. Kowalski: It was either 1959 or 1960. Bud & Travis were performing in Chicago--probably at the Gate of Horn--and stopped in at the Old Town School of Folk Music, which was in its infancy, to give a free performance at the regular Saturday afternoon hootenanny, which took place for about an hour after classes. I was just a kid fumbling with the basic guitar chords, and these guys ranged so far up and down the frets and strummed with such power and complexity that I could scarcely believe what I was seeing and hearing. Apart from their musicianship, I remember Bud's florid face and the bulging veins on his forehead as he performed. I recall Travis's mild manner but acid wit. The repartee was delightful. They related how they had just spent some time in Mexico, talking to native musicians and learning songs and traditional methods of playing them. After the performance, as visiting performers usually did, they lingered and talked with the students and staff over coffee and cookies.
I appreciate your project. I feared that my two aging albums and few memories would be the last I'd ever know about B&T.
From Tom J. Moffit: As a young soldier serving at fort ord in California in 1962., I was introduced to classical music and other genres including folk music by a fellow soldier named Pete Sanchez, from Salvador, originally. Pete got me turned on to Beethoven, Brahms, Stravinsky, and other great composers-but he also gave me Bud and Travis album, "In Concert".
And I loved that album. I knew all the songs on it by heart, and would sing them to myself while doing the usual boring details soldiers do. After I got out, I returned home with my classical albums and "in concert". However, that was back in the 60's, and over the years, my parents passed away and my possessions which I had left at home including my albums, were all destroyed or given away.
I still remember those songs, and when I go to a mall with a music shop, I pause to go thru their computer if they have one, to see if any Bud and Travis albums are still around. Of course, I haven't found a trace until I found this on the net. I hope you do get one of the companies to get them on cd-and from the contents of your mail, I know I'm not the only crazy that knows who Bud and Travis were.
Thanks for making my day!
From Nicholas Rodriquez: I was absolutely delighted to visit your Bud and Travis web page. I share your feelings about them.
Charlie Gonzalez, of blessed memory, was my uncle. He is the gentleman to whom their Latin Album was dedicated, and his picture appears inside their In Concert in Santa Monica album (playing the guitarron). He was responsible for many of their Latin arrangements. He loved both of them dearly, as they loved him.
In his later years, he was unable to play anything other than keyboard because of his arthritis. He went to visit Mexico in 1968, but never went back there to live. He did have many things from his days with Bud and Travis, but they were passed along to his children with whom our family has lost touch.
Charlie was an extra in many movies. Interestingly, if you rent "Mambo Kings" (a very recent movie), their opening scene is some recycled footage from the 50's with a line of "Congueros." The last Conguero in the line (quite visible) is Charlie -- there is a great close up of him.
From Roy Kline: A link on the Digital Tradition's discussion page led me to your Bud and Travis site. I just wanted to thank you for keeping the interest alive in this amazing duo. I sincerely hope your efforts towards placing their music on CD pan out. (In my opinion, their version of Maleguena Salerosa is by far the best there is. It's a shame that more people can't hear it these days).
Travis' performances here were always packed. People came to seriously listen and were never disappointed.
Before the medical mishap took its toll, he gave a lecture-concert for a local history club (Tucson Corral of the Westerners) that will live in my memory forever as one great, shining moment. I wish I had a tape of that night. His love for music and this part of the world had led him to all these wonderful old tunes and touching local variants... ah well.
From Bill Nourse: Ran across your web page today looking for "Golden Apples" -- I was just playing one of my old B&T albums for my wife yesterday and got to thinking about that song. Thanks for your efforts. They were really a great duo and I wondered whatever happened to them.
I remember hearing the "original" Kingston Trio play at Loyola University in New Orleans in 1960 or 1961 when I was a student there. I only discovered B&T later after I had become a (so-called) folksinger myself.
From Mike Pumphrey: I discovered Bud in Travis in 1961 when, living in Europe (Father in the army) and as a fanatical K Trio fan, a friend from Boston handed me the Bud and Travis "In Concert" album and said, "When you hear this you'll forget all about those (K trio) guys." He was right. I returned to the States in 1964.
In 1965-66 I was half of a folk duo called "Mike and Alan." We worked all over Central Texas, at every little church supper, bank dedication, etc, etc. Our "act" consisted of essentially note for note copies of Bud and Travis songs, including the patter! We did very well since no one in that area had ever heard of B & T. We played a lot in Austin at a coffee house called "The Id." One night we were at the Id, not playing, just drinking, when the owner asked us to play a set because his scheduled act had not appeared. Unfortunately for us, the program that evening was for EXTREMELY traditional bluegrass - blind fiddle players, etc. When we finished our first song,"They Call the Wind Mariah (ala B&T), We received not one single hand-clap except from the owner. We finished the set with La Bamba, which always brought the house down - again not one single clap. Our usual "act" consisted of: Mariah, Sinner Man, Cloudy Summer Afternoon, I Talk to the Trees (Bud and the Kinsmen), Malaguena Salerosa, Gimme Some, Ay Jalisco, Tomorrow is a Long Time, Merry Minuet, So Long Stay Well, Que Te Quiero, Mary Ann (not a B&T song), and La Bamba. I performed Bonsoir Dame as a solo sometimes.
Alan and I still get together every thanksgiving and play the old B&T songs - he was Travis, I was Bud - and as I said, it was note for note both vocally and guitar-wise.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this page a few minutes ago, I also had never seen anything of Bud and Travis since the 60"s and was sad to hear that Bud died and that Travis is unable to play. I have actually had recurring dreams over the past years - most recently a few months ago, wherein I met Bud and Travis (in the present) and we sang and played together. Great Dream - I have never seen them.
Anyway, great job on the page. I also have never understood why these guys weren't popular. They were clearly better than anyone else in the genre. Maybe they'll end up on CDs some day thanks to your effort!
From Mary Fellows: When I was just a child (back in the 50s and 60s), my mother sought to enlighten me by taking me to Community Concert Series productions in Silver City, New Mexico. One of those concerts was done by Bud and Travis. Needless to say, I was hooked. I grew up in a Spanish-speaking environment, and I loved all of their Spanish music---escpecially "Malaguena Salerosa."
I have taped The Latin Album a zillion times for friends with whom I wish to share their incredible interpretations of this music. Living now in Santa Fe, NM, I hear many performers attempt some of this literature---without exception, Bud and Travis' interpretations are superior.
There's nothing like their "La Bamba" or "Malaguena Salerosa."
From Alina Stouffer: Wow! Unbelievable! I've never met anyone who even has heard of B & T. My parents used to put me to bed tonight with a live album they had.
From Richard Rogers: Thank you for sharing the B&T page with us. I was 20 yrs. old in 1960 when Bud and Travis came to the college I was attending. I had seen Harry Belafonte, The Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary and several other great folk singers in concerts here in CA., but these two people ranked with the best. At the conclusion of their incredible performance that night, an announcement was made that their "In Concert" album was on sale in the lobby. There was a stampede of about 500 people but I got mine before the supply ran out. I spent my last few dollars on it. It's playing now as I type this. It was the best investment I ever made. Thank you for bringing back some great memories.
From Vic Amor: Shocked to find a B & T web page, and very happy. Been an afficionado for years, and even took lessons from Bud when I was at UCLA.
From Frank Blau: Great page! I was a close friend of Skip Weshner, who passed away last year. I have many of the tapes from his shows, including much B&T... I'll be moving it from Reel to Reel to Cassette and will keep you posted on anything interesting I find.
From Wyatt Newman: The first folk album I owned was the first album of Bud and Travis. As a high school senior that year, the music from that album paid a large part in both my personal and social life. The album was lost by my good friend Barry Hannah (the author) while I was on active duty in the Navy. Never forgave him for that, and suspect he has it hidden away somewhere!
From Michele L. Baine: I was so excited about your page. I love Bud and Travis. My mom had their "In Concert" album and I listened to it all the time. I had a tape it that I took to college but it wore out!
From S. Collister: Several times, in the early sixties, I played a club in Tucson called 'The First Step' where I heard Barbara Dane, Buffy Saint Marie and, of course, Bud & Travis. I'm glad to see there are people still interested in their music. For a bit, I played with a guy named Phil Stover: he and I "borrowed" a fair bit of material from Mssrs. Edmondson and Dashiell. I don't know where Phil is now but know he loved these guys.
From Bill Worsfold: Delighted to stumble onto your Bud and Travis page ! I first came across them in 1963 ( I think ). It was the Josh White Show on tour here in Auckland, New Zealand. Josh was supported by Judy Collins and an unheard-of duo, Bud and Travis. Well, I was a big Josh White fan, but I've got to say that B & T just blew him off the stage - in fact by the time the tour arrived here, the openers were closing the show. Just 2 nylon string guitars and such energy ! I was searching the stage for the bongo drummer I could hear - I'd never heard anyone play guitar like that. And the patter was great too, I still remember jokes about the man who thought that Eartha Kitt was a set of gardening tools, that Einstein was one beer ! I was a beginning folk guitarist, and their playing was a major influence on me shifting to nylon strings, and a lasting affection for Spanish American folk music.
From Bud Booth: Congratulations on an excellent home page. Here's to Bud and Travis!!
From Tom Meyer: I became a lifeltime believer that the Latin Album is one of the most significant musical works because of one musical note.
I was sitting aboard a ship in San Diego in Dec '65, just returned from 'Nam. I had a new stereo just purchased in Okinawa and had the speaker outputs connected to a two-channel oscilloscope. Back then we were fascinated by the separation aspects of stereo. While listening to an FM station one evening, they played B&T's Malaguena. It was the first I'd heard it and it raised the hair on my arms.
At one point in the song, Travis holds a long note. On the 'scope, this note appeared as an incredibly clear sine wave, something I've never heard before or since in a human voice. It was an incredible experience which I still remember clearly. After 32 years, I still have two very badly worn copies of this album and listen to them at least a few times each year.
Keep up the good work, and thanks for letting me know that there are others who feel as I do about the Latin Album.
From Rick Fish: Thanks more than I can properly express for the Bud & Travis home page! I was a fan of their music when it was contemporary, but time and many moves have cost me all of the records I so carefully tried to hoard. I cannot go into a music store without searching hopefully (and vainly) for a CD of their songs, and I'll certainly join the effort to get their music put on CD. I still play their songs in my head, and will continue my search for old LPs.
From Barbara Ragels: Hi, I'm a friend of Travis Edmonson and Rose Marie. I hope you're able to get "Bud & Travis" on CDs. As far as I'm concerned, there's no better music. And, I'll be the first to buy. Would be nice if we could order off the net. Thanks!
From Gene Kelly: I saw Travis when he was working with Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio after the Trio broke up in mid-1967. Bob and Travis were working a club in Atlanta called "Pat & Barbara's" at the Hotel Georgian Terrace in late 1967 (I think it was). Travis had a broken leg and a cast up to his rear end.
I never had an opportunity to see B&T in person, but I still listen to their music....often. I would LOVE to have their double live album "In Concert" on CD as well as their first album "Bud and Travis." Those would be my first choices, with the first album being there because of Rayito De Luna, one of my absolute favorites.
I've done web searches for Bud & Travis, but your site is new to me. Keep up the good work!!
From John Michael Power: I have searched for years for a Bud & Travis latin album to replace the one I loaned a friend and - well, you know. I asked a net guru friend to check it out today, and she e-mailed this web site. And I found you.
I was a student at the Art center School of Design in the 50s (automotive design major) and Bud Dashiel was an illustration major. We used to spend our lunch hours sitting on the lawn singing folks songs to Bud's guitar. He was soooo good. He had a bit where he slapped the guitar between strokes, in rythym to such things as la Bamba (years before anyone ever heard of it) and Maleguena Salerosa (I always thought it was Sal de rosa - but I defer to your superior knowledge of that).
In 1958 I was design manager at an electronic organ and hi fi manufacturer in Sepulveda, California. I was in the lab where the engineers were testing a new stereo guts in a cabinet I'd done. Out of the speaker came this familiar voice singing la Bamba! That's how I that Bud did not go on to join an ad agency as an illustrator.
I followed thier career for many years - on a local folk station in LA and on the old "Hootenanny" TV show for instance. Then they kinda faded away, as many other good folk groups did after the Beatles etc.. One day, in 1966, while I was running for State Senator in a coastal district that included Westwood, I rang the bell of an apartment on my list of registered voters (Republicans - this was a primary race). Who should open the door but Bud Dashiell! We chatted a while, and he said he was teaching guitar in Westwood; UCLA students I guess. That was the last I ever heard of him.
I of course was saddened to learn that Bud had died. I would sure have liked to have talked to him one more time.
From Craig Hodgkins: I enjoyed finding your B&T site recently. After clicking around the whole site, I feel good about two things. First, I have all of B&T's recordings, both group & solo, so I can stop looking for others. Second, it shouldn't be long now before we can finally enjoy some CD quality B&T music!
Since I was never able to see "these two exceptional performers" live (having been born mid-folk era), it was enjoyable to read the comments of those who had.
It is interesting that you mentioned Linda Rondstadt's Canciones de mi Padre album in your discussion of "The Music of..." In a Los Angeles Times "Calendar" section interview conducted around the time the of that recording's release, she credited B&T as her initial musical influence while growing up in southern Arizona.
Anyway, "Bravo" to your site! Here's hoping that Bear Family of Collector's Choice puts out a nice re-issue in the near future.
From Don Gold: When I first mentioned "Raspberries, Strawberries" to a friend, he suggested I head for the Internet and assured me I'd get an answer. I doubted it. But when I headed for B&Tland and found so much to enjoy, I was amazed and very pleased. Good for you for keeping the flame alive.
Again, my thanks.
From Annie Nelson: Hi!! You have no idea how excited I was to find your page about Bud and Travis. Here I thought that my family was a little cult all alone in the world, sharing and wearing out an old Bud and Travis album that my mom had from years ago!!! My sisters and I grew up listening and singing along to the classics, like "Bonsoir, Dame" and "Raspberries, Strawberries." I think those songs are why all 4 of us took French in high school and college!! The banter on that live album still cracks me up, even though I have heard the same jokes hundreds of times - " Have you ever been therapped grouply? It's wonderful!!!"
When I found the page I e-mailed all of my sisters, cousins, and aunts. What a relief to know that we are not the only ones who think that Bud and Travis are about the best thing to happen to music ever!! I'll keep checking the page out for new stuff, and know that the entire Nelson Clan from New York is doing their part to get Bud and Travis on CD!!
Thanks!!!
From "TR": Thanks for putting up such a lot of material on Bud and Travis. I was/am a big fan but had not thought about them for several years, then in looking around had a tough time finding anything about them and discovered that none of their stuff is on CD. So, I got a couple of their albums from my folks. anyway, i plan to put my votes in for getting their work onto CD and congratulate you on your good taste! :-)
From Larry L. King: 1. When I recently obtained a CD of David Whitfield through "Collectors' Choice Music" I told my wife I was in no hurry, but I could now die happy listening to him. He was my favorite singer (great tenor) of the early-mid fifties, but my albums by him had become unplayable (worn out) and I haven't been able to find good replacements. What's that got to do with Bud & Travis?
2. As I remarked the above to my wife, I then added to my statement. I told her I also needed Bud & Travis albums replaced. Not only had I played them many times, but my two daughters also liked and played them as they grew up.
3. Last night I searched for Bud and Travis wondering if I could find a place to buy their albums on CD. Was I ever surprised and overwhelmed to find such an extensive Web page about them! Love it.
4. The sad thing is that their music is not being made for re-distribution. I know millions of people will fall in love with them, just as my family did, if they just hear their albums. In that vein, I sent e-mails to Collectors' Choice and Bear Family asking for Bud & Travis to CDs to be made and distributed. I also wrote a longer note to Capital/Epic records about the sadness I feel for all the people who would love Bud & Travis if only their albums were re-released on CD. Don't know if it will help, but we can keep trying.
5. My personal experience of B&T: I met my wife to be the Fall of 1959. I was a raw freshman at the U of Arizona and she was a senior in the high school where I graduated. Our first date? I asked her to the University's Fall ROTC Military Ball held at the Officers' Club at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. Bud & Travis were the live entertainment. It was a tucks (formal) affair, which I normally hated, but this time was special. It felt so all evening. The evening turned into one of those love at first sight experiences. From that moment on, neither my wife nor I has ever considered anything but us being together forever. Additionally, Bud & Travis became a lifetime love affair (with their music). I had to get their albums as any came out!
6. I wish everyone could have such a great love and life as my wife and I have. Since that's impossible, my next wish is for everyone to love and experience the greatness of Bud & Travis entertainment. Even though I personnaly have no means to make it happen, except by expressing my desires, perhaps our combined stories and pleas will reach ears of those who do. Then my wish will have a chance!
7. Thanks for the B&T information. Looking forward to anything new....
From Marc Buehre: Your Bud & Travis homepage is really great! I was rather amazed that I found it.
You certainly don't hear much about them thru "The Mainstream Media" do you? I found out about Bud & Travis while growing up in the sixties---altho I was more into The Beatles---(still am...) I was just a 10 year old kid listening to all kinds of music growing up, as you can imagine.
I remember my brothers constantly playing Bud & Travis in their cars on the 8 track tape players--!! Now, I've gone back & gotten into the music of B & T and they are amazing.Like everyone else who has written to you, I am waiting patiently for their catalogue to be put onto Compact Disc.....Hurry Up! Somebody Please!
How can such a Great Duo be overlooked? Keep this website going!
From Jim Roche: I first became interested in Bud & Travis back in the '60's and continued my love of their music into the early 70's when I became one of those many singer/songwriters on the then-college coffee house circuit. I first played with a friend from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire named Mike Jerling. Mike has gone on in the music biz and has several excellent CD's. I dropped out and took up parenting with an occasional gig on the side.
In my career there were never enough home grown songs to fill up a two-set show and we turned to performers who gave us the inspiration and love of the music.Ê One of those groups was Bud & Travis.
My favorite album is, of course, Bud & Travis In Concert. And my favorite song - "Malaguena Salerosa." It is one of my all time favorites and, as you say, their music stands the test of time.
Anyway, I will stop my rambling and just say thank you, thank you, thank you. I will certainly contact the record companies listed on your site to convince them that Bud & Travis should continue to be part of our folk heritage and culture. Thanks again.
From Billie Cox: I was very pleased to see your website on Bud and Travis. Thier In Concert album has been dear to my heart for many years I had hoped it was out on CD.
More power to you!
From Judy Drake: Hi, I knew you were out there! Thank you for bringing Bud and Travis to the forefront. I have a few of their old albums, one was my mother's when I was about thirteen years old. In 1960 they came to Phoenix a couple of times to perform. We saw them each time. It was electric! On the second time we went to see them, my mother got a note to them inviting them to a bar-b-que at our house. Travis had a prior engagement because he was originally from this part of the country, but Bud and his fiance, Mary, came. We all had such a good time. Bud signed one of our albums something like "As long as there are Bentley's and people like them, we will keep making albums." Of course, not long after the music stopped. I sure hope we are successful in getting there albums on CD. I would buy them all.
Forgot to mention, we named our youngest son Travis!
Thanks for making my day!
From Berkeley: Thanks for the site on B&T!!!
When the K Trio performed in Biloxi last December, Bob Shane left the stage and the other two performed "Raspberries, Strawberries" in the B&T arrangement. They still keep in touch with Travis from what I hear.
From Jim Franz: I was trying to get more information on Bud and Travis and found your site by searching. Very well organized, one of the better sites for a musical group.
My introduction to B&T was in 1963 while I was a student at University of Arkansas. I had to order the "Spotlight on Bud & Travis" LP from the local record store. Never found any other.
From Guy K. Haas: Thank you, thank you, thank you for the B&T pages!
