June 2009 issue of Acoustic Guitar

I opened my mailbox here in San Rafael, California today to find the latest issue of Acoustic Guitar waiting. Yes, I've seen it about a million times already, but I do get excited when an issue shows up at my house, too. No doubt many of you have received your copy as well, and those of you who don't subscribe will be able to pick it up on the newsstands in the coming week.

Lots of great stuff in the June issue, including an in-depth lesson from blues master Ernie Hawkins on playing in the style of Reverend Gary Davis. Hawkins was lucky enough to take lessons with Davis, and I'm happy to have Hawkins pass on some of what he learned (and continues to develop on his own) to our readers. Check out the audio and video links here on the Acoustic Guitar site. I'd love to hear from anyone who is working on the material in the lesson, so drop me a line and tell me how you're doing. And Hawkins has a lot more where that came from, too, with a whole raft of instructional videos on Stefan Grossman's Guitar Workshop label.

This issue also features a first review of the new Paul Reed Smith Tonare Grand. The electric guitar innovator has started to build some very nice acoustics, and contributing editor Doug Young spent quality time with one of the first available. See the PRS review and video here.

We also have a Private Lesson with flatpicking hotshot Tyler Grant, who just last week added a win in the 2009 Doc Watson Guitar Championship (held at MerleFest) to his list of musical accomplishments. And associate editor Dan Apczynski conducted an insightful interview with songwriter Neko Case for this issue's cover story.

Enjoy the issue, and let us know what you think!
Dan