Travis Edmonson of Bud & Travis
EXCLUSIVELY available from travisedmonson.com
Profile by Craig Matthews
 Craig at age 7 in 1965 - already an aspiring guitarist
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 Travis Edmonson made his breakthrough with The Gateway Singers, resident group at the hungry i
Be sure and check out the website celebrating the great San Francisco club at www.hungryi.net
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Bassist CRAIG MATTHEWS was only a child when he became acquainted with Travis Edmonson, but he learned some valuable lessons which have held him in good stead throughout his professional career.
A particular story he has to tell gives a wonderful insight into the balladeer's understanding of children, and ability to communicate with them on a meaningful level.
“I was friends with Travis as a child. My Mom, Jan Matthews, was his close friend and personal manager in the 1960's. He had a wonderful influence on my musical life.
I first started playing on an old Spanish guitar that Travis' wife gave to me when I was eight or nine. It was one that had belonged to Travis. I treasured that guitar for many years. I first took lessons on it at the Hollywood YMCA after school once a week.
Since I was just a kid, my memories of Travis, and those times, are in that kid-brain context. I remember thinking how cool it was to be able to make music with a guitar.
I think I was seven or eight (1965 or '66') when we lived in Van Nuys, and Travis was over and had been playing his guitar. He leaned it against the couch, and left the room. I was alone with this magical thing, and went over to it. I plinked the strings ,and of course, they made some sound. Travis came back in the room, and in a very kind, but utterly serious way, sat down next to me and told me something that I knew was extremely important, and that I must always remember if I wanted to be a part of the magical world of making music.
To paraphrase, Travis told me that a musician's instrument is a very personal thing to them, and that I must always ask permission before even touching an instrument. He also said that folks will most likely let me, but I must respect the musician by not just assuming it is ok. He also said that if someone doesn't want me to touch their instrument, not to take it
personally and to respect their wishes.
Travis Edmonson & Craig Matthews September 2004
I took this to be LAW, and it has served me well over the years. I have been around people that don't have that musical etiquette, and have seen folks get very upset at them. Respect for my fellow musicians' instruments is often easier than having respect for a few of my fellow musicians. Fortunately I don't encounter those types very often these days.
I remember little stuff too. At his house Travis used to have a wind-up music box with some kind of gymnastic clown that moved while playing "Tra Ra Ra Boom Dee Ay". I always had to wind it up when I visited.
Fellow Travis Edmonson admirer, singer-songwriter Jennifer Mattingly with Craig Matthews
I think it was my 7th birthday when Bud and Travis were playing at the Golden Bear. It must have been past my bed-time, because I was drifting off to sleep sitting at the table in the audience. Next thing I know, Travis is calling me up on stage, I suppose because it was my Birthday. Well of course, I was sleepy, shy, in awe of the lights and audience, and was not very communicative. My first chance to wow an audience, and I clammed up. Maybe that is why I feel comfortable being a bassist, I get to hang in back with the drummer!
In the late 1960's Travis bought the actual kitchen table and chairs from "The Beverly Hillbillies" television show set and gave it to us as a (very cool) present. It became our dining room table and I still get a kick out of seeing the table, with it's distinctive chairs, that I grew up with when I catch the classic re-runs on TV.
"My Mom and I think of Travis with love. We both learned a lot from him.
I am also pleased that the Latin Album is on CD. It is my favorite of the B&T records, so I am extra happy to hear the news about it.
Craig Matthews
April 2004