From George Grove: I am George Grove, a member of THE KINGSTON TRIO. I have been in Travis' home in Phoenix, where my partner Bob Shane lives, and have "swapped lies" with him. We have also had him on our stage several times whenever we perform in the area and he has been able to get there.
From Dan Anderson: What a joy it was to find your page and the marvelous Bud and Travis stories. I saw them here in Tucson several times, one or both were from Nogales as I recall. I think I have an original recording of Travis singing "Scotch and Soda". This was for a program I co-produced with Gil Grant at the KUAT studio here on the U of A campus in the early 70's. I'll try to find the tape.
From Dana McCarthy: What a surprise to encounter a Bud & Travis web site! Ever since my dear wife unknowingly disposed of my B&T records while I was off in SE Asia during the early 70s, I have been fruitlessly searching for their albums.
I first heard B&T in 1962/63 when I was a freshman at Georgetown U. in Washington, DC, and became an instant fan. I had the opportunity to hear them live on several occasions in those days; but once, when they appeared at a little Georgetown nightclub caled, The Cellar Door, I was able to chat with them for a half-hour afterwards. Not only were they extremely talented muscians, but also terrific guys willing to shoot the breeze with an 18-year-old kid who simply liked their music.
Thanks for your efforts. I'll spread the word.
I ordered the CD this morning.
From Goldmine Jim: Thank you, not only for the website on B&T, but for providing the excellent liner notes. Was one of the 700+ folks stacked up, waiting patiently for EMI to send the completed package to CCM for shipment. Received my copy on Monday and have played the CD several times since. Brought back many a fond memory! Don't remember exactly how I "discovered" Bud and Travis in early '63 as a high school senior, but I did, and never, ever, was disappointed in their material and performances.
Here's a fluke, once-in-a-lifetime chance event: the time is summer, 1963. I already have purchased the "Bud & Travis" and the "In Concert" LPs (the latter at an outrageous price of $5.29, or some such figure), and I'm shopping at Gertz Department store in Jamaica, Queens (NY). I simply happened on a concert event: B&T performing free for customers on a make-shift stage on the fourth floor of a third-rate department store! Knowing their music, I was in 7th heaven for the half-hour performance. These guys were as good live as they were on record - maybe even better. Anyway, when I got into college that September and took up the guitar, I occasionally added some B&T material which always impressed the coed student body. Still have most of their LPs, and this recent CD release has renewed my interest and love of their music.
They were truly craftsmen at their art/avocation, especially the Spanish songs. I am deeply saddened at Bud's passing--a loss of major proportions. Their repartee/patter was delightful and downright funny. Count on me to write - and even demand! - a follow-up release from CCM. The tapes are in somebody's vault and deserve to be exposed to a brand new generation of music lovers. B&T were incomparable, and I, for one, will never forget the good and lasting memories they helped create during that era!
From Jerry Hollombe: Excellent job on the Web site. It brought back more memories than I have time to share.
Throughout most of the 60s and early 70s there was a coffee house in West L.A. called The Garret. In its heyday, it was very popular and busy and many of the major folksingers of the era, including Bud Dashiell, would come there to relax and trade songs around the fireplace. (I mostly learned to play guitar by sitting around that fireplace and watching them.) Sometimes Bud would stay late and trade stories with Terrea Lea -- part owner of the Garret and a first rate folksinger in her own right.
In 1973, The Garret fell on hard times and was unable to meet expenses. (In fact, I paid their rent for the last three months they were in business). In a last ditch effort to save the place that had become a beloved home to many regulars, Terrea and her partner, B.J. Moore, worked out a deal with Bud to buy the business for, if memory serves, $5000 (a fair chunk of change in 1973).
For reasons I never learned, the deal fell through at the last minute and The Garret closed its doors forever. I've never found a place like it, since -- a place where a high school kid with a beat up, ex-rental guitar could sit next to the likes of Bud Dashiell and say, "Would you mind running through that progression again? I didn't quite get it," and he would.
From Matt Rockwood: Just received the Best of Bud and Travis and am enjoying it tremendously. One thing though is that I really enjoyed the in Concert album and am missing some of my all time favorites in "Johnny I hardley knew ya" plus the great commentary that those two carried on on stage. Is there any way that they could get that album on CD? Please say yes and make my day!
From Peter J. Curry: Glad to know there are still lots of people out there who remember the Folk Era!
I played banjo, guitar and harmonica in a commercial folk group in the early '60s, The Surf Singers (later called the New Hope Singers) so naturally everything on your B&T site is of interest to me. Great job!
From Ralph Paradiso: Just a short note of thanks for two great things you've done for me and my wife (as well as our "30-Something" daughter and her family): 1 - For bringing us your incredible B&T web site -- I was ecstatic to find this site after plugging in "bud and travis" on my search engine just for the heck of it to see if anyone in the world still remembered ... and 2 - for your persistence in getting a record company to finally produce B&T on CD! Thanks, Thanks, Thanks from an "old 60's kinda guy" who could never get enough of B&T's wondrous music then...and still can't today! After wearing out my original B&T albums years ago -- and buying up as many "used" discs as I could find over the years -- now I have the CD! Keep up the great site...You've made two people (and probably millions more) very happy!
From Russ Banush: I want to express my thanks to you for all the information contained on the web site for these two favorites of mine.
I've always wondered what became of them over all these years, and it only today occurred to me to do a web search!
I first heard them as an undergrad at Wayne State University. A radio personality with the CBC affiliate in Windsor, Ontario, used to play their recordings. When he was killed in an auto accident, no one else seemed to pick up on them. I cherish the vinyl albums I have and will certainly buy the CD.
Thanks again for a job well done on Bud and Travis!!
From Sheila Miranda: When I was quite a bit younger - I think the year was 1956 - Bud and Travis came to perform at UCLA's Royce Hall. I thought they were absolutely fantastic and fell immediately madly in love with Travis (there was just something about him that got to me). I bought all their records. This was so many years ago - but I was curious to know what had happened to them.
From Ted Ramirez: I am a Tucson musician and a long time friend of Travis. I was absolutely thrilled to find your web site on Bud and Travis. I met Travis in Tucson over twenty years ago in a Tucson barrio named Hollywood. I was there to celebrate the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of Ramon and Amalia Olivas. There were many well known Tucson musicians at the party including, Willie Cocio (artist and musician). Willie was a friend and student of the world famous painter Ted De Grazia. Louis Rivera (a great harmonica and guitar player) who now works with George Lucas as a film producer was also at the anniversary celebration. Travis strolled in about 1:30 a.m. with an entourage of about fifteen people. We played every Mexican folk song known to man including his world class rendition of Malagueña Salerosa. It was unbelievable!
I can spend hours on the old days but, for now, allow me to tell you about the latest Tucson happening. On October 2, 1998, Tucson Concerned Media Professionals held a dinner in honor of four outstanding Tucson women. The four women are Dorothy Finley, Esther Don Tang, Julieta Portillo, and Cele Peterson. These four women are extremely influential. They have, through their many years of hard work and financial support, helped make Tucson the wonderful place it is today. I was delighted to be asked to write the music for a new corrido written in their honor entitled "Las Cuatro Damas" (The Four Ladies) (the lyric had been written by Dr. Celestino Fernandez from the University of Arizona).
A couple of months earlier Travis traveled down from his home in Mesa, Arizona to visit and connect with some of his Tucson friends. We talked about music and many other things. One month later, I ran into the legendary Tucson musician Lalo Guerrero and got the chance to tell him about how great Travis was doing and, pass along his phone number. Lalo was happy to hear about Travis and wanted to get together with him. Somewhere along the end of September 1998, Travis received a call from Lalo who invited him to a small get together in Tucson planned for October 1, 1998 the day before the dinner for Dorothy, Cele, Esther and Julieta.
I was busy writing the music for the corrido when I was informed Travis was thinking about attending the party and maybe even the dinner. It was also suggested Travis might consider performing at the event. Well I called him to check it out. Travis was thrilled about the whole idea and was eager to perform.
That night, center stage with the spotlight on, we sang, to a packed house, the original corrido "Las Cuarto Damas". Jose Luis Ibarra played guitarron, Cristobal Burton Jacome, played guitarra, I sang the lead vocal and played guitar and, Travis sang the sweetest harmony you ever heard! The combination of the Lyrics, melody and Travis created a once in a lifetime moment for everyone lucky enough to be there. As we descended from the stage Lupita Murillo announced a special surprise guest, Lalo Guerrero! He had been brought in to help celebrate the accomplishments of the Four Great Ladies of Tucson!
Wow, what an evening! It was great to hang out with Travis again! To hear him tell his fantastic stories and, to hear him laugh! May the Lord continue to bless him! I'm sure he knows how much Tucson loves him!
From Tom Pickles: Art Podell forwarded your good news to me. I produced the Collector's Choice reissue, "The Definitive New Christy Minstrels." It's doing quite well. Gordon Anderson of CCM had asked me my opinion about a Bud And Travis collection, so your efforts must have gotten to him. I reiterated that there is indeed an audience of Sixties Folkies alive and kicking out there. I hope the B &T release does at least as well as the Christy product, It might encourage Gordon to release other products in a similar style. I'd lind of like to see him release a compilation by the Womenfolk, the Tarriers, and the Back Porch Majority.
Thanks for your diligence.
From Tony Severino: This morning I heard a latin song on radio and it reminded me of Bud and Travis, whom I always loved and hadn't heard of for a long time.
On a whim I got on the Internet not expecting too much and, wow, I was overwhelmed. All that information about Bud and Travis, and a new CD to boot. I ordered it on the spot.
I was saddened to hear that Bud passed away. What a great team. Convey to Travis how much joy he and Bud have given my wife and I over the years with their music.
I have almost all those old Liberty albums, and from time to time, I pull them and play them. But like for most people, it is a convenience is to play CDs. I'm glad they finally "made it". And thanks to you, Tom, for this wonderful page as a tribute to them.
What a treat this discovery has been!
From Bill Hunt: Thanks for the info on the new B&T CD. I missed out on Bud and Travis in my youth, but was introduced to them later by my college pal, fraternity brother, and former roommate George Jensen. He must be B&T's greatest fan, and has some fairly mint condition original vinyl LP's.
He and I and our wives were in a place called "Daddy's Money," in Dallas, TX, during Xmas in 1973, and George recognized one of the 2 guitar-singers in the band as Travis Edmondson. I asked the guy at the break if it was he, and sure enough, it was. It was a small place, and we started making requests, all of which he honored. He was just along for the ride in this little band, but when he played our requests, the other guy couldn't play along - too much fingerwork.
My parents live in Tucson, Travis' home. Travis told us that, att the time, Bud ran a place called "Bud Dashiell's Guitar Workshop," according to Travis, a place where John Denver and others would go for tune-ups prior to going on tour. One of my favorites is " Cloudy Summer Afternoon." I plan on ordering a couple of the CD's, one for me and one for George, who will be thrilled. My parents in Tucson send me an occasional article on Travis, although there hasn't been much recently. He was always involved in music festivals there for up and coming artists, and his real love was mariachi music, I believe. He once got the key to the city from the mayor for all his work in Tucson.
Anyway, Tom, thanks for your efforts.
From Charlie Anderson: I heard the tune "TRULY DO" on Northern exposure Monday. I lost the dialogue because I was so entralled by this gorgeous song. Those harmonies! And the guitar work. Great! The song is going to be buzzing around in my brain until I hear it again (without Maurice Minnefield talking over it)!
From Name Withheld: Thanks a million. I just can't believe my good fortune in finding your Bud and Travis Home Page. The real thrill, however, was discovering that you and others actually got someone to put their music on CD. I immediately bought 1 copy, and may return for others for family/friends. I have their "In Concert", bought in the early 1960's quite by accident. I have loved and protected that album ever since...playing it on special occassions only to preserve it as long as I can.
I will buy any Bud and Travis CD that you and others can persuade the Collector's Choice people to make, as long as there is not needless duplication of tracks from one CD to another. You may pass this on to Collector's Choice as my ringing endorsement of further Bud and Travis efforts.
Thanks again.
From Mike Woodward: I only found out yesterday on your web site that Bud had passed away. I truly mourn his passing. I was frankly shocked to find out. I still remember him young. I said a prayer. God bless him, and God bless Travis too. Well, here's my Bud and Travis story.
I was an enlisted submarine sailor. On March 6, 1961, I was transferred to the Hawaiian Islands having just gone AWOL four times in a row. As punishments for my absences without leave, they sequentially, restricted me on board the sub, then busted me down one grade, then shaved my head and put me in the brig and finally disqualified me from subs altogether and sent me to sea duty. Sea duty ended up being an assignment, not to a ship, but to Hawaii. What a punishment!
So there I was right after my arrival in the islands on liberty in Waikiki. I'm walking down famous Kalakaua Avenue and come to the equally famous International Market Place. At that time, Duke Kahanamoku's was right up at the sidewalk and you could look through some trellises to see what was going on inside. I peeked through for a few seconds, made my decision, went around to the entrance, paid the cover and got my first full evening ever of Bud and Travis.
Duke's wasn't a concert venue, it was a club with tables and candles and drinks. I sat directly in front of them a couple tables back. Sometimes the place was packed other times not. I was riveted by their music and their schtick. I stared. God, what talent! My eyes and ears were wide open just like I was video taping them with my head. Of course, the music was extraordinary, but what got me was the whole feeling of them as an act. They were so damned sharp, so good. They were entertainment heroes that I went back to see every night I could get away from Pearl Harbor Naval Station.
I didn't know how to support them enough, to laugh enough for them. They were so funny and so sophisticated. I guess my appreciation was a little obvious. I remember Bud especially coming over to the table to talk to me. Not to shut me up, but to just acknowledge my appreciation. I remember him as so kind during the table visit.
Maybe you all can remember if the line is on an album or not; I can't, but I used to crack up when they said in some context or other, "...the influence of Baroque Architecture on Papago Indian dwellings." Odd thing is, I said that very line yesterday morning here at work and found your great site in the afternoon. I'm the Production Director of ICRT Radio in Taiwan, the Republic of China.
I even used the line unashamedly on occasion during my own show biz career. I played congos and bongos for a group called Daystar (a title taken from the Baha'i Faith's writings) and then became a stand-up comedian in Hawaii and did shows there from1978 to 1988 as Mike Woodward, Hawaii's First Haole Stand-Up Comedian. (Haole means white guy) I even opened for Tina Turner and Warren Zevon. I know that the great style of these two guys influenced my own love of the comedy of words.
I owned the Concert Album and the Bud and Travis album and was just like all your other contributors in listening to them again and again. I feel musically these two guys were brilliant technically with what in my memory almost seems like chamber music "con push." Good lord, I just recalled that Mexican/American term. It was theirs, and in their act, it meant with rhythm and excitement, with just a shade of sexual innuendo. (That's a Spanish "con" by the way.)
I feel they were pioneers in the world music arena. I know they were ahead of their time. If two haole guys were to do the Latin stuff now that they did then, they'd be on top of the charts. Bud and Travis were like from another world. Their whole thing was ground-breaking. Again, God bless them both. I can just see Bud in the next world standing there so erect with his guitar high up on his chest playing for the angels saying, "You think this is good, wait 'til Travis gets here."
Love to you all!
From Doug Kennedy: I studied and played with Bud for a bout a year in 1968,1969 at his little place at Westwood Music. As I remember it , it was there not down the street but it was a long time ago and I could be slightly off. We used to drool over Lorca and Manzaneros guitars. He was the last person I talked to in July of 1969 when, I called him from the LA induction Center as I was being drafted out of college. I was saddened to hear of his death. Sure had a good time with him, especially all the Boss Nova chords and trying to write hit songs that fit those patterns. I miss him.
From Bob Shane (yep, THAT Bob Shane!!!): I was introduced to your page (a great page, BTW) by my good friend Travis Edmonson. I was just at his house for dinner Sat. nite and Rose Marie pulled it up for me. It is really super that you have put together a page for the two who inspired us the most. So thanks from another folk music "afficionado"!
Keep up the good work, and thanks again.
Sincerely,
Bob Shane, leader, The Kingston Trio
From Don Armstrong: Enjoyed discovering your Bud & Travis homepage. I have enjoyed their music for over 35 years and it is nice to see them remembered. My wife Victoria and I are musicians and tour together as a duo and sometimes with our group "Peyote Coyote." A few years back we recorded B&T's arrangement of "Cielito Lindo Son Huasteco," and have included the lyrics here, in case you don't already have them, along with another of our favorites: "Los Dos."
From Vanessa Buchthal: Hi!
I just wanted to let you know that you have done me a major favor, given me back a piece of my childhood, and solved a mystery that's been plaguing me for decades (literally).
When I was a small child in the early 60's, my father used to sing me an absolutely beautiful song before I went to sleep .... "she's the butterfly in my cottonwood tree, she's a sweet sip of cider in the sun, she's a bluebird's wing, she's the song I sing, when my day is done...."
I cherished that song, but after he returned from Vietnam in 67 he stopped singing to us, and by the mid 1970's, when as a teenager I asked him to write down the lyrics because I couldn't remember any more than the first verse, he claimed he'd never heard of it.
I've been singing that first verse for 30 years, never found anyone who had *ever* heard of the song, and had begun to think that I had hallucinated it. But it stuck with me, there's something about the song that resonates, and I'm now singing it to my own baby daughter... and every single time frustrated that I only have one verse and scraps of the others.
In an idle moment, I did a search for the first lyric tonight, and *bam* -- one hit. On the lyrics section of your web page -- the song "Guess I'll Just Go Home"
Wow, the entire song back for me again *sob* ... and now I know where it came from.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! (And my daughter will thank you too :) )
From John Chaffee: I found your B&T home page while searching for lyrics to "It Was A Very Good Year" Great Job! Thanks to you, I have them now. I actually had remembered almost all of them from when I sang in a folk singing trio in the 60's we performed that song. At any rate, I would like to learn it again.
As I read your B&T homepage, I wish that I had paid more attention to Bud and Travis's music when they were popular. Other favorites of mine that I didn't know were attributable to them include "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya" and "Cloudy Summer Afternoon."
From Barry: Hey, Tom, great site! I knew Bud and Trav back in LA, used to sit around with them, sing at hoot nights and all - mainly with Bud. And my good friend and fellow B&T fan and singer, Tom Ivey, who is copied on this message and who shared your URL with me, often sing one or more of their songs just to keep them alive for folks who didn't have the privilege of hearing them. I do plan to get the CD thanks.
Thanks again for the site!
From Bob Baron: Wow-I was surfing net and thought I would put a search for Bud and Travis, not expecting any results. What a great web site! I have the Latin Album but I do not have a record player anymore and was surprised and grateful for the CD release. By the way, it is listed in Amazon's web site with a release date of April 20th. The gal at Collector's Choice said I should have it in 3-5 days.
From Charlie Thomas: I have just visited your Bud and Travis home page etc. and I want to thank you for all the great information and memories. My reason for visiting your page is I was trying to find out what happened to Travis Edmonson. I am a Spanish professor st the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and I am doing what I'm doing because of a Bud and Travis concert in 1962. I have most of the albums which I, and my Spanish classes as well, have enjoyed through the years. La Vaquilla Colorada is always a favorite!
Thanks for sharing the Bud and Travis story with the world.!!
From Jason Tilley: Just purchased "The Best of Bud & Travis." It's wonderful! These guys had seven or eight albums worth of stuff. If they release another volume (or two) I'll buy it in a New York minute!!!
From Dick Cerri: Bud & Travis were among my very favorites...still are. We hung out together whenever they came to Washington, DC. In fact, they made Washington their home base, one time when they had a series of concerts along the East coast. Bud brought his family and Travis brought Dian. The only thing I remember about Dian was that she recorded an album with the Greenbriar Boys and liked Bluegrass music. I escourted her to some of Washington's Bluegrass venues.
