The 'Whiskey Before Breakfast' Cover D-18: Bob Minner, Chris Eldridge, Bryan Sutton and Kenny Smith

Bluegrass greats Bob Minner, Chris Eldridge, Bryan Sutton, and Kenny Smith discuss and play the 1936 Martin D-18 that graced the cover of Norman Blake's seminal 'Whiskey Before Breakfast' album. They also talk about Blake's guitar playing (and collecting) and much more.
Says Minner: "Through a series of unplanned events on my end, the 1936 D-18 that was featured on the front and back cover of Norman Blake’s 1976 album, 'Whiskey Before Breakfast,' came into my possession for a few weeks. The owner, Brent Hawley, has owned the guitar since late 1975 when he acquired it via Rob Griffin, a mutual friend of Brent and Norman. Brent wanted me to make a short video with the guitar before he started the selling process.
"With such a historic instrument connected to Norman, it made sense to call up some friends - Bryan Sutton, Kenny Smith, and Chris Eldridge - to celebrate this guitar, the Whiskey Before Breakfast album, and just have a good time playing songs from it and talking shop."
Filmed by Mike Luckett for the Fretboard Journal; special thanks to Denny Hemingson for help with the audio.
www.fretboardjournal.com
Note: Bob and Cameron Knowler will do a deep dive into the music and playing of Norman Blake at the 2023 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 24-26). Register here: fretboardsummit.org

[@bhawley1000]

I guess it's time for me to finally chime in. I'm Brent Hawley - the owner of the Whiskey D-18 for the last 48 years. I knew the day would eventually come when it was time to turn the guitar loose, give it some public exposure, and hope that it finds a good home. When Bob Minner learned that I had the guitar (through Jim Baggett), we had a long call, shared stories, and it was obvious that he would be a great person to help find it's next chapter in life. It was his idea to produce the video that you see here. What a treat to see these guys play it. Thank you Bob. As a couple of friends have commented here, since 1975 this guitar was an integral part of the Bluegrass scene in the Fort Collins area. I let all of my friends play it, pass it around, and drive that song with it. Bluegrass, swing, Americana, old jazz, yes this guitar and I learned together. We learned from our friends, our roommates, our idols, from the albums, cassettes, cd's, and now KZbin, festivals, and countless music parties. You players know what I'm talking about. I still play every morning with coffee, keeping my chops up. I have described this video to friends as "4 top pro pickers, 4 ugly guitars, D-18 heaven". There is something about ugly guitars. I've owned a near mint 1942 D-18 (a closet queen) and here's an important lesson that I learned - It's no fun to own an instrument that you're afraid to let your friends play. The reason that I'm letting go of it is that I have hearing issues that keep me from being able to appreciate it. Time for someone else to give it a good home, play the crap out of it, and let their friends play it. I think I've said what I intended to say. Great to talk with you KZbinrs. Brent

[@bhawley1000]

One last thing - Huge thanks to Fretboard Journal for working with Bob and sponsoring this video!

[@MeridithQueenOfSpades]

Amazing story! And yes indeed...this guitar found its home amongst these guitar gods lol.

[@michaelmullins1290]

Definitely an amazing story I'm glad I didn't miss.

[@1coopjsn]

Beautiful story and keep the feelings through the fingers over coffee. All best wishes. We are all just temporary guardians of our most special things -- and we have to carry that with humility as you clearly demonstrate here.

