history: I have a friend that began to learn guitar a few years ago. I hadn't heard him play until two days ago, and his skill level blew me away.  He has become quite the guitar master in a short amount of time. I have a buddy who decided to take up playing guitar a few years ago.
current: That is nice. Did you start playing guitar with him?
next: I tried, lol.  I recently heard him play for the first time in over a year.  His skill levels astounds me.