From John Chaffee: I found your B&T home page while searching for lyrics to "It Was A Very Good Year" Great Job! Thanks to you, I have them now. I actually had remembered almost all of them from when I sang in a folk singing trio in the 60's we performed that song. As I read your B&T homepage, I wish that I had paid more attention to Bud and Travis's music when they were popular. Other favorites of mine that I didn't know were attributable to them include "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya" and "Cloudy Summer Afternoon."
From John Tubbs: You've done an excellent job with the Bud & Travis site!!
From Shirley Dorrington: Thanks for your efforts in getting a CD out of Bud & Travis. Your home page is great!
From Ronald Wolek: Please accept my thanks for creating the Bud & Travis website!
I too have enjoyed listening to Bud & Travis since I was first introduced to them in the early 1960's. It is nice to finally see that they are getting the credit they deserve. Kudos on any influence you had in getting Collector's Choice to put the CD out. Got mine a week ago and have been enjoying it greatly.
I am not ashamed to admit that I am a "greedy" Bud & Travis fan. The CD has only served to whet my appetite for more. Even though the Collector's Choice CD contained material from the "In Concert" album, I would sure like to see the entire album reissued on its own CD. Is there any chance that there will be more Bud & Travis CDs available soon?
Thanks again for bringing Bud & Travis back into people's lives.
From Jorge A. Ramirez: gadzooks! a bigger bud and travis fan than me. I discovered bud and travis in 1963, my freshman year at Laredo Junior College. I was a budding folkie and at one time had a duo that did B&T stuff. You see, the boleros that Travis favored were the stuff I was raised with in Laredo. One of my early converts to b&t is my visual artist friend cesar martinez. He recently dusted off the latin album and I've been playing it on my work commute for several weeks.
Incidentally, I too heard Bonsoir Dame on Northern Exposure. Talk about time travel. I sang that song in a play at Laredo Junior College in 63 or 64.
I am pleasantly shocked out of my gourd with the discovery of your web site. Thanks!
From Tony: Hello Mr. Straw. I just purchased the B&T greatest hits album and while hearing it the memories began to flood in. Like your website!
From Larry Waggoner: I just received my copy of the B & T CD from Collector's Choice. I haven't listened to the CD yet or even completely read the liner notes. I did jump ahead and saw your name and the Web site address. I'm looking forward to reading and listening to everything as time allows.
I have been a fan of Bud and Travis from the beginning. Living in Kansas, I never had the opportunity to hear them in person. The live albums have always been favorites. I have the eight original albums (1959 to 1965) and the separate albums, except "Travis on Cue". I'm looking forward to a great Bud and Travis weekend! Thanks for all your work with Bud and Travis.
From Paul W. Savercool: I feel so fortunate to discover your web page, Tom - actually I got your web address from the catelog that offered the B and T CD, and what an absolute joy that was to hear them again. All of my B and T albums have been worn out and, one by one, slipped by the wayside over the years.
I was living in Venice when the guys played the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. I will never forget that one. Years later, '64 or'65, I saw them again at a performance in Stockton, California. I was lucky enough to get to know the two of them and will treasure that acquaintance.
You went through a lot of work on this web page. And I thank you for the chance to look back on their lives.
From Alan Davis: I really appreciate your web site on Bud and Travis. I am 56 years old and was a huge Bud and Travis fan when I was in high school. In fact, back in those days (I graduated from high school in 1960) I teamed up with my closest friend and we played folk music at local school events. We did covers of a lot of B&T tunes. I had not thought about them for years until my wife and I, for fun, decided to do a duet of the Kingston Trio's "Scotch and Soda" at a party with a few friends. I thought about "Cloudy Summer Afternoon", which was a standard part of the repertory I used to do, and I thought, what the heck, maybe there's something on the internet about it. And here I find myself at your web site.
I do not watch much TV and was surprised that Bud and Travis were used on Northern Exposure. I am from the San Francisco peninsula originally, and while in my teens used to frequent the hungry i nightclub and the Purple Onion.
I love their Spanish pieces, but my all-time favorite B&T song is Malaguena Salerosa. Think I wore out that groove on the LP. Now, for the first time, I can see what the lyrics are, since I could not understand a few of the words in Spanish. It is one of my favorite tunes of any kind of music, and every time I see a mariachi group, I ask them to play it. But none do it with the flair that they brought to it.
The biographies are great, as is all the info about them.
The old albums I had were stolen with a collection of records back in the early 70s, and I have not had a chance to hear them since then.
I received the Best of Bud and Travis this week and have already played it 5 times. I found it at Amazon.com, not realizing that they had just added it to the catalog (my timing was perfect... I guess the Universe wanted me to wait until this moment to find your site). My wife, who is 36, had never heard of them. She was luke warm about the album the first time through, but she told me that after she has heard it several times now she is really getting hooked on them. It's Saturday morning and a business associate just walked in (the same age as my wife) and he mentioned how much he liked what he was hearing.
I'm on your list to support getting the whole B&T catalog reissued.
This experience has encouraged me to pull my 40-year-old Martin classical guitar out from under the bed. It is covered with scratches where my son (now 29) scraped it while using a pick and being a "rock musician" in his bedroom while in high school!
Best regards and thanks again!
From Larry Saidman: I love your enthusiasm for Bud and Travis, and I heartily concur with your recommendations, particularly the Latin Album, and "Naturally".
From Debby Parducci: I took guitar lessons from Frank Hamilton. When he left L.A. I took lessons from Bud Dashiell. Both wrote melodies to my lyrics although the songs were never published. Bud sang the one we wrote together in a club in Westwood. It is called I've Always Loved the Rain. I know that Bud has died. I have lost all my Bud Dashiell records.. The songs I would most like to find are Baltimore Oriole and Randy Newman's I Think It's Gonna Rain Today.
From Mary Ellen Kokoszka: I recently "got online" and when I found out you had a B&T web site, I immediately put a bookmark on same and log on periodically. Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate all the pages you have on the great duo. I am a fan from 1949! I knew Travis from high school in Tucson, Arizona. He was in my senior class and we were also in the CYO at St. Peter & Paul parish in Tucson. He was always a very friendly and "neat" guy even back then. When he went professional, I, of course, bought as many albums as I could. I haven't been able to play them in the last few years as I have not had a phonograph.
I've subscribed to Collectors' Music for a few years now and about 3 years ago I wrote and asked when they might have a CD or cassette of Bud & Travis. Much to my surpise last fall when I got a catalog an album was on a front page! When it finally came (had to back order it was so popular) I noticed your web address and have been logged on ever since.
Three years ago I was visiting my daughter in Mesa, Arizona and noticed Travis' address and phone number was in the phone book. I got up the nerve to call and did talk to Travis; he said he did remember me. We had a great talk. A few months later I wrote him and he wrote me a nice letter back telling about his early career.
I just sent an e-mail to Collectors Music and Rhino Music telling them to make a new album! I will be first in line.
Keep up the good work! (How come you are such a good fan and weren't around in the 50's and 60's?)
From Paul Rutter: I stumbled onto your B&T web site and it brought back a lot of memories. I even brought out the "In concert" album and listened to it last night. I have always wondered what happened to them now I am up to date.
My story goes back to 1962/1963 at Cal Poly College in San Luis Obispo. We were not one of the schools in the main stream of things at the time and the upcoming Bud and Travis concert was an event we all were looking forward to.I was lucky enough to get a date and barrow a car for the evening.
Our Electronic Engineering department got word that some of us were going to the concert and came out with the statement that engineering students did not have time for concerts. To empathize this they assigned an especially difficult set of homework problems due the next day. My roommates, who were not going, would do the majority of the problems and leave me just a few to do when I got home. I figured that this would work out since in those days the girls had to be in the dorm by 10 o'clock on weekdays. Well the school decided the concert was special and announced that the dorms would follow weekend rules. This meant that my date now had to be home by 2 am. I was horrified. I knew that according to the unwritten rules of dating it would be impossible to bring her home any earlier that 2am and that left little time for home work. So off we went.
I am not sure what Bud and Travis thought of the Cal Poly audience but I think we must have been one of the more enthusiastic ones-we loved them. When they finished their last number, left the stage and came back for the final song we would not stop clapping. They finally came out again and must of thought we were somewhat strange. They sang a few more songs and finally left. It was great and I bought the "In Concert" album at a time when I had no money.
When I finally arrived home (after a truly fantastic evening) my roommates were still working on the problems. I jumped in and we worked all night to finish. Needless to say we all had a bitter taste for our department however I was lucky enough to see B & T in concert. Thanks for your effort with the site.
From Ed Cereda: I found the Best of Bud and Travis in Collector's Choice Music. Years ago I wore out the only record of theirs that I had and until last week given up hope of ever hearing them again. Are there any other CD's? I would like to hear more of their humor.
Thanks!
From Bob Posch: Great news when i found your the b&t web site. i was stationed in hawaii from 58 to 61. I saw b&t at a club on the beach called the Clouds in i think 59 or 60. it was not a good venue for them, noisy and a semi sleaze place. i was 18 years old at the time, a naive farm kid from central minnesota. i think it was about 1960 when bud and the kinsman worked the international market place. i was there every night, got to know bud very well and spent a lot of time with him. he was a huge huge influence on me both personally as well as my career. i've spent a lot of years as a singer comic but do mostly comedy today. i work 50 weeks a year doing mainly conventions and dinner clubs and when my schedule allows i headline for the silver seas cruise line. if you were to stumbled into one of my shows, the bud dashiell guitar style and music would be blatantly obvious.
Thank you for sharing your effort and time with all of the b&t fans.
From Michael Dyal: Hi I'm a beginner guitarist who loves good music more than anything. I love Bud and Travis and was wondering if you know if there is somewhere on the web or something where I can get more chords/tabs to Bud and Travis songs and arrangements. (In my opinion they have some of the best) P.S. Do you know if somebody is going to release some more B&T on cd?
If you know anything please let me know!
From Gorden Burgess: I'm sitting here in front of the computer, listening to the Best of...CD, which I purchased in a fit of retro-music passion as soon as I saw it in the catalog. My wife finally gets to hear the B&T songs I have babbled about for years, sans the snap, crackle and pops the vinyl has acquired over the years of abuse from mediocre record players and tequila spills. I found your address in the liner notes, and naturally I had to come on by. (By the bye, a nice job on the liner notes, also.)
B&T remain one of my favorite groups, having heard them for the first time in college in the mid sixties. A good friend and fellow aspiring guitarist had the In Concert album, and I had to special order it to get it at the time.
My thanks to you for the part you played in getting the CD re-released. I look forward to sharing hours of absolutely great, and often unique, music with people who have never had the pleasure.
Your web site is great, and I thank you for the time and effort you put into it. It was great to read the interview with Travis. . . You hit the nail on the head with your comments about the misperceptions of two very close friends sharing the stage.
I am e-mailing Gordon @ collectors choice to add my $16.95 worth of request for additional CD's. My vote goes to the Latin Album and In Concert for the next re-issues.
Over the years, I have requested Malaguena Salerosa y Los Dos in numerous latin american countries, and have enjoyed singing along with them, just as I learned from B&T 35 years ago.
Thanks again for the dedication and hard work.
From Trudy Corcoran: Tom, I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed reading all the Bud & Travis memorabilia on your B&T site. I grew up in Nogales with Travis, and have always been a great fan of his, as well as a friend. Used to go to the Hungry i when he was with the Gateway Singers... Saw him play with Bud a number of times. I haven't seen him for ages, since the late '70s actually. Am so glad that he is still alive and kicking and well!!\
PS Ordered the CD, of course. I have all the Gateways on wax, as well as two of his solo albums and a bunch of the B&T one. :-) Have to complete the collection!!
From Chalie Whitefeather Phillips: During the late 80's and early 90's, Travis became my friend. I first heard him sing at a concert at the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson in 1965; his version of "Malaguena Salerosa" mesmerized me. My high school rock and roll band played on stage, as well as Los Chanquitos Feos, a mariachi group now graduated and playing at Disney World as Mariachi Cobre, the best mariachi group in the world now.
It wasn't until he heard me play guitar and sing after hours at the Gates Pass Inn in Tucson, that we began our friendship. At the time, he called me the best songwriter in Arizona. So now, after all these years, I finally have my own mini-studio and am sponsoring a songwriting contest at http://maxpages.com/songriderscash/Home
I also have just completed my first professional cut on CD, Sweet Dreams. I am working on including that song on a full CD album as well.
Travis is a name-dropper. He has mentioned that he bought Jose Feliciano his first American guitar and has a story of Jose riding his white horse all the way to the edge of the cliffs on his seaside ranch in California! Yikes, Jose can you see?
He also told me that John Denver bunked with him during the folk years. Travis was a lover so I don't believe anybody really bunked with him at all; I don't believe he ever slept at home.
And the stories of David Crosby's ability to hear harmonies that only the wind knows were fascinating.
Travis' nephew, Earl Edmondson, is a fantastic guitarist on the local scene, with connections to Laurie Lewis and other top-notch bluegrass musicians such as David McLaughlin (Frog Mountain).
Travis is a grand story teller: of vaqueros, of women, music, celebrities, human nature, indians, cowboys . . .
I haven't seen Travis since late 1994 but I keep seeing his trail. Long may you live, Travis, you bastard!
From Diana Gard: I can't believe it! Today was my little brother's birthday and he got a Bud and Travis CD from my parents. I was so blown away since I've been searching forever for a CD, I got on the internet and looked up B&T and found you. I love these guys. I grew up on them. I thought I was the only one! My dad grew up in Tucson and knew Travis well. I got to see him play a solo act back in the late 70s when I passed through Tucson. I found out Travis had "died" when I was playing a gig at a local tavern in Seattle - some guy dedicated a song to Travis and told of his "death." Anyway - I think their rendition of Malaguena salerosa is the best thing ever sung and I've been praying for a CD - cause my record player just isn't cutting it in this day and age.
Thanks so much for your page!
From Penny Powell: Hello there:
I'm writing to express my excitement at finding your web page. Yesterday my mom and I were driving down the highway talking about her brief and very happy friendship with Travis (one of my favorite photos of her from the 60's is one taken with Bud & Travis), of the well-loved Bud & Travis. She was longing to hear some of their songs, and lamenting the fact that our household no longer has a turntable on which to play her old records, when I remarked that perhaps I'd be able to find CD's at Amazon.com's music site. She's still wary of the wonders of the internet and just gave me a wistful look of hope. When she gets home today, and I tell her that I've found your web page, she is going to be thrilled and absolutely amazed!!
Thank you very much for being out there. I imagine that my mom isn't the only old folkie that you've made very happy with your cyber information. Take care.
From Marcella Alohalani Boido, M.A.: It's "cojones," not "gajones." ("Balls.") Great web site!
From Christine Morrison: Hi. I was so happy to see that a CD of Bud & Travis was available, My sister & I were great fans of theirs & we had several of their albums. I don't know if their are still in anyone of my family back east's possession. I sure wish all of them would get reissued..
From Lynne Siegel: Glad I found the website. I am living in Cambria, California and have always thought about these two. What's become of Travis and Bud?
From Tim Day: Dear Tom , Oh, what wonderful memories your web page has brought me. I had the pleasure of meeting and playing with B&T at the Hungry i in S.F. in the little dressing, room sound room, catchall room to the left of the stage. They were on the same bill with Geoffrey Holder. I was auditioning for Paul Goldenberg the talent agent for Enrico Benduchi the i's owner and got an intro. Boy could they sing and play. Keep up the good work!
From David King: Through a series of coincidences I was hired to play bass for Bud & Travis at the Cellar Door in Georgetown, DC in the spring of 1965. At the time I was graduating from the University of Miami in Florida. B & T's regular bass player, David "Buckwheat" Wheat, couldn't make the trip to DC. A friend of mine, Bill Teague, who was with The New Christy Minstrals was in the Cellar Door's manager's office when the call came in regarding Buckwheat. Bill said that he knew a bassist in Miami that was very good and I was hired on the spot.
I vaguely knew who they were, but didn't know too much of their music. Of course, neither of them showed up early that first night so that we could rehearse. So we met briefly in the dressing room, talked about what they might do, and went on stage saying " You'll do just fine". As a matter of fact I did pretty well!
We worked together for 10 days. When the gig was over they asked if I would like to join them as their regular bassist at the end of the summer. I met them the following August at the El Matador in San Francisco. We worked together for several months until they finally broke up. I remember that they joined Capital Records and we recorded 2 singles. One was written by Travis called "It Ain't Easy" and the other by Bud and me called "Chilena" (sort of like La Bamba).
The record company was quite excited about the recordings but Bud & Travis split up just before the record was to be released. (Bud felt that this was the shot in the arm that they needed to build a larger national audience. Travis wanted to go out on his own.)
Anyway, that was the end of Bud & Travis!
I stayed and worked with Bud for a few years after the break-up. I played on his solo album "I think it's going to rain today". Did you know that there was going to be a NEW BUD & TRAVIS? We met a young girl with the last name Travis. ( I can't remember her first name) We rehearsed and taught her a lot of the material but the idea fizzled out. Can you imagine the interest? The must fun time working with Bud was in the winter of 1966. We did a concet tour in Japan. We toured for 5 weeks, ending up with New Year's in Taiwan.
I stayed with Bud until August 1968. He was a tremendous influence on me. I must say that I feel terrible that I lost touch with him all those years. But this website brings back many beautiful memories with Bud & Travis.
From Chuck Pinkerton: After discovering the Trio and several other gems a few years ago I started trying to track down B & T. Having recorded for Liberty, a pretty major player in those days, I figured they might get reissued also. No such luck. Until I discovered CDnow. Eureka! There it was; "The Best of Bud & Travis." I ordered it Immediately, it arrived yesterday, I put it on, turned up the volume and instantly got the proverbial "goose bumps." I closed my eyes and there they were, playing in my living room. It is, to say the least, a delightful collection of one of my all time favorite acts. They were a big influence on my own guitar playing. I can play rhythm a lot like Travis but I could never come very close to Bud.
From Bill Schneiderman: Thanks for this web page. I have enjoyed these guys for decades and until the release of the CD I did not have a Bud and Travis record until about 1989 when I was able to trade a Cumberland Three album for the College Concert. I got the better of the deal. I wonder if someone might know from where their actual music training came. I seem to recall a television interview where one of the duo mentioned that they had studied guitar with Carlos Montoya. I often wondered given their ability to play mariachi music and some of the techniques that are reminiscent of Flamenco whether either one may have actually studied the flamenco forms.
From E. C. Regan: Thank you for unearthing a very special part of my youth! During the last several years we have often received a catalogue of "oldies" presented on CD. Imagine my pleasure when I finally found Bud and Travis listed two weeks ago! In one swift movement, my AMEX card was in one hand as the other dialed the number so that I could place my order. It was absolutely wonderful to hear those clear melodic harmonies again. So wonderful, in fact, that I went down to the basement and resurrected all of my Bud and Travis albums. Our "stereo" had breathed its last many years ago, but I remained undaunted! A few phone calls found an old system right next door in my neighbor's spare room; I had no touble convincing her to lend it out for a few days! For the rest of that Saturday afternoon I was transported back to that era of music which has always remained my favorite. An added , very unexpected bonus, was the reaction of my eighteen year old daughter who is home from college for the summer. I must admit that she does have eclectic taste when it comes to music, but I never thought she, like her mother all those years ago, would be immediately entranced by Bud and Travis. My husband is now listening to both of of us humming and singing - often in Spanish!
After reading the liner notes that accompanied the CD, I contacted your web page. Few of my friends in college were able to understand the draw of these two musicians. I'm delighted to learn that Bud and Travis's fans are still out there! Unfortunately I never saw Bud and Travis perform in person. My mother still remembers that I somehow convinced her to accompany me to St. Boneventure University in Olean, New York to hear a concert that was scheduled there. From our Massachusetts home, that trip would have been a 10 hour train ride! Sadly for me - happily for my mother - the concert was cancelled.