[@michaelmcgannon5588]

Brent, You're a good man top to bottom. And a sincere keeper of the musical flame. What a pleasure it's been to know this story, and a good many of the characters involved. Good on you! Best Always, Mike

[@stevec.1802]

Norman was king of the crosspickers. Still inspirational to this day. A truly gifted musician. 🎧

[@btgauthier]

I love this guitar and sure will miss having the privilege of playing it occasionally! It belongs to my friend Brent Hawley who purchased it in 1975 through Norman’s and Brent’s mutual friend Rob Griffin ( renowned audio engineer ). The guitar has been on an incredible journey, from Norman’s album through it’s many years in Brent’s masterful hands as it became a staple of the Fort Collins, CO bluegrass music scene. It was stolen from Brent’s home in the ‘90s and recovered, mainly through the efforts of Willie McDonald of the Bluegrass Patriots, at the Las Vegas pawn shop of Pawn Stars fame. It made it’s way back home to Brent. It is one of a handful of vintage guitars that has been and will hopefully continue to be a part of flatpicking lore. This video is a treasure!

[@als1023]

Thank you for posting !

[@michaelsnyder6922]

I was taken aback when I saw Bob. I swear we are twins. He got the talent and I didn’t.

[@Razorbackchemist]

I don’t know how I haven’t found this video before today, but I’m glad I ran across it this morning. Thank you so much!

[@tonyorourke1459]

I first heard Norman Blake in 1981. Up until then I was studying jazz guitar but became enchanted by his ''Blackberry Blossom'' LP. I learnt so much music from his recordings and to this day his ''Last Train From Poor Valley'' remains my favourite song. His rendition of''Fiddler's Dram/Whiskey Before Breakfast'' have become yardsticks for flat pickers the world over. Not to mention his stunning fiddle/cello duets with Nancy. He remains a massive influence on my music. His musical tentacles have reached out far and wide, I live in Australia.

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

The fiddle and cello duets, sometimes with James Bryan on fiddle too, are some of the most beautiful recordings ever put out. I specifically search for those in bootlegs. They're the perfect blend of chamber music and old time fiddling

[@taylormorris_]

Bryan Sutton reigns supreme. Effortless and classy breaks, always on time amd never leaves you wanting.

[@wiamotto]

Ultimately...Norman Blake reigns supreme...

[@taylormorris_]

@@wiamotto ah, subjective opinions are what makes music so enjoyable.

[@AlwaysWorking2008]

I beg to differ. Bryan always leaves me wanting.... more! :)

[@RDFannin3]

Re: Salt River: I like the way they don't play it stupid fast so you can enjoy the skill of each of these super pickers. Picked up a lotta supper ideas the next time my friends and I jam on this tune. "Whiskey before Breakfast" is a non-negotiable in my top 10 of flatpicking records.

[@SantaCruzOM]

You ever notice that some guitarists approach the fretboard in a way that makes it look like they’re barely getting to the note - they get there consistently but it almost has tension to it, like they may not complete the phrase. Then there’s Bryan Sutton. His playing looks effortless and fluid and 100% in the groove. It’s poetry. All wonderful players here though! Highly enjoyed this!

[@8-tracktheater262]

That is the suspended animation to the accents of the melody which Clarence White gifted to us. Thanks Clarence !

[@G_Demolished]

And then there’s David Grier. He plays it as smoothly and in the pocket as Brian, but throws in 5 or 6 licks you never heard before that work perfectly over the song. While telling dad jokes.

[@G_Demolished]

And then there’s David Grier. He plays it as smoothly and in the pocket as Brian, but throws in 5 or 6 licks you never heard before that work perfectly over the song. While telling dad jokes.

[@bentonscrivener]

The pros go down a rabbit hole, challenging themselves to get back on track at the right time after the run.

[@bcummings2187]

Jack Pearson is about as effortless as you can get ......everything is a Sunday drive for him.

[@ClarenceJWTR]

Thank God there are other guitar nerds as nerdy and deep about it as me!!!! I don't feel so alone hahaha!!!!

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

We are here my friend

[@robertandrews792]

What a great tribute to Norman Blake … done by the best pickers of our time … you’re all truly an inspiration … thank you 🤠

[@madeirafonseca6383]

This video is what life SHOULD be all about. I really miss the simpler times.

[@dougdavis8986]

Life can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be.

[@joseph2832]

I used to believe that, but as I get older I don’t think that’s true.

