Homeskoolin’ Volume 123, Tom Bukovac, “The Element Of Surprise”

[@501chorusecho]

PLEASE CHECK THE VIDEO DESCRIPTION for links to all kinds of magical places.

[@thep2pband]

...from now on, I promise.

[@robertcornelius7645]

Pet peeves…turn on’s? About a month ago Ann Wilson released a live version of Lennon’s “Isolation” from the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom recorded on 08/18/21 that was mixed by Chuck Ainlay. Love the way Ol’ Chuck turned the knobs. Oh my, that song moves my soul…and that little band that’s playing with her? Thanks for moving my 60 year old plexi soul, and tripping my witch!

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

I can dig it!

[@jipes]

Dear Tom I send you a mail concerning shipment of Plexi soul to FRance but didn't get an answer ? Don't want to disturb too much

[@jclark6895]

Nothing surprises me anymore coming from those fingers. What surprises me is how you keep something new coming at us with each video! Love it!

[@leiferickson3183]

Tom telling folks to f off makes me SMILE.

[@bamgrok]

Lol Right ? Atta boy

[@tonymaycock6401]

"F*** off Gilbert!" has t-shirt potential. Add in the graphic of an old school chalk board eraser flying through the air.

[@Rvp5150]

I 100% support this. Homeskoolin’ F*** Off Gilbert! Shirt!

[@duffyking5342]

Tom I made my living as a guitarist for around 40 years. Played every kind of thing going at one time or another. A friend of mine had me look at that vid with the ten solos to get my opinion on what worked and what didn't. I told him only one player served the bed track. The rest just used it as a reason to show as many chops as they could in the time allotted. And plain and simple that's why your the guy they call to serve the tune. I learned many years ago doing a cover trio of just 60's material just how good it feels to play what's needed. People will forever remember Keith intros and George solos etc. etc. So fuck the fool that needed to send the negative comment to show just how small his knowledge of playing really is. Thanks again for your channel Tom I never miss and episode. You've always got something in your playing worth taking and working into the architecture of my own playing.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Very well said !!!

[@reiddillashaw2383]

"I think when you get older, it gets harder and harder to find stuff that really just turns you on." Man that really resonates with me. Couldn't agree more.

[@michaeldematteis3409]

Man,that is so true.there is really nothing I’m into anymore at all,besides guitar,and music.and I really just play for myself

[@mickgodwin5023]

Hey Tom... you've been a friend to all of us since the lock downs and kept many people sane during that time... I don't think anyone here would turn away from a friend who's in pain face to face, and pretty sure none of us will turn our backs on you because you're in pain from a distance... If you can't use your channel to get the real shit off your chest now and again then we might as well all give up!! ... Keep doing what you do bro, no complaints here 🤘

[@gbarge4]

Very well said, Mick.

[@micajones1483]

This is one of my favorite episodes. "Fuck off Gilbert." I love it! Good to see you back in form. Hang in there.

[@JFLABBERVILLE]

Hey Larry, most of us are going through what you are, have gone through it, or will go through it. Your channel is never depressing, it's real and appreciated, always inspiring and we support the crap out of you.

[@sigsfast]

I love this guy more and more every time I watch him.

[@thomaszonkowski2115]

DUDE!!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT DEPRESSING! You know what was depressing? When the GOT DAMN would shut down. You were one of the lights. We got you Brother

[@hiflyingpigs]

Hi Tom, I know how you feel. I lost my dad 2 months ago. He was my best mate. It sucks so bad. I first heard of this channel after watching your solo on Paul Davids channel and I’ve literally watched your videos everyday since. Your helping me get through my loss without even knowing. So thank you buddy! And I’m sorry for your loss.

[@JanLarsenFredriksen]

Dearest Uncle Larry. Thank's for keepin' comin' at us from your beautiful guitar heaven. Man, I can't thank you enough for all the great playing, tips, tricks, point of views and what not. Even going through what i understand a major shift in your own life you keep pounding out all this fantastic content just because. Great. You're such a heavy dude and fantastic musician. I really wish you alle the best and can't thank you enough. It's also great to get to watch something on YT that's real and not only a polished social media product. You're fantastic!