Thanks again, Tom, for compiling all of this information. I look forward to even more Bud and Travis CD's in the future!
From Mike Mott: I used to play in a folk music group back in the 60s and my playing partner was a huge fan of Bud and Travis. If memory serves me correctly they did a song with a title something like "When It's Fiesta Time in Guadalejara", and I would love to have that song once again. By the way, I certainly will order the other CD because I thought they were a special group too.
Felicia Reid: I am a 49-year old labor & employment lawyer in San Francisco. I was raised on Bud and Travis: my dad was a folk music and hi fi afficionado. I had cousins in Long Beach who were also folkies and sang professionally at the Ash Grove and other local haunts in the area. We all loved Bud and Travis, and knew all their songs, patter and guitar riffs by heart. (Before Bud and Travis, of course, there were the Weavers and the Gateway Singers, and during and after the Kingston Trio and Ian and Sylvia.) But the guys were part and parcel of my adolescence, and my favorites. When I was 14 my dad took my brother (who is now a diplomat with the State Department), my best friend and me to see them live at a coffee house called The Land of Odin (I think it was in Escondido, CA). It was a very small, very dark venue. Intimate. And the show was electrifying. We were literally five feet from the stage. It was one of the peak experiences of my life.
I am writing because yesterday I bought the new CD (finally found it at Down Home Music in El Cerrito). When I listened to it last night, for the first time in 20 years, there I was, back again, at the land of Odin, in love, watching these firey, smart, rhythmic men make music and magic, confident and lyrical, witty and wicked, everything you knew REAL life was supposed to be.
Enjoyed the liner notes to the CD a lot. Now I want to be able to get ahold of the original albums!
From ABBFJB@aol.com: Good review. I wasn't aware that B&T were featured on Northern Exposure (I don't watch TV) but I'm glad to hear they haven't been totally forgotten. I have their two-record album of the live performance at (I believe) the Hungry I, including those great songs like Malaguena Salerosa, Johnny, I hardly knew ye, Sloop John B, Delia's gone, and so on.
Perhaps I'm just an aging war baby overcome by nostalgia, but I'd love to see a revival of the great folk groups from the early 'sixties. Of the ones I followed the most ---Limelighters, Kingston Trio, B&T and Peter Paul and Mary-- I've always considered Bud and Travis to be, musically, the best (with apologies to the great Glen Yarbrough). Of the four, the only ones even heard of today are Peter Paul and Mary, who were --again, in my opinion-- musically the least interesting and accomplished of the lot. Oh well.
From Mark Foote: Hello there! Thank you so much for your work on the Bud and Travis CD and home page. I'd begun to despair of ever hearing them again except on my very very well-worn LP's. I just saw the CD for the first time yesterday (and, of course, bought it instantly).
Any chance of the complete Santa Monica concert being put on CD? The selections on The Best of just whet the appetite...especially as half the fun is in their introductions. Sloop John B is a perfect example. The song is a wonderful "punch line," but the whole intro, with both talking at once, turns the entire piece into something much more (as the liner notes allude). I saw them live only once in a small club in San Diego, probably in 1965, near the end of their "second" career.
I'm a 53-year old guy from San Jose and lived through and loved the changes in music during the 50's and 60's and 70's especially. I was fortunate enough to be at the "official final" performance of The Kingston Trio (Nick, Bob, John) at the Hungry I in June of 1967--there's a show that someone probably has on tape...closed with Bob doing "Scotch and Soda" solo to an entire nightclub full of non-dry eyes.
I began this, and then went back and read some of the other comments on the B & T stories pages. It seems clear that "Malaguena Salerosa" is the song that affects most of us. For me, it's the one I always request from Mariachis. In fact, my wife and I had a Mariachi band play at our wedding reception, and our "first" dance was...guess what? Malaguena!
I have just once thing to say to the other B & T fans who've responded and commented: "Let's all room together next semester!"
Thank you again!
From Lynn Ledgerwood: Thanks from my family for putting together the Best of ... let's hope there is room for Best of... Volume 2. If we keep this up we could reissue the whole oeuvre!
From Jim Hassan: I am so excited...I recently got a computer and was searching rather aimlessly when I stumbled on a recently released CD by Bud and Travis. Their music has truly been a big part of my life...and for many of my friends to whom I introduced their music. I have the albums "Bud and Travis" and "Spotlight" but they are worn-out. My brothers (I have four) have asked me ever so often...when will they reissue the work of these two remarkable musicians and singers...Anyway, I ordered the CD, and wrote a review which Amazon. Com printed on B & T's CD page..... Gene Kelly encouraged me to write to Gordon Anderson which I have done...(a copy of which I am sending to you)...telling him that I would love it if they copied some of their albums to CD's.
In the meantime, I found your website this evening and have enjoyed it so very much....As you will note in my messages and review...I am an ardent fan and think that they are the greatest. Do you think there is a possibility that their albums will be issued on CD's. Do let me know if I can do anything to encourage this.
Thanks so much for all of your hard work and all of the information which I read with avid interest. I am sharing it with the many B&T fans that I know.
From David Spero: Hello Tom, I really enjoy the Bud & Travis page!!! Bud Dashiell was a friend, and my first guitar teacher. I have some interesting stories about Bud...I can tell you that He was the warmest most sensitive man...His music would tell all...
From Doug Kennedy: I studied and played with Bud for a bout a year in 1968,1969 at his little place at Westwood Music. As I remember it , it was there not down the street but it was a long time ago and I could be slightly off. We used to drool over Lorca and Manzaneros guitars. He was the last person I talked to in July of 1969 when, I called him from the LA induction Center as I was being drafted out of college. I was saddened to hear of his death. Sure had a good time with him, especially all the Bossa Nova chords and trying to write hit songs that fit those patterns. I miss him.
From Arch: My wife and I just received the "new" Bud & Travis CD. She and I met at a time shortly after Bud & Travis had released their Latin Album (1966), and we ran right out and bought it. We still have it (unuseable), but we feel and hope that with today's technology, it may be possible to obtain that album and other Bud & Travis albums on CD's.
By the way, until reading the literature that came with this CD, we had no idea what had happened Bud & Travis. It's sad to think that their talents never re-surfaced again. We always enjoyed their music, but eventually our record album became so scratched it became intolerable to listen. Now, we are anxious to listen to the "good stuff" again. We hope you can help.
From Lex Smith: Thank you! for revitalizing the lost sounds of B&T. The cd is terrific; full of nostalgic moments for me and my generation ( I graduated from University of Arizona in '66). Travis, as a Nogales boy, was kind of an icon for all us guitar-playing, sick of Kingston Trio wannabes, attending high school in the early sixties and then in college as well. A good friend in California sent me the cd and he too is a great fan.
Thanks for renewing these great sounds and introducing the music to those who are not familiar with the unusual combination of the two together.
Thanks again!
From William Burke: Wonderful B&T web site. Just got the CD, wish it had South Coast on it, one of my all time favorites and I haven't heard it in over 20 years...sigh
Hopefully in the next compilation....
From Vanessa Buchthal: Hi!
I just wanted to let you know that you have done me a major favor, given me back a piece of my childhood, and solved a mystery that's been plaguing me for decades (literally). When I was a small child in the early 60's, my father used to sing me an absolutely beautiful song before I went to sleep .... "she's the butterfly in my cottonwood tree, she's a sweet sip of cider in the sun, she's a bluebird's wing, she's the song I sing, when my day is done...." I cherished that song, but after he returned from Vietnam in 67 he stopped singing to us, and by the mid 1970's, when as a teenager I asked him to write down the lyrics because I couldn't remember any more than the first verse, he claimed he'd never heard of it.
I've been singing that first verse for 30 years, never found anyone who had *ever* heard of the song, and had begun to think that I had hallucinated it. But it stuck with me, there's something about the song that resonates, and I'm now singing it to my own baby daughter... and every single time frustrated that I only have one verse and scraps of the others.
In an idle moment, I did a search for the first lyric tonight, and *bam* -- one hit. On the lyrics section of your web page -- the song "Guess I'll Just Go Home" Wow, the entire song back for me again *sob* ... and now I know where it came from.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! (And my daughter will thank you too :) )
From Tom Barthel: Thanks for whatever you did to get the cd made, thanks. I have been a fan for a long time and I'm so glad for the cd and I hope that more will be forthcoming!
From John McCollister: As a long time Bud and Travis fan, I appreciate the work you've done putting together a page to remember them. I've recieved the CD compilation of their work, and I still think they're the best! Great music to make fajitas and margaritas to... Ha.
Great site, and thanks again..
From Muff Hackett: My mother brought me a copy of the 'Best of B & T' CD as a present today! I was thrilled - I grew up on B & T and never really believed that I would own my own copies (have cassettes to keep me going, but Mum and Dad don't have everything either.) Thanks so much for your efforts. I have written to Collector's Choice begging for 'More Best of' - hope it helps.
From Lynn: I have the single "The Alamo" and it is among the top of my favorite "tunes"! Tho't B&T would like to know. I also have several albums but they're in storage so I can't say which for sure. One is original and very scratchy ... regards ...
From Charlie Thomas: I have just visited your Bud and Travis home page etc. and I want to thank you for all the great information and memories. My reason for visiting your page is I was trying to find out what happened to Travis Edmonson. I am a Spanish professor st the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and I am doing what I'm doing because of a Bud and Travis concert in 1962. I have most of the albums which I, and my Spanish classes as well, have enjoyed through the years. La Vaquilla Colorada is always a favorite!
Anyway, without boring you with particular details, i was interested in getting and address/ e-mail for Travis as i really wanted to contact him to thank him for the inpiration. I have done a lot of translating of Latin American drama and prose http:www.vbe.com/~gmwchas and my latest project was adapting music from a folk group in Wisconsin, Northern Light, into a Chilean play I translated to make a musical/comedy. Once again, to keep it short, the musical/comedy will premiere this summer at the Blowing Rock Stage Company in North Carolina.
Thanks for sharing the Bud and Travis story with the world.!!
From Betty: Via contact today with Charlie Phillips, I've been priveleged to learn about Bud and Travis, and read much you have posted on that site. I must honestly say, I knew nothing of Bud and Travis until today. And I wonder WHY ! Of course, it could be they just weren't 'hyped' by bigtime promoters ?
From Bill Dudley: hey tom, good job on the pages; i enjoyed em. thanks for the b&t stuff happy new year take care!
From anonymous: For Christmas my husband got the CD Best of Bud & Travis. He says he's been looking for years for their album "Live at the Cellar Door." I hope it gets re-issued!
From Christine Houde: Hello, Tom!
An infinite number of BLESSINGS on you and whoever else helped bring out this B&T CD. For nearly 30 years I have looked for reissues of their music and at last one has come! I sobbed through Malaguena Salerosa at least three times before I could bring myself to listen to any of the others. It is the most passionate and beautiful arrangement of this song I have ever heard.
Thank you, thank you, many many times, thank you!
From David McCowen: Tom: What a wonderful discovery, your site. I just went through most all of it and need to go to sleep, but will revisit. My memories are from 1959-1962 approximately, when I and three or four of my guitar playing fraternity bros. at the KA House at Ga. Tech found out about B&T thru albums. For years we would try to emulate their songs. It was great fun. I got pretty good with Cloudy Summer Afternoon and Truly Do, but was never able to do the Salerosa stuff. I didn't grow up with that rhythm in Georgia.
Then in '62 I was drafted and was at Ft. Sill OK for 8 weeks, read that they were at the Buddhi Club in OK City. Went up and saw them. Hoyt Axton opened. Then, B&T came on and did all my favorites. Afterward I called some of my buddies and woke them up to rave.
Then, before I left OK, still '62, I couldn't make it back up to OK City to see Erik draling, so I called him at the club when he was there, and chatted. I was a fan of his Train Time album, and his work with the Weavers.
But the B&T experience was very memorable. I still have the vinyls of Perspective, Naturally, Bud and Travis In Person, In Concert, and Spotloight on B&T. Five in all. I think I had more, but these are in great condition.
Anyway, my late night discovery of your site now has kept me up late, so I'll close, but please update when you can and I'll come back some more. I'll also seek out the CD.
Thanks again, Tom, for this site.
From Fran Kinski: I bought the Bud & Travis In Concert Album ( 2 record set) back in the early 60's, I guess, always thought they were the best folkgroup and I own every single Kingston Trio, Chad Mitchell Trio, Limelighters etc. etc 60's folk group albums. I also bought 3 other Bud & Travis albums back then. I still have them all, though they are very worn as over all these years they have always been my favorite. In recent years I have tried to find CD's, tapes, old albums ... whatever .... but whenever I mentioned Bud & Travis I would get this glazed look in return .... MAN ... am I glad I found you and there are others like me out there! I will keep track of your site, I am ordering the CD and would really like to see the In Concert also put out in CD ..... thanks .....
From Stan Jeans: I had the B&T Latin Album on LP and wore it out a long time ago..I would like to get the CD!
From J Germany: Thomas, Just wanted you to know I stumbled on your site for Bud and Travis, have been wishing for a miracle, a cd with Malaguena Salerosa and lamenting the condition of my old lp (sounds like popcorn), ordered their cd just now and am happy as a clam.
From Jon M. Marshall: I had been stationed on a small Island in the Pacific and found your the record Bud and Travis in the PX. I was reassigned to Hickam AFB in Honolulu. While there I saw a performance at the Waikiki Shell. After the concert I was walking back to the International market place. Just as I passed I nightclub call the Clouds I noticed that Bud and Travis were Playing there. I ccouldn't wait to get in and sat through two performances. During one of the breaks the Kingston Trio came in to see them. Since I had gone to school with a guy from Nogales I came over to ask B&T if they knew him, and they said they did! We had gone to school together at New Mexico Military Institute. I enjoyed meeting B&T and they were kind enough to introduce me to the Kingston Trio. I will never forget that night. I have just purchased the cd and it brings back a lot of wonderful memories. All this happened in 1959. Thank god for Bud and Travis.
From Kathryn Echert: I'm 45. My husband, George, is 53. After hearing Elvis sing "Are you lonesome tonight?" I remarked on what a good voice Elvis actually had, how long he could hold a note. Then, we started talking about our favorite singers and groups: Tom Jones, Cat Stevens, Righteous Bros., Johnny Mathis, PP&M, etc. The last group that came to mind, as we were going in to mass, was "Bud and Travis", who my uncle taught me to enjoy when I was about 3. George and I thought we'd have a really hard time finding B&T... maybe @ Tower Records, or a specialty store. We're at home now, after seeing "Galaxy Quest". Y2K ate my aol. I had to reinstall it. Durned thing ate my address book!! I signed on to iWON.com to get my 100 points for the day. Only 6 to go. What should I look up! I know! Put Bud and Travis in the Search box. When it came up, I called George away from the tv to see it for himself. Thank you so much! Almost makes up for having to redo my address book!!! Certain sure I'm going to order the CD!!
And makes me proud of the city we've lived in for almost our lives: Long Beach, CA!! Musically yours
From Larry Sherwin: You know, you get to be a certain age and your favorite music came before tapes. There were two giant holes in my music past: B & T, and the Chad Mitchell Trio. Two groups that had in common the ability to actually sing. I found a CMT CD about two weeks ago. Then, voila, I found the Bud and Travis CD. What a thrill to listen to them again. A friend and I sang in LA area coffee houses in the sixties. As luck would have it, he was a Spanish major at UCLA and I spoke a few words. We loved Bud and Travis and tried to emulate their mastery of so many kinds of music and their spirited humor. Thanks for helping make these old memories come alive again.
From Nancy Class of 64: Thank you for the B and T web site. I thought that I was the only one that remembered the beautiful music. The grooves in my record must be almost through to the other side. Nice to know I can get a CD. I'm looking forward to reading all of the site. Thanks again.
From Sid and Marilyn: Just got access to internet and one of the first things I did was search for B and T info. People who did not experience them, can not KNOW! My wife and I spent many an hour transfixed at the Ashgrove, a few feet away from the deepest musical presentations imaginable. We also recorded every Les Claypool program on KRHM, to hear the Boys and numerous other individuals and groups not available anywhere else. We had the pleasure of getting to know Les and Ann very well and did some remote taping with of interesting events. Of course, we were listening to KRHM when Les quit on the air. There went Bud and Trav and a whole lot more out of our lives. I'm interested in anything available, hopefully some things on video and or CD. B&T were on PBS special on Nov. 17, 1984. Aptly, this was my present wifes' and my wedding day. We missed it. Ironically, my first wife informed me of the program later. Is there anyway to obtain that SPECIAL special??? I have lost track of Les. Any info? Thank you mega times for the effort you are making. We thought all was lost. Love ya Tom!
From Spencer Moore: It was a real delight to see B&T again - however briefly. It was a bitter sweet thing to see the guys (who were so much older than me then) some thirty years or so younger than I am now. I think I saw them more than I saw any other live act - the Ashgrove, Cosmo's Alley, Santa Monica Civic, the Troubador II(on La Cienaga) I loved those guys and still use a lot of their lines. As a matter of fact I think that the reason I'm living in Mexico can probably be traced back to Bud and Travis. I'm in the restaurant business in Cabo San Lucas and often play tapes of B&T in the restaurants. I always get asked - by both Mexicans and gringos- who is that group? and can you make me a copy? I always did, but I always felt guilty about beating the guys out of their royalties. It's nice to be able to direct someone to your site and to let them know that CDs are available. About 7 or 8 years ago I heard a tape of some Mariachis and they were doing what I had always thought were original B&T arrangements. As it turned out it was a group that had been popular in Mexico in the '40s. I wrote the name down, fully expecting to hunt down some tapes -but typically I lost the name. Do you have any idea what groups did influence the boys? If it's not prying - just how in the hell did you wind up being such a B&T freak and are you getting much response. I've forwarded your site to lots of folks and everyone seems to be delighted. I know I am. I eagerly await more. Thank You.
From Frank Swiniarski: I bought the Bud & Travis In Concert Album ( 2 record set) back in the early 60's, I guess, always thought they were the best folkgroup and I own every single Kingston Trio, Chad Mitchell Trio, Limelighters etc. etc 60's folk group albums. I also bought 3 other Bud & Travis albums back then. I still have them all, though they are very worn as over all these years they have always been my favorite. In recent years I have tried to find CD's, tapes, old albums ... whatever .... but whenever I mentioned Bud & Travis I would get this glazed look in return .... MAN ... am I glad I found you and there are others like me out there! I will keep track of your site, I am ordering the CD and would really like to see the In Concert also put out in CD ..... thanks .....
From Alex Balmy: I really enjoyed tripping through the past on your Bud and Travis website. Been a fan since the late 50's and used to see them live in San Francisco when they played in a place called The Matador. Bought their CD reissue of 24 songs but sure would like to see some of their other standards reissued. Anyways, just wanted to thank you for putting in the time to create the website for the best dou in folk music!
From Alec: I wonder why "Strawberries-Razberries" wasn't on the new CD? It is the song that first turned me onto B & T. I was in my twenties in the fifties and saw B & T once in San Frisico at the Hungry I or the Purple Onion. Wrong, the purple Onion is in Aspen.
If you listen to the Trio Los Panchos music you can hear note for note
guitar exactly as B & T copied it. Their Malagueña Salîrosa is the best rendition of all. I speak Spanish and have heard many versions but none with the pure sound and vocal range.
Thanks to Cassette trades with Bud Morgan I have collected all of their recorded music.
From Dr. Bodo Diehn: I appreciate your Web page.
I have just discovered the B&T website (it seems to have been down most of last week). I, too, am a rabid fan, ever since discovering the duo in 1964, and attending a solo concert by Travis at the University of Arizona in 1966. I have some prized autographs by Travis on my album covers.
So long!
