Here's James Burton ad-libbing over the credits for an old Hot Licks how-to video. He's just noodling around with bluesy figures, yet it's better than 99% of guitarists' entire recorded output. I recommend watching the whole thing if you've got six minutes to spare. The man can - and does - play anything. From blues through chicken-pickin' to Roryesque pinch harmonics. Tasteful. Moving. Proper.

still runs the Steel Guitar shindig up Newbury way each summer?

I've been a couple of times - it's in a Primary School Hall IIRC - but not for a few years now.

It was fantastic; the last time I went, BJ Cole showed up with some mates and played a blast with his "Transparent Music Ensemble". Fabulous stuff - one of his young accolytes brought a Theremin for added wheee-oowwwwwww-weeeeeeee.

It's probably the most relaxed "festival" I've ever been to; go for a sarnie at the tea ladies' counter and swap HORAs with the artists.

played a show together at... oh gawd, Dingwalls I think... as part of a concert put together by a guitar magazine in... oh, 1986 or so. My memory does not serve me well. But I can tell you that there were many would-be guitarists in the audience with their tongues lolling on the floor. Mine included.