[@alisterrae5822]

Sweet Lordy this is just bloody marvelous, thanks so much for organising this. Brilliant players and awesome guitars.

[@mrdogmoon]

Really cool video and story thanks Chris, Bryan, Kenny, and Bob thank you for making this!

[@glenguldbeckmusic3410]

Thanks gentlemen!! That was wonderful...

[@srob102]

Wow Brent. What a wonderful story of love and musical expertise. Thx for sharing your guitar!

[@Patriot-American]

What a joy this was to watch! Each of these folks are flatpick masters in their on rights but they really pay a sweet homage to Norman Blake. Norman is one of my all time favorites and I have always wished to have met him in person. I love his voice as much as I love his picking. Thanks so much for this awesome video. It sure put a smile on my face and a warm place in my heart. And to Chris's point on feeling like you've known or met Norman from listening to his music... spot on! Much thanks to Chris, Bob, Bryan and Kenny for the picking and conversation.

[@f5mando]

Wonderful video, this. Thanks so much to you all for this record of appreciation and love.

[@johnsimoes2172]

Amazing picking 4 very similar martins from golden age yet all have their own unique voice great video

[@mattrwilkins]

Four of the best all in the same place!

[@rosserclark8156]

This is so great!

[@tchrist41]

This is the best thing I have seen in a long time.

[@user-iy7eq7mg8q]

Outstanding. Thanks for sharing

[@TheHHHR]

That was a great story about the guitar that was not on the album, but was literally "on the album" 😊. Such a great bunch of pickers paying homage to Norman and his guitars💔

[@mrasmrguitar]

What a cool bunch of pickers sharing with us.. I started way too late but having fun now! getting coffee and heading out in my beautiful yard..( abuse my 000-15m lol)

[@TheMrCompletely]

the art and the history of flatpicking are in good hands

[@timmarcom5947]

I love this video, the players, the d-18’s their thoughts. A couple of the microphones didn’t pickup a particular guitar well enough to really hear their tone but all of this is fabulous. I’ve watched it over and over. Thanks for this video.

[@jfj794]

All phenomenal, I’m partial to Kenny Smith, always have been.

[@matlindell5022]

Outstanding 👍👍🤩

[@scotimotti]

Very cool. What a great video, and a great comment thread.

[@SiggyMe]

guitars have history and stories. I like guitars that have a story and history. Afterall they are organic and their afterlife is musical life. This is a fantastic show with the stories and music the best! Remember those guys that are famous often they don't see themselves as others see them, they have their motives and we have ours.

[@batstube]

Outstanding pickers all of 'em

[@TATEGREERBANJOVI]

So cool!!

[@kinnjohn]

What a treat!

[@PhilGreely]

This video made my week, month year. Walking Cane was the first Norman song I ever heard. Captured me in those first few seconds. Fun stuff. Thank you!❤

[@MeridithQueenOfSpades]

Agreed!

[@leifberglund941]

Awesome ❤!!

[@aaronhwarren]

When is the book on Norman's guitars coming out??? I'd buy that in a heartbeat!

[@chuckskarsaune3149]

Fantastic.

[@billcovert3473]

Thanks for the journey. I too have that LP. He had some pretty good back up, Charlie Collins.

[@markwandrey2937]

This is great. The D-18 is a legendary instrument. Don't forget however that a solo player with smaller scale talent can temporarily mesmerize a small crowd with a much less than a very valuable older guitar. The art is in the player - not the guitar. I have once possessed the great Blake albums among others from the guru flatpicking performers and let go to trade in shops. . . as well as several splendid flattops of various sizes and major names. Even a couple of fine hand built classical guitars. Flatpicking at home is addictive. I have never been able to let it go over unrevealed decades. Great to view the ongoing fascination during troubled times.

[@chumdm3]

I’ve listened to that record and walking cane thousands of times. It’s amazing how that guitar’s tone is so distinct even in Bryan Suttons hands.