[@501chorusecho]

thank you man, appreciate these words

[@daveycmusic5150]

Amazing, as always. Melody Monster and a Shred Devil all in one. The articulation and speed on those little pentatonic blasts are just stupefying. What a music machine!

[@roadworthy1102]

Losing someone so deeply close to you has no equal. Burns... God bless you, Man.

[@asktheguitarteacher]

Damn! You got more chops than a butcher shop uncle Larry! Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend! My dad always used to tell me, it never gets easier… Love the Trip the Witch album! Thank you for all you do!

[@joshellyson]

How could we not love you Uncle Larry, you are always real, honest and just a good ole human. And i am with you, could care less what genre of music it is, if it moves the soul, then i am on board!. You just keep being you.

[@natehine8541]

Life can be tough .. my Dad passed 5 years ago since then .. it has been thing after the next .. looking for day light .. I come here .. finding out the greatest session guy is no different then me in that way .. helps .. oh course I would trade my should to play like you and be like you in that way .. better days are coming for all of us

[@scrantonguitar]

It’s funny how when Tom’s video hits the screen you get a feeling of calm in your soul. All is perfect in the world. 🌚 and I’ve got my fix for the day. 🤘🏼

[@joeurbanowski321]

Tom.. don’t feel bad about sharing your grief… You’ve shared more than enough of your music and anecdotes with us… we’re here for ya,man..!

[@jasoness]

You are a beautiful human-being Tom Bukovac. Thank you for being you.

[@Volytyr]

You’re a blessing Tom

[@TRHummer]

"The Elephant of Surprise is godlike, but never ignore the Elephant of Danger." --The Periodic Table of the Elephants

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Tom, what I love most about your videos is that show your humility blended with straight talk. The element of surprise is what I crave in music. On a side note, I find it ridiculous that someone can criticize anyone, let alone one of my favorite players and a fellow music lover. Thanks Tom for sharing.

[@gwbuilder5779]

Life is real, Tom. We come here because you are the real deal, no flashing lights, just every day real. I certainly appreciate that about you.🍻 I lost two of my best friends over 20 years ago (about 6 months apart) and the holes they left behind have never been filled. That's just life. There are plenty of wonderful people who've come along, but it's not the same without them. Some people are just that special.👌 Cool lick.🤙

[@ryanmurtha2392]

Hey Killer Vintage! Great store, I had an old Magnatone repaired there, Obed is great... but no freaking way, I've played that D18 at Mass Street, I swear to God when you read that question, I said to myself, the best thing I've ever played was that D18 at Mass Street. No freaking way.

[@chipcrooks557]

I just watched the 10 guitarist solo over the same track’ featuring Uncle Larry !!! All 10 were unbelievably good !…. But Uncle Larry played just what the song called for ! And was phenomenally excellent! As usual !!! Great work ! You had the most tasteful solo !

[@pauldavis5489]

Tom, Sorry for the loss of your good friend! Play the pain away! Playing always helped me. Thank you for being there for all of us with your musical tonic!

[@TeleCS]

Awesome Tommy! You show great strength during trying times. Inspiring stuff mate. Greetings from Australia. 👍🏻

[@ericdincauze3984]

Yeah, Gilbert's a tool! Thanks for pouring out your soul to us. It's an honor to have you on KZbin keeping it 100, and teaching all us HomeSkoolers!

[@galactictravels224]

Sorry for your loss Tom hope your family heals and finds peace.

[@mrredritehand]

Dude,..you got speed in spades! I wish I had a small fraction of the talent you possess. Badass

[@ethandorsett4895]

Hey Tom! What I appreciate about you the most is your transparency. The good, the bad and the ugly. Without that this community wouldn’t exist. As others have said you have been there for us in so many ways. We are here for you uncle Larry! Also wanted to ask if I were to get a music man amp, which one would you get?

[@Frankyandhisguitar]

Just took a listen to the, Plexi Soul album and loving it, sounds great.

