Some years ago, when I was a curious 16-year-old picking up the guitar and listening to endless records on repeat, I stumbled on a video of Nancy Wilson on YouTube.

“Damn,” was all I could say.

I was enamored by her power and command of the guitar. Back in the 60s and 70s, when women in music was at an all-time low, she used her classical guitar as a weapon. She attacked it with strong, vigorous motions and fingerpicks and made the guitar sing.

I could only pray to play half as well as her.

“Crazy On You” was the name of that song (go look it up). After that, I dove into the Heart (comprised of sisters Ann & Nancy Wilson) rock chronology, falling in love with “Love Alive,” “These Dreams,” “Magic Man,” and of course… “Straight On.”

Returning to your first loves on an instrument is a powerful thing. When it’s hard to find something to learn or play or even create yourself, going back to the basics — what you first loved and started learning from — can inspire something.

Here is my simple one-take recording of “Straight On.” Because now that I quit my job and have my nights and mornings back, I’ve more time with this lovebird. ❤

With love and honesty,

Rachel

P.S. Song suggestions highly appreciated.