Bluesman Seeks Return Of Guitar Left In Cab
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Scottish bluesman living in Chicago is asking for the public's help in recovering a prized possession.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Lisa Fielding reports, Brian Carpy, 32, says he left his hometown in Glasgow, Scotland to come to Chicago to play the blues.
"I've been playing the guitar since I was 10, and have been obsessed with the blues since I was 18 years old," Carpy said.
He even volunteers full time at a soup kitchen in Wicker Park to stay in the United States. He gets room and board for his work.
On Thursday, when he and his girlfriend hopped in a cab for a ride to Blue Chicago in River North, Carpy accidentally left his guitar in the trunk of the cab.
"When I realized I left my guitar in the cab, I looked up and there was just a sea of cabs and it was gone," he said.
LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Lisa Fielding reports
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Carpy says he could get a new one, but his Fender Stratocaster isn't just any guitar.
"It's of huge sentimental value. I got this guitar for my 21st birthday from my father, who died of a heart attack only four months later," he said. "It's my livelihood; my dad gave it to me. It's the most prized material possession I've ever owned and will ever own if I get it back."
The guitar signed by one of his heroes, Texas bluesman Smokin' Joe Kubek.
"Someone from Alligator records emailed me when they saw the story – 'We represent Joe,'" Carpy said. "When he comes to Taste of Chicago in early July, they will get in contact with me and, 'Maybe we can get him to talk to you, maybe take a photograph with him.'"
Carpy's girlfriend had called every big cab company and pawn shop in the city but she had no luck finding the missing guitar.
Carpy, who sometimes plays wearing a kilt, says other musicians in the city have offered to lend him a guitar, but he wants the instrument that reminds him of his dad.
If you come across Carpy's black guitar (serial No. M039048 on the neck), he can be reached at (312) 256-5159 or by e-mail at brian_carpy@hotmail.com.