[@phatman1478]

Sorry for your loss Tom! Glad to have you back buddy! P.s. That Duesenberg sounds killer!

[@toploadtele]

Hi Tom! Viewer Request: Speaking of open tuning... Homeskool the class on The Rain Song in the near future!

[@Mikeys_garage_mods]

Well said, exactly the case where we live...

[@nathanhickey2430]

I wish your videos were longer because they are awesome and my absolute favorite!!!

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

A lot of us have experienced the loss of dear friends and loved ones, but none of us have the right to tell someone how to grieve that loss. Do whatcha gottado.

[@ryanjohnson985]

Uncle Larry, this had a real Smoke on the Water tone. Glad you are hanging in there. We love ❤️ you! Excited to get a Trip the Witch t-shirt and poster.

[@ShaneGrimstead]

“Phuck off Gilbert” - Tom Bukovac…. Lol. My man!

[@iantaylor827]

123 bits of brilliance. Plus the extras and insights. Plus the corona lessons. It really has been special. Thanks. And still slayed by Song For Kentucky!

[@analogblues9606]

Sorry for your loss Tom. Hang in there.

[@turbo8481]

Tom you're a true blessing my friend...

[@ThePentatonicWay]

What a crazy awesome guitar tone right out the gate. Thanks for bringing the stank Uncle Larry!

[@Drenched77]

Psyched about upcoming Trip The Witch Vinyl!!! Can’t wait to grab one of those!!!!

[@niguel4438]

“Corny as fuck”. “Fuck of Gilbert”. Priceless Tom. I love it. Keep ‘em coming.

[@FenderTeleDeluxe]

Tom, what I truly appreciate about your channel (as someone whose been with you from the start) is the genuineness you exude. You unselfishly share your vast knowledge of the business, provide lessons here and there (chord shapes, etc.), and just simply wax poetic on life. You are real, honest, and just simply a great dude. No over-produced videos, no hawking of “my guitar course,” no shameless displaying of-either in hand or carefully positioned/staged in the background-a specific guitar manufacturer that you’ve chummed with . Don’t ever underestimate or second guess your influence, worth, or inspiration, Tom, I know I speak for many when I say I love you and your channel. You are as real, cool, and sincere as it gets, my friend. Never change!

[@JNW-we2we]

Tom, thanks for all the education and inspiration.

[@jaycheek254]

What Uncle Larry said Gilbert! Yeah, I love your approach to guitar - it's melodic and there's always a suprising treat somewhere in the arrangement.

[@weschilton]

Yeah Tom, I get where you're coming from. I lost my dad in 2015, and for years afterwards I would catch myself picking up the phone to call him, just to tell him about some small thing that was going on, like I always did.... only to realize that he wasn't there to pick up. I guess its habit? I dunno, but you're right, its weird. But as time goes on, we learn to accept the loss and realize how grateful we are that we had that relationship. Life goes on. You'll get there... so hang in, and keep playing the amazing guitar that you do. :)

[@brianolson_music]

Well said Wes. Lost my dad in 2004, and exactly the same thing, I’d catch myself reaching for my phone to call him for years after he was gone. One of the Weirdest feelings I’ve ever had, that really doesn’t ever seem to go away, just gets less intense

[@highstreetjackmusic]

Big belly laughs in this episode... My New Year's resolution is to start reading the video descriptions! Thank you for your open display of humanity. That's the real reason we're all watching you.

[@funandgames78]

So happy to see you back. Missed you, Tom.

[@BunneRabb]

I do recall the "wall of Smitty". Tasty player, thanks for recalling him. ☺

[@kdavis63]

You are da man...FO to those who think otherwise. Peace bro.

[@jamesmunson3029]

Trip the Witch on Vinyl is something I want in my life. I love listening to that record.

[@gavinmacfarlane7044]

The hits keep coming, having the strength to take the hits and stay on your feet is inspiring - that's why Homeskoolin' is never depressing. Thanks for the videos, music and musings on life Tom.

