The Face of Local Music - Ted Kratter

 

by craig eddy

Writing this months Face of Local Music has a bit of a difficulty factor built in. Ted Kratter although not a resident of the La Honda area played more music here than anywhere else. Ted passed away Easter Sunday leaving his musical family at a loss as to how to fill the void. Ted gigged on a regular basis at the local venues with his band The Day Late Fools. He also played with the local jam groups and hasn't missed a La Honda Fair in several years. I don't think Ted missed a Strawberry Music Festival in many years either. Ted was equally at home playing acoustic guitar in his Bluegrass band Wires and Wood as tearing it up on electric guitar at some of the weekly jams. Truely a Hank to Hendrix kinda guy. His influences included Jeff Beck, The Dregs, Grateful Dead, Santana, and on and on. I have known lot's of musicians with egos they didn't deserve and even though Ted would have been justified in having one, he didn't. Constantly asked why aren't you out as a full time pro, he would always reply "that would be work, I just want to play with my friends." Ted has been in lot's of bands over the years. Early on he played with Equinox. As I met Ted he had just finished a stint with the band Freakwagon. Ted's education focused on math which helped him have a great understanding of musical theory. He had amazing arranging skills and was always willing to help someone improve their playing. He made a name as a great Bluegrasser playing guitar and mandolin. Nothing would crack us up more than when he would start playing Metallica on the acoustic guitar. La Honda area has a huge musical family and one of our dearest members has gone on.  His generous nature and big heart all made playing music with him a warm and energizing experience. His closest musical friends jammed with him during his hospice time and these moments will be with us from now on. At some point there will be a memorial musicfest to honor his life and music. Rock on Ted.

Comments

[Eileen Kratter]

Sorry to hear about Ted's passing, it was a shock I no one told me until now. I used to be a member of his family, I was married to his father.