From Dan Fox-Gliessman: Tom: I just discovered your new Bud and Travis re-recording as well as your web site. I am just thrilled as a nearly life-long B&T fan. My dad, the original Bud and Trav fan in our family, had about 4 of their records. After he passed away, I grabbed the original LP and, due to the advanced state of decay, have not listened to it in nearly 20 years. It was the original live recording (Vol. 1) at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.
This CD just makes me want to cry. Thank you and your partner for putting it together. I also bought a copy for my older brother who is also a huge fan, but who, like the rest of us, has not
heard them for many years.
Your web site is also great. The clips are wonderful. It is just the most nostalgic day I have had in years. If you are keeping a list of fans for any future CD's, please add me to it. Otherwise I'll just keep checking the web site.
They were the best. Thanks, again, for keeping the sound alive.
From ellie and joe v: i have been reading the testimonials on 'b&t' and found myself nodding,smiling, laughing as well as tearful. my husband and i had no cluethere was anyone else out there who love these guys as we do! i havesearched, as i find others have, for 'b&t' albums, tapes and cds..alsowithout success. well, one more bookstore with music won't killme....so half-price book store here in san antonio has old albums so inwe go ...again. we looked thru them all........oh well. then isaid to myself, once more won't hurt. i asked this bewiskered manprobably a little older than me..55yrs. if ...by any chance...he hadheard of 'b&t'. he said 'yeah, just got one in this am'.i didn't dare hope, but he looks and hands me the 'latin album'. i gohome, beg my grown son to see if he can't make me a cd from it on ourcomputer. our albums we have are very old and not in very goodcondition. he said ..'just a minute' then called me to show me yourwebsite and the 'best of bud and travis' cd. i can't tell you what ajoy it has been. i am singing the last song i hear for the rest of theday and remembering when i met my husband in 1963, married in 1964, heintroduced me to these incredible musicians, singers and funny men.i am doing our part to get these record companies to see that there arelots of us out here who would love to have all the albums on cd.we will keep in touch....God bless you for your persistance and unselfishness for this website.
From Forest Doran: Thank you very much for allowing me a moment of your valuable time.
I am writing in regard to Bud and Travis, in particular their song "Malaguena Salerosa." That song has special meaning to my family, because my oldest brother, Jim, was an incredible singer. He was also a huge fan of B&T, and sang many of their songs. He was justifiably proud of being able to sing Malaguena Salerosa because it is an astonishingly hard song to master.
The last time we ever saw him alive was in 1974, singing that song with a real mariachi band in a Mexican Restaurant. A week later, he was killed by a drunk driver when he stopped to help a family fix a flat tire. He was that kind of guy.
From graham lewis: i just happened on thebud&travis website . . what a surprise! i did lights and sound foryears at the ice house in pasadena and worked with bud for at least four different week-long gigs. he is one of the more memorable artists among many who played the ice house and became more well-known than he. it seems like i'd heard that bud died. but now, in my "advanced" age, iwasn't sure . . especially of how. thanks for taking the time to create the site. looks great. glad there is a "resurgence" of interest in bud and travis.
From Henry R. Flores: dear tom : i wanted to thank you for the tremendous work in helping to produce the best of bud and travis.
From Jan Ragni: I was surprised to find a web-site regarding Bud and Travis. I read with interest your site, and in addition the reading material in the "Best of Bud and Travis" CD. I had only one double record album (Live in concert at Santa Monica), but finally got rid of it when I moved the last time. (I wished I hadn't since it was in color and at least in photos big enough to see) I do have "The Best of..."CD and it did answer the question of "what happened"; I was sad. Anyway, just wanted to let you know....your site is great and keep up the terrific work on it.
From Jim Kinkead: Thanks greatly for setting up this site. Your information about B & T is very helpful. I do have all of their albums and some 45's but didn't have anything about their later years. Your input about their strained relationship is also noteworthy. I had often heard rumors of this, but had no verifiable input.
First Heard B & T on my car radio in the early summer of '59. "Bonsoir Dame" had just been released as a single and made a grand departure from the rock 'n roll songs of that year. So, summer of '59 would make a safe release date fo that song.
"Truly Do" was covered by the Fleetwoods later that same year as the B side to "Mr. Blue". Also "Cloudy Summer Afternoon" received airplay on KHJ radio in Los Angeles in early spring of 1960 and was timed to the release of "Spotlight on Bud & Travis.
Travis was up to appearing at a Kingston Trio concert in Scottsdale last December. It was Nick Reynold's last appearance with the Trio and Travis was introduced from the audience.
Thanks again for setting up the site.
From Jim Marsalis: Thanks for all the effort on the Bud & Travis site. I'm certain that you had some influence on the decision to release the CD. My wife is a real fan who first saw them in the mid-sixties at the University of New Mexico. She has all of their duo albums, so it was a real thrill for me to be able to surprise her with the CD on her birthday. Here in New Orleans, they never were heard of ! Keep up the good work.
From Kedelum: Thanks for a wonderful Bud and Travis Page! I have just discovered them, 40 years late.
Thanks again for your efforts in bringing Bud and Travis to a new generation of admirers!
From Mike: Stumbled on your site a few months ago. I vaguely remember growing up with a Bud and Travis record in my dad's collection, Picked up the CD and was floored by it. The version of Malaguena Salerosa is by far the most emotive and beautiful version I have ever heard. Thanks for maintaining this wonderful site - It is a great thing to stumble on rare treasure like Bud and Travis in a music world full of the mundane.
From Larry Johnson: As a B/T fan since the late 50's, I kept asking people if they knew of them, including my wife....no one would acknowledge that they even knew they existed or that their music was the best of their time. Lo and behold my surprise when Tower Records had the CD The Best of Bud and Travis. Played it for my wife in the car and have listened and remembered the beautiful words and music they were able to generate during that period of "folk" music. Just wanted to say hello from another B/T fan of 40 years.
From Mitchell Tanenbaum: Dear Mr. Straw, I'm a long-time fan of Bud and Travis. Their In Concert album was the first record I ever owned (at age 9 or 10). I'm sure that they inspired my interest in folk music, which led to my involvement later with the recording of folk festivals, and folk music, for NPR, among other outlets. I'm now employed as a technician for CBS, but was formerly a Capitol Records recording engineer. The Best Of CD is really great. Thanks for that!
From Cindy Shubin: Dear Mr. Straw, I really enjoyed your web site about these folk legends. I too, was a huge fan of Bud & Travis...and I was also very sorry to hear about Bud's passing in 1989 and Travis' current illness. Recently, I met someone who brought up Bud & Travis being one of their early folk favorites. It was exciting to find someone else who had remembered the B&T magical artistry. I still have all their albums and think back on that time with much fondness and with much musical inspiration from their expert guitar playing and beautiful vocals. Apparently, from your website, there are many who remember Bud & Travis.
If you check out my web site at http://208.12.100.143/~813/shubin12.html you will find my autograph guitar with both signatures from Bud & Travis (http://208.12.100.143/~813/shubin6s.html.)
Although I went on to study classical guitar with the Romeros, I always had a love for folk music and also wrote for GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE in the late 60's and early 70's. Additionally, I co-billed with Bud Dashiell in the late 60's at a club here in Seal Beach called the Cosmos. It was originally owned by George Nikos, who later owned the Golden Bear Club. It was such an honor as I was such a huge fan of B&T, so to be able perform on the same program with Bud Dashiell . . . ! He was a kind man and such a gentleman.
I recall a funny story about those days...and the Cosmos Club, which we used to joke about as being the "center of the universe," even though it was a little hole-in-the-wall club....but one evening, after co-billing with Bud...Hoyt and Jose Feliciano (whom I both also co-billed with) came by the Cosmos. We sat around drinking a little wine and having a seance. Apparently, there was some rumor that the club was haunted..and so we all thought this would be cool...and that we would contact some spirits (musical, I hoped!) We never did but we had a hell of a time trying! :-)
If you see my web site you will see that I and my family went on to become close friends of Hoyt Axton and I continued to perform with him as well throughout the years until my guitar interest shifted to studying classical guitar seriously with The Romeros. Naturally it is sad to hear about those whom you loved and enjoyed their music so much having passed on...Hoyt, as you may know, passed away from heart troubles October 26, 1999 in Montana.
From Clifford G. Swift: I'm 60 years old and writing to say how much I loved these guys -- how wondrous their music was and what it meant to me. A short story -- I saw them at an appearance at Rice University, in Houston, about 1966 or so. There were two shows scheduled. I was at the first one. At the end of the first show, Bud announced that ticket sales for the second show were very low and we could all stay for the show if we wanted to. I don't recall that anyone left. Don't think you'd see that today from current entertainers. I was a fan before that and have remained one forever. I’m grateful for being able to have some of Bud and Travis on CD -- my records are pretty worn. Thanks for listening.
From Dan Eggleston: thanks for the great web page. just got the CD. have waited too long for it to come out. any hope of more re-issues on CD? i had sev'l ofthe LPs & loved them dearly. actually used one of their LPs to help teach some middle school students Jalisco in the early 70's!
From Jim King: Tom...thanks for your great notes on the Bud and Travis CD...very very enjoyable, and lots of info I did not know...thank you... I have really been enjoying the Best of..Nice work..
From Larry Benoit: I found a B & T greatest hits album today and want to find a copy of the latin album. I had one years ago and a light fingered roommate made off with it!
From Marshall Trimble Official Arizona State Historian: Muchas gracias for all your "gathering" on two of America's greatest folksingers, Bud and Travis. Travis has been a good friend for several years and as another of those'60's folksingers, I try to carry on the tradition of Mexican and American folk music. I took Travis to see a John Stewart concert in Scottsdale this week. He's not in the best of health but his mind is sharp as ever. Again thanks for all you've done to revive old memories and introduce a whole new generation to the music of Bud and Travis.
From Roderick O'Brien, Sr.: Thank you for having your web site. I had given up hope of ever finding re-released music by Bud & Travis. They were a big favorite of mine in the sixties. Most of the people I talk to never even heard of The Chad Mitchell Trio, let alone Bud & Travis. These people tell me I must have slept through the sixties because I do not have an intimate knowledge of rock bands from that era. Your list of folk performers closely matches my list of all time favorites. I have most of The Chad Mitchell Trio, Kingston Trio, Peter Paul & Mary, &Harry Belafonte re-released on CD.I am glad to see that there is at least one other kindred soul out there. You do not mention Josh White, however. Mr. White was an excellent blues/folk guitarist and singer from the same era as Bud & Travis although he was at least 20 years their senior (1914-1969). My favorites of his are, "Scilicosis Blues" and "Jelly Jelly." If you try his music, be sure to avoid Josh White, Jr. as his son was not the performer his dad was. I have to go pursue your links to Bud & Travis, but I wanted to let you know that I really appreciated finding your website.
From Richard Looney: I will write a more carefully considered letter to you about Bud & Travis when I have a chance to reflect on what this duo meant tome in my musical past, and now revived in my musical present..wow...I got the Best of Cd only by accident, looking for the old Rediscover site, having not received their catalog for some time..and there they were, B&T which I had been searching for so forlornly for the past 30years or so..aside from some minor disappointments, the cutting guitar solo on Rayito de Luna was enough totell me I was in for a rare treat..
Am still amazed at these guys and their vocals over forty years after first hearing and collecting them. Needless to say, even further from California and Arizona than New York and the northeast is, in Canada, they were not very well known...I managed to trumpet their praises at all times, but I had a secret duo that scarcely anyone had heard of and treasured their spanish/mexican music all the more.
I only ever had them on mono, so hearing the stereosplit and isolation of Bud's voice, and having turned to the end of yourliner notes to learn that Bud has passed away in 1989 was truly shockingand brought tears to my eyes with each song I heard and thrilled to his wondrous voice...geez those guys could sing like angels..
to see the clips of tv shows, to actually see the two guys for very first time is amazing, another benefit of the net I guess..40 years later. I was amazed to see the reference to the Latin album, which I had no idea existed even, and I love the 3 tunes from it on the cd...I just have to find that album somewhere,
anyhow, am delighting in your site, especially the chords and techniques for guitar which I will be trying...
I have had the albums on cassettes, transposed, taking them with me on bike trails, kayaking, cross country skiing, and loving even the slightly faded sound quality of my old mono lp's. Now I have the cd, and it is wonderful to hear Bud and Travis in all their glory (even if too many live cuts)..
thank you for the amazing site, and I intend to get very familiar with it and to view all the tv shots...god they looked so young, remind me of stance of Smothers Brothers too...
anyhow, had to write to express my great pleasure in knowing that there are others in the world who delighted in the music of Bud and Travis..they had no equal as Erik Darling said, and their physical infirmities are so sad..if ever there should have been a reunion it should have been of these guys..have seen Kingston Trio many many times, and John Stewart, who both get up and down the eastern seaboard and into New England, an easy drive for me from Quebec, Canada..but I would have driven a long way to view Bud and Travis..now I can listen at least in stereo. Many many thanks, and all the best to you.
From Rick: I just got my Bud and Travis CD in the mail and on a whim found your web site. Thanks for all your efforts to keep the music of these two fabulously talented people alive. I was very saddened to hear of Bud's passing. I grew up in San Diego and was a Folk Singer in the late 50's and early 60's. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting them personally, I was most certainly influenced by their music and their stage presence. I was a duo with another gentleman.....This CD will certainly bring me many many hours of pleasure....have a great day and God Bless...
From Robin Johnston: I was raised listening to The Latin Album and look for it frequently at used record stores. Is there any chance of transferring this wonderful classic to CD?
EVERYONE I know would certainly buy it!
From Rob Wells: I don't know why but in the last two months after not playing my guitars for fifteen odd years I'm re-discovering some of the music of my youth. I performed in the Salt Lake area some twenty years ago and developed something of a name for myself as an acoustic artist. Thanks to the Internet, it allows me the ability to research some of the artists who influenced me so much over my life. I only have one of B&T's albums, In Person. I carried it with thru my stay in the Air Force and have sung Better Than and It was A Very Good Year all my life. To learn of Bud's death grieves me so. I also learned today that the great Bob Gibson passed on four years ago. A day filled with sorrow, I fear. I wish to thank you for this site. Yes, it is a labor of love. Travis and Bud taught me the real meaning of performing folk music, not as a weapon, but as a means of communication and the communication was and shall always be Love.
From Roy Paul: I just happened on your web site.
Having watched much of the early development of Bud & Travis--strictly as a viewer--I am happy to see what you have gathered. I first saw Travis when he was with the Gateway Singers. The first recording I have of Bud & Travis was the Ash Grove record.
I found that I no longer have the Latin Album--my favorite. I think my ex-wife stole it.
It is one that I would like to see reissued. I am interested in any information you have on reissues.
From Releri: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for developing such a wonderful site on Bud and Travis. I've been a fan since early (very early) childhood. My parents owned the Bud and Travis In Concert album, and it still has a place of pride in their record collection. I've picked up more of their albums through the years, but that double record set is still my favorite. And I credit whatever luck I had with pronunciation in Spanish class to singing along with Bud and Travis all my life.
You have my eternal gratitude for your time and effort in seeing that these exceptional men and their music will long be remembered. I'm also a Kingston Trio fan, so that's my next stop!
Best wishes, and thanks again!
From Rick Alvidrez: Thank you so much for this site. I followed Bud and Travis everywhere they played in SoCA. Saw them at the Santa Monica Civic, the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, and a few other places. I still have their albums, but no turntable. Plenty of scratches on those records. A lot of Latinos use to go to the concerts, cause we loved all their Mexican songs. Their guitar work was just marvelous. I really miss them. Their music will always remain timeless. I can't say how much their folk influence touched my life, but as I see my poor kids and all they have is "rap-hip hop" it makes me even more thankful that I was just lucky enough to get the best music ever made. Que viva Bud y Travis para siempre!!
From John Dickey: Just wanted to thank you for creating and supporting the "Bud & Travis" Website. Two of my buddies, Steve Sheridan and Jerry Giberti, traveled from Coral Gables to Los Angeles in 1960 as "The Biscayners"; and our first exposure to and indelible impressions were of Bud and Travis playing at The Ash Grove on Melrose Avenue. Incredible! thought we. How in the world could we aspire to sound as good as these two guys? Even though we had made a commercial 45 RPM recording of an original, "Nassau Bound", back in Miami before leaving to tour the U.S. in a V.W. Camper...a song that was even aired locally a few time on the East Coast, Bud and Travis gave us a wake-up call vis-a-vis the definition of true talent!
I went to work shortly thereafter as a computer programmer...Steve and Jerry went back to the East Coast - all of us more than a little disillusioned about folk-singing careers. In a way, you could say that Bud and Travis destroyed our illusions about becoming the next folk group sensation. For the next 40 years, I've earned my living with computers. However, I still have these two guys' Liberty records collection. I am still longing for the folk acoustic sounds to come full circle again with another Bud and Travis reincarnation. They were undeniably the best. Do you agree with me, Steve and Jerry...wherever you are? (I kind of think you do!)
From John Stockton: Thanks for having this site! Without it, my wife and I would not have known about the CD...which we now own. Do I understand that you're now lobbying for more re-issue? Let me know how to help. I can pester with the best of 'em.
From Hilary: I was a very good friend of Bud. I discovered your web-site, and cried at the wonderful tribute to B&T. I live in LA, and studied with Bud for 10+ years. We became best friends, and his wife, Mary, loved me, too. I used to go over to their house in Westwood. My lesson was every Friday. I came at noon, and left at about 5 or 6 pm. We had marathons. I also participated in his performance workshop. Often after workshop, we stayed 'till the wee hours singing country songs. There were about four of us, and we sang unbelievable four part harmony. It was so much fun. What great memories.
When Bud got sick, he spent a lot of time at my house.
I consider Bud to be the best friend I ever had. He was a deep and compassionate person. I live by so many of his philosophies...Not to mention his outrageous sense of humor. He made me laugh so hard. He used to tell me that I "think funny". I made him laugh pretty hard, too. Hopefully, I made his last days a little more bearable.
From Ed Barnett: Tomas...thanks for what you've done with Bud & Travis. As a young college guy in the late 50's and early 60's, I was introduced to B&T at the Ashgrove and Ice House in Pasadena, along with The Dillards, Rod McKuen, Hoyt Axton and countless others. B&T simply captured my imagination and were the glue that allowed me to really motivate into the folk era. My music wasn't anywhere near this incredible group but I had fun and earned a bit and own so much of 40 years of guitar and singing enjoyment to B&T....a talent before their time, I feel. Thanks again and I just picked up a B&T CD from Amazon and now my wife (who never heard of them as she's a bit younger) has taken charge of it! Best to you...
From Darrell Rafferty: I've been a Bud and Travis fan for 40 years, first seeing them on TV, then with their recordings. Over the years I lost my records and have tried to replace them for years. When I first got on the web, I explored for information on both Bud and Travis and felt somewhat alone in my search (a little info about Travis in Arizona). Then one day on Napster I found a server with a collector of B&T that filled a page - it was like I hit the mother lode. I downloaded an incomplete 'Malaguena Salerosa' and the years melted away as I listened to it. In playing it on RealJukebox - they linked me up with the 'Best of B&T' CD which I just received and have played hour after hour. I had searched Amazon.com, etc. and have corresponded with Rhino records to bring out a B&T collection for a couple of years. Thank you for your work.
From John Ellsworth: I grew up in AZ and heard them play in Scottsdale and LA. Many times. This was when I was very young and absolutely astonished so much sound could come out of two guys, their boots, their wood stage, and their guitars and hands. It was always very electrifying to hear them live. Yes, I played guitar too, learned the songs, the slap, and did everything I could to sound like Travis (to very little effect). But it was wonderful that they brought into my life the awareness of a very different culture, its language, and its sounds. Please for me tell Travis--and I know Bud knows--how much I loved and admired them. And please tell them thank you.