[@jonathangreen4833]

Not depressing at all Uncle Larry. It's life. We all go through it and thus, we have a nice little corner of the world here at the single room Homeschoolin classroom, where we can go through things together. Makes the dark a bit lighter, to be honest. And mannnnnnn, you RIPPED today! Fun just to watch and hear letting the phalanges fly!!!!! Thanks as always TB!

[@gfunkk]

Have you been able to execute your ideas clearly and without mistakes since the beginning of your session career or is that type perfection something you have to work on consistently? Do you feel like there is anything stopping you at this point from getting the music in your head down on to the fretboard?

[@ccaputa]

Hey Tom, I got your CD and a T shirt and they're both awesome! Thanks for everything, you rock.

[@pinkdesksessions1051]

Got a Martin acoustic from killer vintage. My gigger today. Shout out Matt

[@leemcintyre3943]

Tom, Aside from making everyone in the studio happy you make me happy man!

[@bartholalex]

You're just real about the things you say and I think that's why we like hearing your viewpoint.. Life can be depressing sometimes but it's better to be real about it and accept it for what it is rather than try to pretend everything is just sunshine & rainbows all the time.

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

I always read the descriptions and from all your playing the fast stuff I like the most. Sorry for your loss !

[@Ottotune]

Dave Wakeling of the band English Beat wrote a song called "Sooner or Later". It's in an alternate tuning. Wakeling received a call from two decent guitarists doing a cover of it, Pete Townshend and David Gilmour who couldn't figure out what the tuning the song was in.

[@dougiemanross]

Hey Tom! I’ve been watching your lessons since the beginning (pre-Corona lessons subscriber 🙋‍♂️) and I can honestly say I’ve watched every lesson. I’ve learned so much and you’ve changed the way I look at guitar for the better. Just wanted to say thank you! Looking forward to the next lesson! Cheers from the CLE!

[@DreaNEO]

Hit play so fast on BUKS videos, my thumb breaks the speed of sound...

[@MYGUY5150]

I've been a fan ever since i started scrolling through credits on country records back when I was in college and now as someone who has learned your parts over and over again since I've moved to Nashville, hearing your parts together as one composition has changed the way I think about music. Thank you for everything. Huge inspiration. This channel is full of gold.

[@leoa.g.333]

Sorry for your losses man. Your playing helps a lot as well thank you man.

[@leslieperry3001]

I’m dying !!!!! Gilbert !!!! What were you thinking man !

[@kleberkshima]

Awesome!!! Cheers from Brazil 👏👏👏

[@sharileesweetmusic4359]

I've been binge watching omg for 2 days!!! totally ripped off a couple chords for a turn around into the bridge...I love you

[@jonreider9263]

The lick he taught at the end is the same one I paused at the beginning of the video to stop and learn :-) Kind of reminded me of the bass riff from Wilbur Bascomb on "Head For Backstage Pass" from the Beck "Wired" record. As always, great playing and discussion!

[@omarmukhtar6516]

love that nazal tone

[@Jerrylumdegaard]

Love the term “element of surprise” - that describes it perfectly. Tom, you’re a master at it. Heading down some familiar roads and then suddenly veering off into some hidden driveway the listener never expected. Love it

[@danieldoke7725]

Tom, I have the PS CD and purchased digital versions of both PS & TTW for my brother and I. I can't get enough of your phrasing and musical vibe. I met you many times around town and your genuine kind heart and soul is a breath of fresh air! Love your inspiration...

[@timchalmers1700]

Uncle Larry, you never bore me. And there were some things you did in the Paul David's video that surprised me and made me go, "Ooo, I like that." On the other hand, I'm 71 and I keep finding music that I like. I must admit that I don't like modern pop, and hip hop. But I love the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mark Knopfler's new stuff and the old Dire Straits, and any kind of blues, old blues, new blues, jazz blues, SRV, KWS, Bonamassa, Kirk Fletcher, Josh Smith, Walter Trout, and the list gets long. And I'm really glad that I found you in the last couple years. Your music is really something special. Thanks for putting out Plexi Soul !! I hope there will be another. And I read the Description so thanks for keeping me on your Christmas list - even if you just think about all of your new students, fans and friends on Christmas. Keep your channel real. This is the best KZbin channel ever.

