Brance had a great piece up in September last year about banjo player Patrick Costello, and how he regained his hearing after a successful surgical implant. Patrick had suffered hearing loss as a child, and yet taught himself how to play guitar and banjo by sensing the vibrations of the instruments.
Prior to his surgery, Patrick had become a popular banjo instructor, known for his generosity and dedication to the music. He had developed a Braille-like tab system for visually-impaired pickers and had a number of instructional books published.
We heard from Patrick recently, and he had a couple bits of news to share. First, his new book of Gospel arrangements for frailing banjo, called Songs For Sunday, has been released. It includes 30 popular songs, along with companion Bible verses and a history of the song itself.
The book sells for $29.95 with a companion DVD.
His biggest news, however, is that he is to be married. Congratulations to Patrick and his soon-to-be bride!