[@davidbusen545]

Truly amazing how a talented hand can make any guitar sound great and a finely crafted instrument can make even a beginner sound acceptable. Combine the two and the pairing becomes truly indescribable. Scrumptious! Thanks one and all for keeping it going.

[@ProfesserLuigi]

I like how the picture of Norman Blake is just hanging out there in the back like he died and this is is wake or something, lol.

[@michaelmullins1290]

Im sure the guitar will end up in a good place. Ive never held a guitar of this status or near it. Just always listened to these master guitarist wear them out. Awesome video.

[@alexbeard3703]

The funny thing listening to them talk about when they first heard Norman is that's how I felt when I first heard each one of them just a few years ago. This is coming from a man with no bluegrass background but it's through these guys that I've heard of Norman. Backwards I know. Incredible guitar of course but we'd take anything that will get these men in a room together!

[@MeridithQueenOfSpades]

Right? I was thinking the same thing.

[@scottmidler8603]

guitar nerd nirvana. thanks for this, fretboard journal!

[@TheoDahlemPickups]

Nice come together. Really enjoyable. Not sure if it's the mic placement,... Kenny sounds just like Kenny. His sig sound is big.

[@Zephyrwood]

great jam

[@tylervanvalkenburg7167]

Awesome

[@musicofanatic]

Wow! Very well done and presented! A very generous sharing of a great D-18. Next...the one Blake actually played on the record??

[@user-wj8my7kt8q]

That guitar was a big part of our Fort Collins jam scene for many years. Sorry to see it go, but I hope it lands in a good place!

[@micaqui46]

Merci!!!

[@billdedrick1914]

From this video, the two 35' D18's seem to have the most presence and articulation but that may be due to mic placement, string selection, player technique etc..I have heard Bryan Sutton's and Kenny Smith's 35' D18's before and know they both are tone monsters.

[@jordangunit3078]

Pretty sure on Arkansas Traveler Chris Eldridge is playing his 1937 D28. That’s a monster guitar along with all of these 1930s D18s.

[@danielalpin967]

Unreal

[@greekflatpicker]

👏👏👏

[@752brickie]

Two wrongs make a right !!! That was a great line !!!! Ha Ha ha !!!

[@billdedrick1914]

It would be interesting to learn what strings were used on that famous 36' D18 for this video..Interesting at the end to hear the difference in tone/sound from the same guitar from four different players playing the same tune.

[@fretboardjournal]

D'Addario Nickel Bronze 13s

[@billdedrick1914]

@@fretboardjournal Very interesting.. What about strings used on the 35's of Bryan and Kenny?

[@als1023]

@@fretboardjournal Thank you for posting !

[@keithsyler3784]

So cool to see and hear this! Do I spy a couple of Teegarden Audio mics?

[@missouriboy66]

Yep, those are mine.

[@555Gear]

42:00 ❤

[@rogerd9150]

Does anyone know if Norman Blake is still active... I mean still playing?

[@leeblake3989]

I am Norman's oldest son. Dad plays every day, sometimes for hours. But, he does not perform anymore.

[@martymcpeak4748]

now this is a pickin party! and these are the D18 Boyz lol

[@John-wr6yo]

Is this salt creek or double file and salt creek,and what does double file mean.

[@ianb6814]

Kenny Smith is the only one who's lead really pops over everyone else, all are great though

[@robertharden4092]

What ever happened to the only electric guitar the boss master owned? He only had it for a short while I was told it was a homemade with German tuners. Kind of wide neck played really well I guess . He only had it for about three four months I guess I’m not even sure. But I would know it if I seen it. It had gold pickups hollow body electric .Norman Blake only used it for trading I hear who knows? My father is gone only he and a few others know the story. I’m gonna go threw all the old albums and see if I can find a photo of a photo. Good luck to me if I locate it I will post the photo I have not seen it in twenty years the photo that is.

[@geoffcline9593]

TASTY!!