From Stefanie Moore: I am SO thrilled to find your Bud and Travis homepage! Just last week I logged onto Amazon.com and with no thought of coming up with anything, I typed in Bud and Travis on a search and there was the CD! I bought 3 of them, one for my sister and one for my mother, who introduced me to Bud and Travis when I was just a baby. I would sit in front of our record player and play DJ for my mother while she cut out fabric and sewed. My favorite record of all was Bud and Travis Live in Concert from the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. I sang along and tried to phonetically follow the spanish. Over the years I hung on to that album, and in college I my mother bought me a used record player and I played Bud and Travis every Sunday morning throughout grad school. Unfortunately I have since lost track of the record, having moved a lot over the last few years. I was having Bud and Travis withdrawal! Mother and I had talked about putting the record onto tape so we could all have a copy, but now we won't have to do all that. As I played the CD for the first time today, I had chill bumps on my arms during "Bonsoir Dame" and "Malaguena Salerosa". My parents had albums of the Limelighters and many other groups but none of them ever really grabbed me but Bud and Travis. I wish they would rerelease all the old albums. I am the only 26 year old I know who even knows who they are, but now that the CD is available I'll be buying them for all of my friends. Thanks for the great web site.
From Lin Holland: Hi Tom. I visit the B&T web site often and just love it. I have the CD and most of their records which I have taped on cassettes to listen to them in the car. I just play it over and over and thanks to your lyrics section, I'm learning the Spanish songs. I love the Latin and bolero rhythms and never tire of them. I hop in the car after work and sing with them on the way home.
I'm so sorry I never had the opportunity to see them in person, and to hear Bud is gone now. His smokey voice is so unique. I am glad that Travis is still going on and just wanted to pass on a hello from one of his many fans.
He and Bud gave so much to the art of folk music, their presentation of ethnic ballads and the comedic patter. They were the best. THE BEST.
Every now and then life brings together combinations that speak to the rest of the world. Bud & Travis told us all how music can be wonderful, professional, fun, entertaining, passionate, emotionally moving and simple. Just the two of them and their guitars, playing beautiful music and singing wonderful harmony. If I could, I would like to send him a thank you for the joy of their music.
From Warren D. Serkin: I was stationed in Tucson at Davis-Monthan AFB and had the priviledge of listenting to and meeting Travis quite a few times as he performed in and around there. I'd lost track of him when I got out of the service.
cees bronveld, rotterdam, holland: hi thomas, great site on our bud!
From Mike Devich: Found the B&T page just now. B&T were in my mind because just yesterday I made a tape of them from their albums. Interestingly, the one album I didn't delve into was the Latin Album. But I think I may now because of your glowing review.
B&T were a favorite of my parents when I was about 9 or 10. They had all their albums, and I inherited them. As a kid, I liked "Raspberries, Strawberries," "Let Me Fly" and "I Never Have Seen Snow." Also "Los Dos." So it was nice to hear them again yesterday. They were indeed talented.
I also picked up a copy of Bud's solo album on Warner in a thrift shop not long ago.
Anyway, thought I'd let you know I liked your site.
P.S. Some of the songs on "Spotlight" had a male chorus that sounded a lot like the Jordanaires or the group that backed Ricky Nelson on some of his early hits. Sounds kind of goofy now.
From Nancy Reck: Oh the memories your website has brought back...and sadness, too, at learning that Bud passed away some years ago. I fell in love with their music the first time I saw them perform, at The Troubadour in LA. I became a regular follower of them, seeing them every time they were anywhere near close to town. We were introduced, and I became friends with Bud and his wife Mary; that friendship lasted many years, until I left LA, though we kept some contact for a long time after that. The last time Bud and I spoke, he had just been diagnosed with the brain tumor.
I have most (I thought ALL, but I guess I was wrong) of their albums, together and apart (two of Bud & The Kinsmen, plus Bud's I THINK IT'S GONNA RAIN, with a beautiful inscription to me). They are a treasure, even more so now that I know Bud's gone.
I'll keep looking in at the website now and then. Thank you.
From Ted Roderick: I can't believe you're 31 years old! I was following a B&T link and couldn't believe my good fortune when I landed on one of your pages. The whole time I was wallowing and going back and forth from one to another, I kept thinking "this guy must be a geezer like me and followed Bud and Travis around from concerts to coffee houses in the early 60's. Thank you for a fantastic tribute.
From Teri: What an exciting website. I have just started investigating it and had to thank you right away. I loved Bud and Travis in the 60ies and an so grateful to rediscover them. Salud!
From Richard Buck: I was listening to an old B&T tape when I decided to do a search for them. What a surprise to see that there are others still living that think they were one of the greatest. I spent many hours of youth trying to mimic their guitar licks. Thanks for Web site. It was fun reading about them.
From Brett Engel: I was one of the lucky few that got to see Travis play in the Tucson area in the 1970's at several of the local watering holes, parties and guest ranches. I fondly remember the "Liar's Hour" album and I'm looking for a copy CD or vinyl. I have a poor copy on cassette made in 1979, and now it's even worse..
If you have any ideas where I could find one I'd really appreciate it!
When Travis was hospitalized in '82 the entire city of Tucson really seemed to care. While I'm not sure if we were able to cover all the medical expenses, there were donation accounts and charity concerts for him. I still feel a profound loss whenever I think about how well he sang and played, I just glad he can still write and hasn't lost his sense of humor!! If you ever get the chance, listen to the song "Old Arizona" it's a very telling and accurate tale of what is happening here..
From Barry Silver: This is really a trip. I knew Bud and Trav when I was in school in Santa Monica and the West Side of L.A. in the late 50's and early 60s. I played "folk" guitar and had the guys slap style and wapango style down pretty pat. We had mutual friends, older than I was. I did a lot of their songs, but obviously nowhere nearly as good. I guess I was an almost groupie. I was at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium for the recorded concert as well as having seen them a jillion times around town, from Cosmo's Ally to the Ash Grove. They even did a gig at the Santa Monica City College little theater. 10:00 in the morning, must have been a shock playing at that time of the morning. I still remember going backstage and yakking with Bud.
Years later, Bud was invited by one of my guitar students, turned guitar, teacher to "talk" to her guitar class. I went, he brought his guitar, and it was the only time I ever jammed with him. It was a kick having him critique my technique that I stole from him. One of the highlights of my young life. I remember when I found out he was teaching music at Westwood Music, not far from where I lived at that time, and always intended to go by and take some lessons, but, like so many things that possess you as a youth, my time for that music had passed.
I still take out the old classical guitar and do a poor La Bamba or Delia's Gone, for old time sake, especially when I get together with some old college friends. I used to have a copy of their original demo record, I wonder if it's still stashed in a box somewhere? I want to thank you for this web page, it is an incredible trip down "memory lane". I got a kick out of reading someone else can't do "Johnny I hardly Knew Ya" with out crying. I couldn't either. (But I can still do the "snare drum" technique with the 5th and 6th strings) Until right now, I didn't know Bud had died. I'm filled with a great remorse as I write this. Thanks again, you'll never know.....................
From Barry Spatz: nice to see the site. Nicer even to MP3 download lots of Bud and Travis. I remember seeing them at Wilson HS in Long Beach, probably 1963, or in Seal Beach. Those truly were the days. B & T, and The Limelights. Still great today.
From Terry McCauly: It was great to find your web site. I was a B&T fan in the 60's and learned many of their Mexican songs. Thanks for this great web site.
From Gus Rosenfeld: I was a close friend to Bud. We walked through the Veterans Admin hospital together, one day after another, until he moved back with his sister. He was like a father to me in adulthood. Helped me in so many ways. Would love to get a high quality picture of him from that period. I have lost touch with Mary and the kids. He was a great man, friend and artist. And, holy shit; could he laugh!!! Thanks for your site.
From Al Birge: B&T's rendition of “Malaguena Salerosa” is my all time favorite version! I have heard Brazilians, Mexican Mariachs perform this...never quite as good as B&T's...never!
From Tony Gonzalez: I have been a fan of Bud & Travis's music for quite some time now. One of my favorites was the Bud & Travis Latin album. I even turned my son on to the music, that turned out to be a mistake. When he eventually returned the album, it was minus the vinyl album!
From Richard Newman: I share your interest in the work of Bud and Travis. I have an old LP album featuring some of their more popular work but am interested in obtaining a cd version of their Latin Album!
From Dean Stone: As with so many others, thank you for establishing the site. It really does mean a lot! I am anxiously awaiting delivery of the CD. I, too, thought I would never hear them again.
In response to the comment from Clifford G. Swift, I was at the two-part concert at Rice University, also. It was a Sunday afternoon in the spring of 1965, and I had tickets for both shows in the student center -- a fairly small, intimate setting, and the closest I had ever been to "real" performers during their shows. When the audience was told to stick around for the second show, for free, I thought that I was in heaven when they refunded my second show ticket price! After all, I was a student (freshman) on a fairly tight budget! I used the money to buy one of their albums instead. Buck Wheat was playing bass for them, and did an incredible solo turn. I recognized him from his previous work with the Kingston Trio. There was very little repetition of material in the two shows -- they had such an incredible repertoire. And made it seem so much fun.
I hope the two concert albums can be produced on CD in the near future. I'll do what I can to bug the companies.
Thanks again for all your hard work.
From Lyman: Just wanted to say thanks for such an informative site. I grew up listening to Bud and Travis with my Dad. I am impressed that you have so much info. It really brought back some wonderful memories for me. Thanks.
From Kris Sherwood: Just want to say thanks for the great tribute website to the unsurpassed Bud & Travis. I have been listening to their Latin Album all Cinco de Mayo weekend, scratched and popping as it is recorded it from my old vinyl copy. I know most of the words and sing along, except La Bamba is sung so fantastically fast I can never keep up! Inspired to search for them on the net I'm delighted to find their '99 CD exists! I am going to immediately call around to find a copy, or order from Yahoo, which is where I located the news of the CD.
I first discovered them in the 60's when all my friends were trying to be folk singers or flower children, and I've loved them ever since.
Thanks again for the great site! I can't wait to hear the new CD, and savor those wonderful songs in clear CD audio quality, without the 'popcorn sounds' I've gotten so used to (and don't even really notice when they're performing).
I'm sad to hear Bud is no longer with us, but I'm certain he's in grand company, making heavenly music somewhere much more glorious than here.
From Ellen Carney: You have a wonderful page on Bud and Travis. Do you happen to know where I can get a CD of "Bud and Travis in Concert". I have the album, but it's old and scratchy, but I still love the songs on it.
From Kris Sherwood (pt2): I am truly one of those who were touched by B & T in my teens, and formative years. I've had a copy of their superlative In Concert double album since the 60s (I live in Santa Monica, and pass the Civic Auditorium where it was recorded, nearly every day). In High School my daughter's father was even in a folk trio who performed some of their tunes, such as 'Raspberries, Strawberries', in school musical shows. B & T's music represented a new kind of poetic sensitivity, that seemed to develop out of the 50s and the typical male stereotype; influenced I think in part by the Beats (Kerouac is a favorite of mine as well). B & T's poetic, romantic, and richly diverse musical choices were full of love for life, and delicious inspiration for my own experience of it.
I just received my copy of the CD yesterday, and have been savoring the amazingly rich fidelity of the familiar tunes. Travis' sonorous voice resonates through my bones as I listen, and the marvelous arrangemants are heard in their full glory in CD resolution! I will join the effort to see more of their recordings made into CDs.
I didn't know, until reading about it on your site, about Travis' work with the Yaqui Tribe, and documenting their language. That is another remarkable facet to a truly extraordinary man. I only wish I could have travelled to his Tucson Tribute! Such a pity Bud is not still with us to enjoy the contunued recognition! I will watch 'B & T .com' for the promised photo coverage of that event!
Thanks again for your great site, and efforts toward making the legendary music of Bud and Travis available to today's audience, as well as to those of us who already knew and loved it, and were there to experience it 'live'.
From Dennis F. Dunda, MD: I cannot thank you enough for making Bud and Travis available to me again (at least in aural form. I had the great pleasure of seeing them in concert probably about a dozen times when I was in high school in the LA area. The live performances were something to behold and I enjoy them to this day....the CD really helps bring this all back to present memory. I agree, they have never been equalled (or even come close to) in artistry by any others. I would do anything to help promote the release of more of their material!. I have mailed the sources you suggest.
Thank you again for your dedication and "labor of love" on the best web
site I have ever visited.
From Joe Long: You cannot imagine how pleased I was to find the "new" Bud & Travis CD! I was having a difficult time deciding which songs from my B & T albums to burn onto a CD and then there it was! As much as I like their Latin songs, however, there are two or three too many for my taste on the "Best Of" CD. I am not complaining, mind you, just a bit disappointed that "South Coast" did not make the cut. Hopefully, it will be on the "Best Of, Volume Two"!
The reunion for Travis must have been great; if only Bud were still alive. I saw them perform at the "Golden Bear" in Huntington Beach when I was at Long Beach State in the mid 60's, maybe 1965, and will never forget that experience.
Thanks for the Web Page!
From Bob Kovitz: Thanks for reminding me about the times at the Univ. of Calif. (Santa Barbara) when we eagerly awaited the annual Bud and Travis concert, always anticipating the performance of "Malaguena Salarosa."
In one of those twists of irony, I later learned finger-picking guitar styles from Frank Hamilton. Then, when I moved to Arizona, I had the chance to hear Travis Edmondson play in a local club with musician David Holt. And, my son attended a private school where his teacher was married to Earl Edmondson, Travis' nephew and talented guitarist.
From Fred: I wanted to send you an e-mail after discovering your Bud and Travis
website... and a bunch of Bud and Travis LPs at a local thrift store.
Before yesterday, I had never heard of Bud and Travis. I went to a local thrift store, looking for LPs, and I found Bud and Travis on a number of pretty good looking LPs by Liberty. There was a bunch of them, so I
grabbed them up for 99 cents each.
I was first acquainted with Liberty records by an LP by a 1950s movie star called "Jeff Chandler Sings to You." And now Bud and Travis. The condition of these albums is remarkable. Someone had them in a collection because the albums in stereo are marked with a small piece of gray tape on the edge of the album cover. I've listened to the Latin Album and find it totally wonderful. The In Concert one interests me as the Santa Monica Auditorium is only about 40 minutes from here.
Well, that's my story on how I discovered Bud and Travis. Thanks for the web site.
From MAJ: This web site provided much needed info. It has information I had been looking for the last few months! Thank!
From Hector Ortiz: Mr. Straw - I have been a Bud & Travis fan for more years than I would like to admit. I grew up along the Arizona/Sonora border and spent many a night listing to their unique sound.
From Larry Bracken: I just got the Best of CD from Rediscover Music and have truly enjoyed it! In fact, I feel guilty that I have not listened to B&T in so long. I learned to play by listening to B&T and K-trio and am glad that among all the recent CD reissues, B&T have been included. I always admired their showmanship! Now I look on eBay for some of the old albums...
And I found your very good site! Thanks.
Thanks again for your good work here and for sharing.
From Barbara Dane (yes, THAT Barbara Dane!): I stumbled across your Bud & Travis site and wanted to thank you. I worked with them many times "back in the day" and have always admired their work and thought they were under-recognized. You've done something concrete to rectify society's oversight!
From César A. Martínez: While doing an unrelated net search, I came across my name in your site in the B&T story submitted by my friend, Jorge Ramirez. Here's my story:
Jorge introduced me to the music of B&T during college in the 60's. Somewhere along the line, I bought a B&T Latin album and played it to excess, it was so good. And, somewhere along the line I either lost it or accidentally damaged it beyond further use, I forget which. But I missed it a GREAT deal.
Sometime during the 80's, I had a job as a real estate photographer in San Antonio, TX and it involved a great deal of driving, taking drive-by pictures of houses. One hot San Antonio day, as I drove into a familiar subdivision to take a picture of a house, I spotted something lying in the middle of the street, something that seemed very familiar. I did a U and....it was exactly what I thought....the Bud & Travis Latin Album! It turned out to be in mint condition and a stamp on the cover indicated it was a complimentary copy that someone got for free. It has been mine since. I taped it for Jorge and now, for myself, what with all this computer technology, I made a CD of it.
From Scully: I grew up listening to these 2 exceptional performers, and was fortunate to one of bud's students, I have been performing since I met bud. after listening to them for all those years, when I first met him, I thought I was meeting an idol. anyway, the best folk act in the country in their prime, its a damn shame they did not go further, what talent. anyway, great web site.
From Jerry Meloy: I just discovered your web site dedicated to Bud & Travis. I have all their records. I was just looking to see about having them put on CD's when I did a search on B&T and here you are .. I thought they were long gone from memory.. Except mine. Thanx.
From Dan Rodgers: Bud and Travis were the best! I used to eat, sleep and drink with the Bud and Travis in Concert (first one) album. I have a pretty good transcription of the chords for Los Dos if you could use it. Thanks for all the spanish lyrics... I have been singing many of them wrong for 30 years. Sad to hear about Bud... What a voice he had!
From Karl Scott: Your web page helped renew my interest in the B&T team. I was born in 1946 and graduated from Stagg HS in Stockton, CA 6/65. While in HS, I worked as a busboy at Pacific Playhouse, a converted dinner-show room at Pacific Bowl. Not as in Rice or Teriyaki Bowl but as in Bowling Alley. The PP was Stockton's brush with pro entertainment. During its short run we saw entertainers like comedian Louis Nye, singer Pat Suzuki, comedian/singer Frankie Fontaine from the Jackie Gleason TV show, and several Vegas lounge acts.
Already a B&T fan, I was thrilled when they showed up for a short engagement, and I was fortunate to see all their shows for free since I was working there at the time. By the end of their short engagement I knew their act by heart.
Stagg HS was a large HS with about 2700 students, and each graduating class was around 900 strong. In my senior year we enjoyed a concert by the Dave Brubeck Quartet (they also played at the University of the Pacific then College of the Pacific that same night). Most miraculous of all, on Grad night we enjoyed two acts at the gym for our all night party. The first was Lionel Hampton and his orchestra, and late in the evening we enjoyed B&T. Most of the kids were not very attentive, since they were too self absorbed in partying to do anything other than make a lot of noise. Surprisingly, B&T didn't leave after the show ASAP as would be expected. They hung around for a while in our cafeteria drinking coffee (it looked like) and chatting with students. Bud was especially charming, and I feel fortunate to remember talking to him while in his prime and at the height of his abilities. During that era, I accumulated all the albums, but many were water damaged in storage. Thanks to your site I have acquired the CD and repurchased several of the albums at on-line used LP sites. I should have had my copies autographed when I had the opportunity, but at least their music is once again an important part of my life. Thanks for the site.
From Marius Crisan: I have loved the music of Bud & Travis since the early sixties. Only recently did I discover their Best Of Album. I would like to find more of their material, either in record format or in CD. These guys were the greatest. They outdistanced the Trio and were far ahead of their time.
From Tomi Herchag: I am an old Bud and Travis fan. I loved everything they ever did and every t v show they were ever on. I have been going through and enjoying very much all of your info on the web site about them. I will, of course, do all I can to further your efforts for another CD. THANKS.
From Warren Sugarman: I remember them from the old Purple Onion in San Francisco. There has mever been anyone to equal them.
From Karl Scott: After finding the Bud and Travis CD I went out and repurchased all the LPs (I had 4 of the 8 but all were water damaged). I would be interested in any or all of them on CD. I would especially like to see the In Person at the Cellar Door LP released featuring the entire performance. The tapes must exist with additional material as the single LP was time challenged. The original 2 LP concert album and the follow up Vol 2 album could be released on a single or dual CD set and resequenced to represent the original performance. Recent releases of material which have done this include the Dave Brubeck Quartet at Carnegie Hall (resequenced) and Tony Bennett at Carnegie which include 22 tracks not on the LP release. In any case thanks for the original release and I look forward and hope for more.