[@lukecyrus]

Amen to the tuning questions!!

[@wolvesandguitars]

I really really enjoy when you start playing and chug over on the E , its just great !!

[@RobEKirby]

Thanks, Tom. KZbin is crazy but I'm grateful for it. Today's playing had some delicious surprises! Life has it's ups and downs, music helps us express the inexpressible.

[@safeguardsc]

You being real is one of the reasons I love your channel so much. Keep on keeping on!

[@davidhebrank9946]

Thank you Tom

[@j_kelly]

ive been playing plexi soul in a 2007 camry, i guess thats close enough

[@BV_Beve]

With you Tom ❤ The Duese Star is sounding great !

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

I’m glad you uploaded a long one, thank you for that Mister Tom

[@TheRycooder]

Worked Grocery for over 35 yrs and EVERY TIME it rained or snowed people came in shopping like the world was ending....lol

[@nicholasbitikofer3731]

Killer Vintage! Love that place

[@ashandesilvaguitarist]

i have a few youtubers i love and you're one of the guys i watch from beginning to the end tom. thank you giving us your time and patience.

[@jmsironworx]

Nice Killer Vintage shirt! Those guys are the best.

[@quicomedrano]

I really enjoy your videos men !! sorry for your lost, Un saludo from Barcelona

[@mikecunningham1269]

"Fuc*k Off, Gilbert" make for cool HomeSkoolin' merch. Thank you for all you do.

[@wrekkingcru]

Tommy - You broke into this video as Mr. Doublestop and exited as Alvin Lee in Woodstock. That's some fine musical bookends.

[@Honmatres]

Holy shit! Tommy B on fire! That doozy's my fave guitar of the ones you use. Hey Big Tom as one of the many who came across your rig rundown just before you started the lockdown sessions where we were then invited into your home, meeting Sarah and the lads, then into this format of homeskoolin' THANK YOU! You helped us man, in more ways than you'll ever know. Sheeiiit back then I kept inviting you, Sarah and the lads down to NZ in a few of the early posts as if I was somebody lol. It's coz you're so good, and so real! We feel like we know ya and well, we love ya man. Anyways as we say in NZ, Kia kaha (be strong) and am so sorry for you loss e hoa (my friend). Oh yeah one last thing...fuck off Gilbert!

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Thanks Tom. Love the idea of the element of surprise. I really dig that with lyrics too. Great lyricists can take an apparent cliche and twist it and make it resonate. And once again really sorry for the loss of your friend.

[@MouldyGuitars]

Love my Deusenberg CC. Same pickups as that one. SOOO dynamic!! :)

[@gbarge4]

Uncle Larry, Never apologize, brother. Class is far from depressing. You've always got that kid's enthusiasm your boys really bring out. And your love of old-time games, which I relate to as a dad and as an old kid. And if I want an escape from reality, well that's every time you play. Thanks for being there. And who cares about dumb comments? You know what's up. There's always going to be noise. Just keep hitting the hockey and electric football games. And keep Evel jumping over piles of books. G

[@lukian111]

Yep, let's go Gilbert. Love you Tom!

[@delv2473]

So true about finding things that really floats your boat as you get older. In search of some music to escape to I played one of my favourite albums last night . Split Enz 'true colours'. Of course I knew I was delving into the past but realising its 40 years old was a bit of a shock .Still would sound fresh if it was just released. Some short but amazing guitars solos . Outro to How can I resist her . So energetic without shredding . Leaves you wanting more . Keep em coming Tom .

[@davidprice2111]

Where can I get a Fuck off Gilbert tshirt?

[@EricLyke]

Next T-shirt "Fuck off, Gilbert" 😀 Always appreciate your candor

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

I still play an old Fender amp that I bought at Mass Street Music in Lawrence. I traded a Sunn mixer and a Peavey CS-800 for it... I was a broke student, but somehow found a way to get that amp into my quiver.