[@ueswan]

38:28 👍

[@DLinberg]

There are Martin acoustics and then there's everything else

[@startreker8591]

How do they bang that cool tool❤…i should wear some worn out clothing y wear my abuelo’s hat

[@thegratefulbrad3072]

The best woodworking in that house is the particle board bar... Just sayin'.... :)

[@Guitarwizzard1833]

Tell us about Bob Minner.

[@bhawley1000]

Bob Minner. Twice third place winner at the prestigious Winfield National flatpicking championships in the mid 1980’s. Professional multi instrumentalist, studio player, song writer, and for over 30 years toured with the country music star Tim McGraw. A lifelong fan of Norman Blake, he recorded a tribute album to Norman “From Sulphuric Springs to Rising Fawn”, released in 2022. Bob is a contributing writer for Fretboard Journal with deep experience in the flat top guitar world. Bob knows old beat up good guitars. “Firewood”. His words - not mine. This guitar has a story and a spirit. It is with my most sincere thanks to Bob for bringing the Whiskey D-18 out into the public light, and helping find its next owner.

[@michaelmcraemusic]

It sure looks to me like all the guitars are using nickel strings. Perhaps the Martin Retros?

[@dougdavis8986]

Yup, they all have strings.

[@michaelmcraemusic]

@@dougdavis8986 Right you are, brother!! I just meant they looked like Nickel as opposed to Bronze Strings.

[@kennysmithguitar447]

Michael I’m using D’Addario EJ -22 jazz medium nickel strings

[@dougdavis8986]

@@michaelmcraemusic have you tried the Stringjoy brand? I think they're excellent.

[@michaelmcraemusic]

@@kennysmithguitar447 Thanks, Kenny! Come into Gruhn and say hey sometime!!

[@roderickbalt8993]

It's a sea of d-18 sound hahaha

[@alan4sure]

Sounds like Salt creek. Not river.

[@jimmycollette9209]

The new D-18 doesn't sound like those. I bought a 1970 model new that had the D-18 sound. I left it in my car in August of 1985. It got totalled cracked front and back. The neck came loose the finish cooked and bubbled . Tha action was unplayable. I have never found one to replace it.

[@60beats44]

Yep, kinda ...

[@boco1951]

Slackers all!

[@t.sewell1513]

Pretty sure God himself built these amazing pieces.

[@cfmartin568]

Bentley huh. I thought I had the only one ever made back in the day. What a disappointment.

[@DaveDiprose]

Church St Blues - The Em G is wrong. Norman plays Am G. Em G is a Tony thing.

[@DaveDiprose]

I love this video, but nothing here sounds like Norman's playing unfortunately. The bottom end needs to be more prominent.

[@skoffco]

I think it’s mildly amusing that Norman sold all his actual vintage Martin guitars, and now plays a guitar called Pre-War Guitar Company, which is a new guitar that’s made to look old. Wouldn’t you think he’d want to keep his old ones 😳

[@leeblake3989]

He still has plenty of vintage Martin's and Gibsons.

[@UAL320]

It’s called financial planning for your retirement….

[@cvfoster1]

Understand what you mean about getting rid of those vintage gems, but don’t sleep on the Pre-War Guitars Company guitars. They are making some of the best new guitars with that old feel/sound out there.

[@HowCommunicationWorks]

Could not hear Minner at all

[@bhawley1000]

Yes - in the first song”Salt Creek” where all 4 players are playing at the same time, it is hard to hear him. Later in the video his sound comes ringing through.

[@cuppalightroast]

Somebody make sure Chris eats a big steak.

[@user-fq1pi7br5k]

Kenny Smith is as smooth as silk! Beast! All of them a spectacular. Of course Sutton is Sutton. Spectacular…

[@briancook4248]

Awesome!

[@johnryan527]

Are you can tell me what the guitar has to offer is staying out of key and really just make me run aMUCK HERE THERE mosEVERwhere often without underwear

[@waylonfingers]

What a treat!