From Kay Tyrell: Hello Thomas, I have a friend who always tells me about this song he used to love that made him laugh, and the words were something like "they're rioting in africa", etc. so I typed some of the lyrics into a search engine and found your Bud & Travis site. Wow, what a find! Thanks for all the great work you've done on this site. I really enjoyed looking at the collection.
From RM "Doc" Livingston: In 1962 I was a part time manager/entertainer of a little coffee house in Huntington Park, CA. called the Satyre Room. Fridays were Open Mike night and anyone could perfom. A young man came in one night and did two songs in his set which have stuck with me for more than 40 years. The first was "Jonny I hardly Knew Ye, " and the other was called "Time of Man." On your B&T web site, which is very good I might add, there is no mention of Time of Man. Has this been lost? I always thought Travis had written it. The only other person I ever heard do it was a young folk artist named Larry Smith, and he would sing the closing verse.
The Satyre Room was a gathering place out of the lights of Hollywood and the crowds. I had many of the performers of the time come and just hang out or sometimes jam in the art gallery. One of my Regulars would do a set for a free beer & sandwich until finally we booked him. Name, Hoyt Axton.
The Satyre Room shared the block with one of the main rail road line into LA and it seemed like the train was right in the room with you. One night Hoyt was doing "John Henry" When the train went by a blew the whistle. The combination was enough to knock a chunk of plaster out of the ceiling all over the stage and Hoyt. The "Brought the House Down" jokes were thick for a long time.
Thanks for letting an old man ramble and I hope you find this interesting. Please forgive my spelling but the fingers just don't work like they use too.
From Terry Ransom: I just visited your website and wanted to thank you for a touching tribute to Bud & Travis. I had the great privilege of meeting Travis this past weekend in Phoenix. I attended a Kingston Trio Fantasy Camp held by John Stewart and Nick Reynolds. Travis joined us for dinner on Friday and Saturday and attended both evenings' performances. What a thrill to meet one of my heroes. He even signed my banjo! One of the neatest things about the weekend was watching Travis sing along with the performers. His eyes were twinkling as he drifted back about forty years in those songs. I was honored simply to be in his presence. Thanks again for your wonderful site!
From Cathy Fiihr: We just got The Best of Bud and Travis CD and we have listened to it non-stop. My husband and I grew up in Tucson, AZ. Because we both worked downtown we easily heard about Travis Edmonson performing at the Ramada Inn. This was 1971, while we were dating.. We spent many a Friday and Saturday night and a Cinco de Mayo or two at the Ramda Inn. We fell in love with his music and style. We were a little young to have been fans of Bud and Travis when they first started out, but soon after we started following Travis we started collecting their music (albums).
Here it is 30 years later; same husband; same love for Travis' music, but now we are in Colorado. We have long since been without a record player to play our Bud and Travis Latin album, but my husband found the Best of CD on Amazon.com and surprised me with it. Music can take you back like nothing else. It has been so nostalgic to listen to these songs again. That was a great time in our lives and Travis Edmonson was a part of it. At that time in 1971 we had never heard of anyone else named Travis, so when our first child was born in 1975 we wanted him to have that special name that reminded us of a special time in our lives, so we named him Travis.
From the CD cover we found your website address and I have been looking at every part of it. What a treat to see the pictures from the tribute in May. Thanks for keeping his music alive for the present and future generations. It's timeless!
From Elizabeth See: I am delighted to find the B&T webpage in my search for any and all info on Bud Dashiell. I am saddened to learn of his death in 1989.
I first met Bud Dashiell at the Ice House in Pasadena, CA., in the mid sixties. He was solo, by then, and couldn't have impressed me more. I returned again and again to hear his sets. As others have said, he was a charming, gentle man of great insight and indescribable passion when it came to his art. He was the epitome of a natural born storyteller, and he did enjoy a good limerick.... I loved everything he sang; Latin, French, English....He was perfect!
Later, in 1968, I purchased his album, 'I Think It's Going to Rain Today' and it has become my all-time favorite record to date. I recently bought a turntable on which to play it (it's still in pretty good shape) and have worn out cassette copies made of it long ago. Will someone PLEASE make all B&T music available on CD?? The world is missing out. There is nothing today that compares to the sweet beauty, the amazing quality of Bud and Travis music!
I heard Bud was teaching guitar somewhere in L.A. many years ago, but I regret I never saw him again. Now it's too late . . . .I am still waiting patiently for release of more B&T music on CD. It has become more important with the realization of Bud's death.
Everyone who writes shares basically the same feelings; that these two individuals were remarkable, unique and probably loved by all who heard them 'back in the day'.
I cannot thank you enough!
Thank you Tom, for memories I'll never forget.
From Fred Bishop: Thanks for reminding me of Bud and Travis -- great duo, I had at least three of their albums, and loved them best 'till I found Ian and Sylvia. (I heard both groups at the Cellar Door in Georgetown!)
I went to high school at North Hills, now live in Farrell and still play folk music and blues. I learned "How Long?" from John Cephas, and couldn't for the life of me remember where I knew it from -- HA! B&T !!
Thanks for a little lighter subject on a pretty dark day (9/11/01).
From Bob Gleinn: I was born in Natrona Heights, PA and lived there until I was eight when my parents moved to L.A. I was lucky enough to attend UCLA and lived in the Theta Delta Chi fraternity house there from 1956 to 1961. One of our fraternity brothers was a friend of Bud Dashiell which was to our everlasting benefit. Bud (and sometimes Travis - but only once as I remember) came over to our house several times late on a Friday or Saturday night after the main party or football game of the night was over. We sat around the fireplace (yes, even in L. A.), drank quite a bit of whatever we had and just grooved on Bud's singing and playing. He always had another story to tell as he interacted and clowned around with our group of 20 or so guys draped all over the sofas, chairs and floor. These sessions went on until two or three in the morning until Bud was too hoarse to sing any more. His voice got more gravely as the night went on. Could we have been any luckier ?
A whole group of us fraternity bros. and dates were there in the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to see B&T perform when the album was cut. It just hit me that part of the clapping and laughter you hear on the album was mine !
I came across your website after playing my original B&T In Concert album and wondering if a CD had ever been produced. I tried "Bud & Travis" on Google and there you were! How great. Thought you might enjoy the above memories.
From Bruce Caneron: How WONDERFUL to discover someone has cared enough to immortalize Bud & Travis on the net. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.
From Kay Young: Just wanted to thank you for your part in making this a very pleasant Sunday. I'm sure you haven't a clue as to what I'm talking about. Here's the story.
I was in college in the early 60s when B & T, the Kingston Trio (I had a crush on Bob Shane), Smothers Brothers, etc. were popular. I had all their albums. Unfortunately, my sister lent most of them to her boyfriend. They broke up and the albums and boyfriend disappeared forever.
"Bon Soir Dame" is on my list of top five favorite songs of all time. I've been looking for a copy of it for YEARS! For some reason, my 60-year-old brain misfiled the artist information under Will Holt. I've been searching every music Web site I could find for a copy of an old Will Holt album like I used to have. I was sure that song was on his album.
Anyway, lo and behold, I decided to try a search by song title for "Bon Soir Dame" and up popped Bud & Travis. I immediately ordered their CD from Amazon. It arrived in Saturday's mail.
Today, instead of sleeping late like most folks, I spent the extra hour we gained with the end of daylight savings time (and a few additional hours) listening to my new CD. Your album notes were a wonderful added bonus! And then when I found your Web site . . . well, that was just icing on the cake. It's wonderful! Especially the LYRICS!! Now I can sing along to "Bon Soir Dame."
Thanks for your part in making this white-haired old lady feel like she's 20 again! At least for today (sigh).
From TheodieM: When the recording field went to tape then CD I couldn't keep up with my LP collection tranformation. Thanks for providing this location to find out about the boys. Don't you just love the heck out of their work?
From Holly Shanahan: I have been a fan of Bud and Travis ever since I was 12 years old. It started when my oldest sister Sandy, who was into the "hootenanny" scene, brought home her first B&T album "In Concert." From that point on I always loved their music and their incredible harmonizing and especially one song in particular ... Malaguena Salerosa. Just the other day, my wonderful husband was kind enough in surprising me with the "Best of Bud and Travis" CD. For me this is a trip down memory lane and my head is in the clouds. Now I can listen to their music all the time and not just occasionally. I scoured your web site and found wonderful information that I will pass onto my sisters. Thanks for taking the time and devotion to dedicate a web site to such an incredible and talented duo of the sixties. Bud and Travis will always be among my all-time favorite singing duos for me.
From Rob Kunkel: I was raised in the midwest and was an avid folkie learning the guitar -banjo and piano beginning in 1958---I first heard natuarally by Bud and Trasvis in 1962 and was stunned by the guitar work and the amazing blend of the rough smokers voice combined with the high clear river voice ---the records stand the test of time as do Ian and Sylvia as folk music is not constrained by pop gimmicks and fashion----I have been a pro musician for 38 years and a true irony is that an early Bud and Travis record live at the ash grove was produced by the guy who did my first album in1972--thanks for the great web on 2 brilliant artists--
From Kim Predisik: I was looking up a Shirley Temple Song - "When I Grow Up" - and somehow stumbled onto this web site. Know you that there is a family (Predisik's) of seven (7) children (JuJu, Mari, Jani, Nino, Dina, Kim and Drea) that were brought up on the "Cellar Door" Album the Bud & Travis tunes for years thru my mom and dad (Joe and Kay); and to this day - there is not a family gathering/holiday/or event that goes by that we don't kick into a Bud & Travis tune.
Now if I was a real computer savvy guy - I would have found this site before - and rarely do I ever contact through the email. However, Bud & Travis had a big impact on a family that didn't keep a TV or have a radio that worked - there was Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, the Mills Brothers and BUD and TRAVIS (oh yeah - the Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary came later) but it was Bud & Travis for us.
Just wanted to send you a note of thanks for the site.
From Ed Leanord: I remember seeing Bud And Travis at the Gate of Horn in Chicago back in the 1950's. I thought they were great.
From Glenn Thomas: I met Travis at the Ramada Inn, while attending the University of Arizona, between 1969-73. I was playing a single folk-style guitar/vocal gig at the Executive Inn, while Travis was playing at the Ramada.
I was a huge fan of Bud and Travis during High School, and it was by shear accident that I should meet him. He invited me to "sit in" several times during his lengthy breaks. I remember being terrified to sit on that chair above the bar, following the great Travis Edmondson. He taught me my still favorite toast, though I can no longer stand tequila-- "Arriba, abajo, al centro, al dentro"! I tried to learn the "slap" but never could do it.
I doubt if he would remember me, we were not friends. I played, and still do, "Cloudy Summer Afternoon" in my own repertoire, as well as "Maria," "Scotch and Soda," "Guess I'll Go Home," and others I have surely forgotten.
As a result of finding your website, my wife bought me their CD, truly my greatest treasure of music! I marvel at the authenticity of the Mexican pieces. I am reminded how sometimes those who love their countries most, are not natives. I have never heard the Latin songs of B&T sung and played with more passion and excellence by anyone.
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and my brother in Mexico City. My American parents instilled in us a love for the language, the music, and the Latin culture, though I left Venezuela as an infant. Parties at our house always included Mariachi music.
Now my daughter has the bug. She is incredibly diverse in her musical tastes, and loves mariachi music, especially Sin Ti, and Rayito de Luna.
Thanks for your good work, I'd enjoy keeping in touch with lovers of B&T.
From Bob Brown: Hello! I just wanted to thank you for all the time and effort you've put toward the B & T website! I just decided I would check the web to see what I could find and I found more than I could
ever have hoped for!
I saw Bud & Travis only once - in Calgary, Alberta, in the early 60's. They were on the same bill as Peter, Paul & Mary and Odetta. Odetta never showed but it was a fine evening just the same. Top tickets were $3.50 while the cheap seats went for $1.50!! I had not heard Bud & Travis before that night but wanted to hear more! I picked up a copy of the "In Concert" set soon after and later found a copy of "Volume 2" which I was delighted to get. I also have a copy of Bud's album "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today" and the Travis album "Travellin' With Travis". Unfortunately I never got to see them again but I can still bring back that evening when I play the concert albums. I wholeheartedly agree that they were one of a kind and their guitar work was outstanding.
I was saddened in 1989 to learn of Bud's passing. I also hadn't realized that "Buck" Wheat became their bassist. I heard him with the Kingston Trio many years ago and enjoyed him then. After reading your interview with Travis, I now know that Buck is no longer with us.
Thanks again for a fine job! I have added it to my "favourites" file and will check back from time to time to keep up to date.
From Kristina Hubbell: Just wanted to write and thank you for this website. Bud & Travis have been favorites of mine for many years, which will give you an idea of how old I am!
From Don Freeman: I just recently acquired my mom's album collection, and as I was strolling through them, I found an album I had heard as a youngster. I played it and had just as much fun listening to it as the audience had when they recorded it. The 2-album set Bud and Travis In Concert is a great album to listen to.
From Duane Vincent: I'm truly amazed at what one can find on the internet. Many years ago, back in the late 1950's, I won a Bud & Travis album on a radio station contest - and still have that precious piece of vinyl.
Yes, it is that initial Bud & Travis album, with the very fine "Vamos Al Baile". One of these days, I plan to transcribe it to a CD for my personal enjoyment.
I am truly pleased to hear that a CD has been made commercially available of some of their best work, and I intend to buy it posthaste.
Thank you for a great and interesting website.
From Arthur Cohen: Thomas, you are a gift!
I am an original B & D fan from the early days. Even though all my friends were folkies in the early and mid 60's, no one else seemed interested in the duo. Ha! Bunch of know-nothing poseurs! Of course, it was there loss--not having a chance to fall in love.
Their Latin music has always been my favorite. So last night I listened to Malaguena Salerosa while reading the English translation I never knew until I found your site.
And also for the first time I was able to sing along with the accurate Spanish as well.
Wonderful -- it couldn't make the song any more beautiful, but it added a rewarding veneer; 35 years later I still swoon and marvel over that rendition.
I have downloaded 7 other wonderful versions of Malaguena, and many are a joy to hear; but none comes close to the passion and beauty of Bud & Travis's.
It was a delight to browse your site, and learn so much I never knew about the fab two. I had only 4 albums, unaware of the existence of most of the others. Saddened by the news of Bud's death in '89, it was still satisfying to learn of their lives and careers before and after 60's when I discovered them.careers.
So thanks so much for doing the website.
From Dyana King: Thanks for creating this site! I remember, as a child, my father listening to Bud & Travis, Nancy Ames and others and have such fond memories of that music. I was able to track down some used vinyl and would love to find some CD reproductions. Your site has helped me a lot!
Thanks again.
From Gary C. Matteson: Just recently I thought to do a search for B & T on the net, first thing that popped up is your site. I am lucky enough to have had Bud & Travis in Concert, Liberty album LDM-1100; if memory serves, I bought the album while I was in Alaska or Germany, serving in the Air Force (195701062.)
Thank you for the gratifyingly simple but informative piece of work you've done. After all these years, it is my opinion, their music and style is timeless. It absolutely thrills me to the core to listen every now and then. In point of fact, a friend was kind enough to load the album, onto a CD so now I can listen on those occasions when I travel our nations highways.
Congratulations and THANK YOU!
From Bob Stauss: 60 years old - grew up on cattle ranch - learned to speak Spanish very young - love Mexican music - have huge collection of mariachi music. have been a B&T fan since college in the early 60's. saw them in concert. still have the first several Bud & Travis albums (their Mexican music is some of the best and can not be told apart from the Mexicans) just recently discovered they made an album of all mexican music.
From Rick Rubin (not the producer): I want to thank you for putting this all together. I was a fan in the early 60's and still am. I grew up in So. Cal and was privileged to see them perform at a Jr. College in San Diego. I still have the autographed ticket stub in my copy of the "In Concert" LP. They were by far the best group of that era. The most musically sophisticated, and satisfying, as well as incredibly funny. I wasn't aware that any of their material was on CD. I'm going to call tomorrow for a copy. I've got everything they did on vinyl, and they are some of my prized records. Thanks again.
From Dennis and Cindy O'Boyle: thank you kindly for your bud and travis site --it is much appreciated and ejoyed very much -- it brings back beautiful memories of their beautiful voices and music. thanks again.
From Paula Settle: I stumbled across your Bud and Travis page while looking for some lyrics for my Irish music session I've been attending on Wednesday nights. To make a very long story short, I think you may have solved a sort of "mystery" and sweet memory of mine.
Many years ago I met a man at the Grand Canyon. He was sitting out by the edge at sunset, relaxing and strumming a guitar. I was about 17 and wanting some time away from my parents, and several other young adults and teens were gathering to meet. This fellow was very nice; we talked a long, long time it seemed.
I sang along and he made me feel "grown up" and included . . . said he was going into the canyon the next day to record some of the Indian traditional songs, sort of a project he'd been working on. He was very humble, played down his own work although he did say he made his living singing and playing guitar.
I thought he said his name was "Bud Travis"; I feel really very STUPID now, and very unenlightend to realize. And the picture: this is the man I was talking to! So thanks for the website. Now I'm really ever more interested to find out more . . .
From Carol Garr: For several years in the late 60's and early 70's, while studying at the University of Arizona in Tucson, my late evenings consisted of "hanging out" at the Ramada Inn on St Mary's Rd listening to Travis sing in the lounge there. He sang for me on my 21st birthday, though I didn't tell anyone WHICH birthday it was (I'd been drinking underage for a couple of years.)
At 1AM, bar closing time, he would sometimes join my group of friends for food at the 24 hour restaurant there. Travis was fun, gracious, and just one of the gang. Thinking of him brings back many happy memories.
I will try to order the CD you mention. I've not been able to find any records, but that would be a great alternative. I most want to hear his incredible rendition of Maleguena Salerosa again, and Seasons In The Sun.
Thanks for a wonderful site!
From Valerie Jennings: I've been humming an old favorite folk song for weeks - can't get it out of my mind, and for the life of me, couldn't figure out who sang it. So starting searching around the internet for '60's folk music - - finally solved the mystery: Raspberries Strawberries by Bud & Travis. Had completely forgotten their names, but they were a great favorite of mine in the '60s.
Your website brought back a lot of memories of another era - - great job, and great tribute to a terrific musical group. Amazon.com has the 'greatest hits' cd - and was able to listen to clips - - they sound even better than I remember!
From Hippup: I checked out your website for the first time and now feel that there might be some hope on the horizon! I have been looking for "The Latin Album" for many years. I grew up listening to that record,it was my mothers favorite and soon became mine. I recently heard "Sin Ti" as a background piece in Oliver Stone"s "Born on the 4th of July". Thanks for your time and a GREAT website!!!
From John Pullinger: I am calling you from Australia. I came across your site when I found the site of the Kingston Trio who have always been my favourite group. However back in the late fifities or early sixties I heard Bud and Travis sing the Ballad of the Alamo and their dramatic rendition has always remained in my head. They were a fabulous duo and got too little air play here. I was absolutely delighted to find your site and have put in immediately with my "favourites."
From Thomas M. Parisi: Believe it or not, I came across your Bud & Travis page while searching for guitar manufacturers in Mexico! I just wanted to sa . . . thanks for the memories.
From Ann Harrover Thomas: Just playing on my computer I got into Google and put in Bud and Travis. Imagine my surprise to find this web site. I am from Manassas, Va. and knew Bud as Oliver Dashiell, a handsome young man from Osbourn High School. He was older than I but I thought the most handsome ever. At one time my mom and a group of nutty lady friends sang for a hometown variety show, dressed as hillbillies. Bud was their guitarist - somewhere I have a photo of him as they dressed him up in raggedy clothes, freckles painted on his face, a fine old porkpie hat, strumming his guitar for a bunch of middle aged ladies (?) singing such numbers as "They Cut Down the Old Pine Tree", "Mountain Dew", "The Old Apple Tree in the Orchard", etc. etc. They were a hoot, as was the sober faced guitarist. I used to love to watch them practice. Several times in later years Bud and Travis played in D.C. at the Cellar Door, the Blue Mirror and a couple other places and I, along with a group of high school friends would go down to see them and we LOVED THEM. They'd come out to Manassas afterwards with us and we'd sit for hours, reminiscing. I have a couple albums - wish they were CD's - that are very old, used & scratchy. We still talk about "Oliver" now and again and still count ourselves and Bud and Travis fans!
