Wire Services International
Thursday

American traditions are the cornerstone for the background of a unique brand of inventiveness making the USA the fascinating place created by a wide foundation of cultural diversity. The good old U.S.A. is seeing it's traditions and unique culture playing host to another American musical tradition...ZZ TOP...who are enjoying a whirlwind tour of the great, lower 48, as well as journeys in both, the Hawaiian islands and Alaska. And while making the rounds, city after city, during this season's musical follow up to their latest CD release entitled, "XXX", the band finds themselves taking a moment to stray off the path of the main road to look deeply into the many traditions that continue making the United States a wild and wondrous place.

Along the trail of this ambitious outing have come a number of unexpected invitations to visit some interesting institutions some as predictable as their recent stopover with guitar-making giant, Gibson Guitars, to the well known originator of the make of their now-famous, lil' red, MTV ZZ car...Ford Motor Company... their assembly line and automaker museums, to the less-than predictable spending of a rare, day off, testing the latest in speed coasters from Coney Island to Disneyland. Northward, up the East Coast, is this month's favored side of the country where they are spending time with their enthusiastic fans and performing their famous brand of rock and roll.

This week's appearance dates took them into upper New England where they experienced a bit of sub-zero weather and also experienced a few old, American traditions.

Our staff took off to follow behind the group to see some of these historic sidetrips of sites and sounds. Sidetrips which included a day to see the neighborhoods in and around Hartford, Connecticut, home of bustling, modern surroundings, and home of another time honored landmark, Samuel Colt's winning-of the West outfit, the Colt Arms Company.

As seen in our photographs during this portion of the latest outing are details of some unassuming items created especially for our bearded band of travelers as they ventured into another distinctive, point of interest. Here are three souvenirs that are slightly unrelated to what first comes to mind. Three commemorative pieces, crafted from refined, .999 silver stock, were created especially for each of the band's members. These unusual artifacts were personally presented on their arrival by Colt's special representatives, reflecting some good, old fashioned, American talent and tradition.

Firstly, a pair a pure silver plectrums, 'guitar picks' for Billy F Gibbons and Dusty Hill, ZZ TOP guitarists, and for the un-bearded Frank Beard, a silver drum key holding ring in the shape of an early, wild west Colt round. These superb pieces of official Americana were customized with a detail of highly decorated and intricately carved engraving by the last of the remaining master craftsmen still carrying on a rapidly disappearing art with the most gifted touch seldom seen anywhere in the field.

Having a passion for the unexpected, and objects of unusual art, the band showed a grateful appreciation for these rather useful gifts and set about putting this array of stunning lagniappes into immediate service. A glowing testament toward American artisanship.

Then it was back on the road following another interesting day in New England, following an interesting group of individuals doing what they do best...twanging tunes and tellin' tall, tales.

Special report by Jeff Daniels, W S I