From Q Lawler: I was in high school in Manassas VA for a time with Oliver and everything said about him on your site is true! The guy had an outrageous sense of humor, and a boatload of talent. I saw him almost every time he and Travis were in the Washington DC area.
From Noah Irene Carver: I caught your web site and I am a long time Bud and Travis fan. I have the LP Live at the Cellar Door. I love their music. thank you for keeping it alive. A fan of bud and Travis is a friend of mine. Once again, thank you. Noah
From Laurie: Hello! Your website is great, and I thank you! I have been a Bud & Travis fan for probably 30 years. I am fortunate to have a couple of their records, and the only CD available (that I am aware of). While all the news clearly wasn't good, I was glad to be brought up to date on their lives. Thanks for your site.
From Sonia Robledo: Hi - I live in Southern California and have been a Bud and Travis fan since high school (1962). I had their stuff on lp records, had to move about 12 years ago and got rid of all my records.
From Allamarain: I met Bud and Travis in Sausalito, circa 59-60, and had also met them in Sacramento when they were booked at the college. Travis and I had pizza and beer prior to the gig. Met again in Sausalito some time later when he and Bud were on and off splitting. Travis asked me if I would be his roadie, but things were such that I couldn't. I moved to S. California, ran into them at the Troubador. The only other time I met Bud was when he came to rehearse at Travis' apartment, just off St. Monica Blvd. Also cought them at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach. Travis and a I got along well, but Bud seemed to have a different personality.
The last I heard, Travis had a ranch or farm south of Tucson. I had just about everything they recorded on Liberty label, including my favorite, their Latin album (I suspect the mexican-flavored cover shot of them on a staircase was actually the front of Travis' apartment).
UNFORTUNATELY my ex-wife trashed almost every personal possession I had when we split, including the albums. I've been looking for their work for years without results. I was visiting the KT site when I found this (I know Bob Shane, too). Seems like Sausalito has the place to be in the sixties - it's only tour buses, t-shirts and sunglasses now. Damn shame!
From Mori Morrison: I had a Bud & Travis LP at one time, and finally anted up the big bucks to see them in person at the London House in Chicago. I used to waitress at the slightly less incredibly expensive folk nightclubs in Chicago just so I could hear the singers. B&T were amazingly wonderful, of course. My new CD of "The Best of Bud and Travis" has become my happiest purchase in decades.
Thanks for doing the website! I'm trying to get a CD of The Latin Album. I could use several, I guess, because living in Southern California one makes many Spanish-speaking friends, and my colleague from Costa Rica went ape-shit over a loaned copy of "The Best of Bud and Travis" and refused to return it. She said the Spanish-language songs were classic songs done in the proper manner and with very good accents. So I gave it to her and got myself another one. I would like to get some more copies!
From Lou Caspary: Thanks so much for your website. Was in New York yesterday on Times Square and went into the basement of Virgin and found only one B&T CD (The Best of) and asked if there were any more. "No." I will write the labels as you instruct.
Actually, I have been looking for YEARS for their albums.
From Harry H. Larsen: I've always enjoyed Bud And Travis. Bought their first and second LP's when in the USAF at Scott AFB in Belleville, Illinois. I spent 16 or so of my 20 years overseas and so the LPs traveled the world. Listened to them over and over and over. Although not a Spanish speaker (don't know six words in that language) I was completely fascinated by the stuff they did in Spanish, and especially the love ballads and saloon songs. Great stuff. I guess music really is the universal language. I don't have too many English language tracks that move me as much as some of their Latin stuff does.
From Jean Wilkins: I am another great fan of B&T's music. I am currently in a trio called "Simpaticos" and we are performing some of the Spanish music we have heard Bud and Travis perform on the now, re-release of the Bud and Travis music on CD. It's so much fun to try and "emulate" these exciting performers. I was very excited to find out about this site about three years ago.
Travis Edmonson was a personal friend of my family and stayed with us for several weeks in 1968. My family had a home in North Denver, Denver, Colorado. Travis and I performed (I was a teenager then) at several concerts, and then he moved on. At that time, I was sixteen and that was a long time ago! Nevertheless, I have become a performing musician (with his strong influence). I have dedicated a tape of my music to him, including a song I wrote for him called "Bittersweet". He's been a strong musical influence in my life.
From Chris Whitney: Thank you and God for the internet! I cannot believe that there are others who remember Bud & Travis. I was about 11 when I discovered my older sister's BT LP. I was really taken by 2 of their songs and had memorized a good portion of them and still remember them to this day (I am now 50).
How wonderful to get reconnected with them.! Thanks.
From Art Yow: all these years since the passing of the folk era of the 60's ~70's, I carried the banner and kept the faith for Bud & Travis. at jams and get togethers with strangers, I would play selections from Bud & Travis and would invariably be asked "what was that, who was that from?" my reply: "Bud & Travis" would bring puzzled looks. i felt that i was the very last man on earth who had ever heard of B & T. (i was even beginning to doubt their very existence as a figment of my imagination)
so it is with great relief that i have finally found a kindred spirit, that reaffirms my belief that good things never die, but live on.
i feel like a lost soul, alone in the ocean of humanity who finally has found his family; others who can affirm "yes, there was a Bud & Travis, and yes, they were an extraordinary talent, indeed".
thank you so much for your website, somehow i now feel musically whole!!!
thanks for your website.
From Paul Wasserboehr: When I was a child in 1960, my older brother had their live album and we used to listen to it all the time. That's how I literally got turned on to Folk Music.
From Jo Mapes: I was delighted to find the Bud and Travis page, and more than delighted to see a picture of Travis at his tribute. Bud & Travis and I worked together at a few clubs, (Primarily the Shadows, Washington) They were a remarkable duo, their musical instincts and arrangements were miles ahead of any other duo I've ever heard. I was sorry to hear of Bud's passing, long ago, and smiled when I saw the picture of lovable and sweetly crazy Trav. That smile and energy look good! I phoned Trav a few years ago. Trav's song "The Web", still haunts me. Thank you for putting them on the web.
Mary Ann Youngs: Just a note to let you know that your web-site honoring Bud & Travis is wonderful. I am a very long time fan. I had owned the 1960 "In Concert" 2 LP album but, in my infinite wisdom to get rid of everything I owned on vinyl, I let it go. Something all of us older folks have probably done and then regretted. Anyhow, congratulations. I have put the site among my favorites.
From Alan Fenwick: What a great website. I was looking for a site that could identify where (or if) I could get CDs for the In Concert and 2 albums and ran across your site. Of 100 people I could talk to, less than one would have even heard of Bud and Travis, including NPR disk jockeys playing eclectic music from various generations.
In 1961, a fraternity brother and I at Colorado State University discovered B&T on their concert album. We were already playing all the Kingston Trio, etc. songs, but B&T represented a different genre. For example, the Kingston Trio's version of They Call the Wind Mariah isn't in the same league as B&T's. My partner and I bought Goya guitars ($250 each then), stopped wearing "folk shirts", and began working on B&T's music. I would sit in class rolling out the fingers of my right hand, little finger first, so that I could strum Mariah the way they did. We figured out how by repeatedly listening to the album at a slow speed after we had taped it (reel to reel) at a faster speed. We learned the strum slap the same way.
We taught ourselves many of their songs on that album, including Vamos Al Baile, although we kind of faked the Spanish off the album. (It was interesting to read the lyrics on your site - we weren't that far off.) Anyway, we entertained over the next few years, using B&T as our baseline. We would usually start with Delia's Gone or some other slap strum song to "announce our presence with authority".
In about 1962, I think, B&T visited our campus and "Rog & Al" hosted them. I still have the picture of us taken with B&T. Travis showed me the sliding chords he used for Cloudy Summer Afternoon and Bud taught us the harmonics for the raindrops. They were great and I have never forgotten them.
I still play my Goya, even though it has been patched from where I have dropped it and from where my youngest son hit his buddy over the head with it in about 1987. It still has great sound and I currently am working on improving my classical ability. But I also practice the hard B&T songs because they strengthen my hands and demand endurance. Unfortunately, there are no lovely sorority girls to listen.
Anyway, thanks for giving me a good case of the melancholies.
From Heather M. Lothian: I saw your page on the web re Bud & Travis and wanted you to know that I lost my album of them "In Concert". I believe someone stole it
From Bill Moore: In 1962 in Alexandria, Va., I became a devoted fan of Music Americana as presented by a local radio station (WAVA). Capitalizing on the folk frenzy of those years, WAVA played some of the epochal music of the genre (I remember the haunting music of Odetta, for example) . What led me and a fair number of friends to a lifelong love affair with folk music was the DJs interest in Bud and Travis. I was 14 and worked throughout the summer to buy a guitar (a Stella from Sears!) and spent a short while learning a half dozen chords so I'd have something for my left hand to do while my right hand spent its energy trying desperately to duplicate the fabulous rhythms so much a part of their music. Never succeeded, but had a blast trying. Never missed a show at the Cellar Door and The Shadows in DC (whatever happened to those places??). Now, 40 years later with a career in between, I'm still in love with these guys, still playing their music (when my kids let me) and every now and then I try to get that slap rhythm thing going on my old guitar! Great website and lots of fun listening to and reading about these guys.
From H. Lee Head: Greetings from San Antonio, TX
I want to let you know how very much I appreciated exploring your Bud & Travis web site. It's obvious that it is a labor of love. You are so right about the humility displayed by Steve Edmonson. He is a long time friend from my days in San Francisco, and I travel to hear him play whenever possible.
Just wanted to let you know that you're doing a good thing, and the angels will be kind to you.
From Bill Courtright: Out of the blue, and wondering whatever happened to Travis Edmonson, I entered his name into a search engine. Your site came up. I went to the sight and nearly died from shock! Where do the years go?
It was 1971, 1972 and 1973 that I knew Travis. I was a friend and roommate of Randy Loyd, a terrific singer and guitarist. We lived in Denver, Colorado. We only actually lived TOGETHER for about 8 months, but we were good friends throughout this period. He spoke many, times about Travis Edmonson, how wonderful he was, what a genius and nice guy. And one night, he brought Travis home with him!
I could tell many, many stories about Travis, but suffice it to say that he LOVED tequila, he loved to party, he loved women, and he loved to sing and play his guitar. And I and all of my friends loved to hear him perform.
I am a keyboard musician who owes some thanks to Travis. I have a letter of encouragement he wrote to me when I left Denver for Southern California. He told me to see an agent named Howard King, and King became my agent upon hearing that I knew Travis Edmonson. Travis signed the letter with his signature little guitar. I treasure it. I'm still in California, and although not a star, I've done fine here.
I worked with Jose Feliciano for many years. Jose was a fan of Bud & Travis. I always wished when I was with Feliciano that I could have contacted Travis and got us all together with him. But Randy Loyd has lost contact with Travis, and I never heard from him again.
From Karen WG: What a treat to find the Bud and Travis web page tonight! I was ten years old in 1958 when my uncle brought home "The Kingston Trio at the Hungry i" and my two oldest siblings and I became precocious folkies. We waivered a bit, into tasteful rock in the '60's, but now my brother and I find ourselves playing old vinyls of Bud and Travis, the Kingston Trio, Judy Henske, The Smothers Brothers, and a fantastice 4-CD set issued by the Smithsonian that is a great sampler of some of the very best music of '50's and '60's folk.
Anyway, my sister is still mad because I have our only two B & T albums in my collection. (Actually, I think they originally did belong to her). She lives in Uxebridge, Ontario, and can't even borrow them. I'll have to pick up B & T CD's for her for Christmas.
Bud and Travis were incomparable. The fact that they were never hugely popular only goes to prove that the most celebrated celebrities are not necessarily those with the greatest amount of talent. I'm so glad your page is there to continue to spread the word about these talented men.
From Robin McConnell: Great site - I really hope more of their (live) work is issued on CD - or DVD!
From Uncle Albert: Thanks for all your efforts here. I thought this was a lost hope until I found your site!. Thank you so much for the lead to the Best of Bud and Trav CD . . . I am listening to it now and am transported back to 1958 and life is all of a sudden again very good. At that time I read Jack Kerouac's On the Road, listened to Bud and Trav. Put $10 in my pocket packed an old Boy Scout backpack and hit the open road, and spent the 3-best years of my life clunking around the USA, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, India, SE Asia and Japan. I believed then I was invincible -- and in fact I was. How I did it, I will never know, but to hear that music again reminds me that it was once done and that those feelings of freedom can again be repeated. Thank you again so very much.
From Brian Bendor-Samuel: I just came across your web site. Thanks!
When I was a senior in a small college in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, 500 miles north of Minneapolis, Bud & Travis were appearing at a local night club. It was December, 1959. They turned up "Snowflurries" one of two "formal" dances the students organized each year. They put on a dazzling performance during the band intermission and brought with them a batch of vinyl LPs to give away as door prizes. I managed to get hold of one of these albums - their original recording. I'm sad to say, I wore it out. But I still remember many of their songs: particularly Bonsoir Dame, Les Fraises et les framboises (I was a French major) and their version of Malaguena - still one of the best ever recorded. If only someone would reissue this album, and others, on CD. Thanks anyway, for keeping their achievements alive. I'm sorry that PBS didn't recognize their achievements in their recent special on the Folk groups of the 60's - a serious omission, but, hey, they never mentioned Gordon Lightfoot or Ian and Sylvia either!
From Iris Hughes: Wow, whenever I need to visit with my brother who was a huge Bud and Travis Fan, Looked like them, sang like them and introduced our family to many happy hours of beautiful music, all that I need to do is hear their music. My brother passed away at the age 29 in an auto accident, he stopped to help someone on the free way with a flat tire at midnight and a car coming on the freeway hit him and killed him instantly. His wife stood by and watched. Needless to say Our lives were devastated, as our older brother was the center of everyone's world who knew him, He was such a charismatic person. All of this took place in 1974. The Bud and Travis music is what has helped to keep his memory in such a safe place for all of us kids, there were 5 of us, all younger than him. Again thank you for the news on more Bud and Travis music that we did not know was out there. Keep up the good work, you never know what positive things you are doing for people, in the most oddest of ways...
From Bill Bliss: I agree with every word you said about Bud and Travis. Why can't I find more of their albums on CD? I got the Latin Album from Barnes and Noble and it's beautiful. Also I got the Santa Monica Concert ( two discs) which is really poor quality.
Thanks again for your wonderful website @ Bud and Travis.
From Mike Noyes: I have 7 of their albums and worked extensively with them in the late 50's and early 60's in LA (Hollywood) at Jack Kramer's International (which became Shelly's Mannhole). I haven't yet come across any old photos but will continue to look. Would love to find a few more albums especially one that contains "I Talk to the Trees". Great site, keep up the good work,
From Tony Spadaro: Cucurucucu Paloma and Maleguena Salerosa are my favourite songs by B&T. I lost my records in a fire in 1978 and am still trying to recover a lot of stuff that was lost then.
From Guy and Deanna Bennett: I just found your Bud and Travis site and am very happy to find another big fan of Bud and Travis. My folks bought all their albums and I kept on buying them, used, in record stores from the 60's on. Now I have about 25 or so and I didn't think about them until I moved this summer and I was packing. We moved from Oregon the Seattle area and I got on the web and thought about seeing if there was a site focused on Bud and Travis. Your site was the number one site listed. A wonderful suprise.
I still have my records, but now we copy them to cassette for playing in the car and at home in order to save the vinyl. Beside, the kids don't know how to play a record!
Thank you for the wonderful web site!
From Andy Rodriguez: Just stumbled onto the B&T site! Great Job!! I didn't know it existed. I grew up listening to (and play my guitar with) several Bud and Travis albums. Being the 'musical one' in the family, I anticipated getting them in due time (estate settlement, etc.) However, my mother experienced a fire that destroyed quite a bit of her home, including all the albums (along with the 45's and 78's). All I have left is a 35 year old cassette recording with 'The Latin Album' on one side and 'Perspective ...' on the other side.
I host a couple of open mics in the Houston, TX, area and use several B&T songs in my sets occasionally and you would not believe (yeah, you might) the positive response to this 'new' music some people haven't heard before. There have even been a couple of 'old-timers' that have asked if I got those songs from Bud & Travis albums. A welcome smile comes across their faces when I confirm their suspicions, kinda like finding an old high school picture of your first real girlfriend or boyfriend, or an old comfortable pair of jeans found when going back home for a visit.
Great Job on the website!!!
From Paul Rockwell: In 1961, I was a senior in High School in Minot, NDak. A couple of very good friends and I had started a folk group in the late 1950's. We were called "The Huntsmen". In that small area of NDak., we were very popular. We did a televison show each Thursday nite at the local station called the "Tom Fisher Show". We were regular guests. Most of our music was Kingston Trio stuff. (On some selections, if you closed your eyes, you couldn't tell the difference). We had great fun!!
I don't remember what year it was ----- probably in the mid to late 60's, we went to a Bud & Travis concert at the Minot Civic Auditorium. I had listened to one of their records and we thought they were 'the best'!! As it turns out ----- they were!!! I immediately went out and bought their "Bud & Travis In Concert" record. I still have it somewhere. The seats we had were near the front row. We tried very hard to watch their guitar playing in order to try to pickup their style. They were so much better than anybody we'd seen that we never could figure out how to play their music!! "Malaguena Salerosa" was my favorite ----- and still is!! I just purchased the "Latin Album" from your source.
I'm pleased to see your website. My old compadres are still around. I've forwarded the site to them! It brings back many, happy memories!
From "REF": Excellent site.
As I near 60 years of age, I reflect on those things of my youth that influenced, delighted, and formed me. Folk music was my first creative expression (being a bad guitar player and worse singer, but boy could you meet girls).
Like many of my age, my first addiction was to The Kingston Trio, but quickly I branched out to the Limelighters, Journeymen (with John Phillips before Mamas and Papas, and Scott McKenzie), Tarriers, and even lesser known groups like the Travelers 3 and the Wayfarers.
But Bud and Travis held a special place for me. I saw them at a concert in San Monica (not, alas, the one recorded) and bought everything of theirs I could find. Their stage presence was prodigious. Their ability to stand quietly and command an audience and bring it to its feet, without amps, special effects, exploding flash pots, and all the rest of the modern rock modality, was impossible to describe to someone who hasn't seen it first hand.
Thanks for helping me remember just how much fun it was.
From Stuart B. Olsen: I took lesson from Bud in his studio in Westwood, CA in, if I remember correctly, the mid to late 70's or early 80's. I still have many of his music notes that he made me at that time during my lessons. Great guy. I have since taught my son some of his renditions. It's wonderful to see this site. Best of Luck,
From Anne W. Shubert: I have written a book about Florida hurricanes, the title of which is There Are Hurricanes in Florida. Many years ago, before we went to Australia and gave our LPs to the Symphony Book Fair, my husband and I had Bud & Travis's LP, and as you might guess, it made a big impression on me!
From Tim: Your Bud and Travis site is wonderful.
I just had this great experience. I was sitting down to work and the TV was on next to me. It was an old Ozzie and Harriet episode, a “clip” show with some musical highlights. Two wonderful musicians did a rousing version of “La Bamba” and while the sound was familiar to me I found myself say, ”who were those guys?” As the final credits rolled up the screen there were the names “Bud and Travis” and I had the the “a-ha” experience. A Google search came across your site. Thanks for reconnecting me to the music!