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Post new topic Lloyd Green & Big Al Downing
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Author Topic:  Lloyd Green & Big Al Downing
Tiny Olson

 

From:
Mohawk River Valley, Upstate NY
Post  Posted 24 Feb 2008 7:29 pm    
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Just pulled out an old LP by Big Al Downing which included the great playing of Lloyd. Innovative, solid, wonderful stuff (as one might expect) and Lloyd's backup behind Big Al was simply perfect. The song, "Touch Me" and others are just soaked with Lloyd's super and distinctive tones and styling. I love it !!!

But not only that, it's good to listen to Big Al again too. We did many shows with him back in the 70s and 80s while I was with Gene. Big Al was a really great entertainer and an extremely cool guy to hang out with as well. I'm very sorry he's gone now... but I'm glad he left such good stuff for us to listen to every now and again. God Bless You Brother.

Sincerely,
Chris "Tiny" Olson
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Dale Hansen


From:
Hendersonville,Tennessee, (USA)
Post  Posted 24 Feb 2008 8:47 pm    
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Tiny,
Do you know by any chance who played on "Mr. Jones", and "Story behind the story"? Both, by Big Al, and personal favorites of mine.
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Nic du Toit


From:
Milnerton, Cape, South Africa
Post  Posted 25 Feb 2008 10:18 am    
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I was so surprised to see Big Al's name mentioned.
I've got a cassette recording of him doing 'Mister Jones' and 'Touch me'with Hal Rugg on steel; live at the Grand Ole Opry. The whole band was cooking on those songs. (Think I should transfer it to CD)

Thanks for making me listen to those songs again.
Regards,
Nic
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Greg Wisecup


From:
Troy, Ohio
Post  Posted 26 Feb 2008 8:55 am    
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I hate to break the thread but I've been trying to get an answer from Tiny for a while. What effects were you using while playing the Church Street Station Vid w/ G.W. Thanks Greg
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Paddy Long


From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
Post  Posted 27 Feb 2008 1:08 pm    
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I worked some TV shows with Big AL down here in NZ back in the mid 80's and he was a great bloke -- he certainly had some outstanding songs, and was a pleasure to work with.
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Herb Steiner


From:
Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064
Post  Posted 27 Feb 2008 2:15 pm    
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I too did a couple tours with Big Al when I was with Dottsy in 1979-80. A great guy!

He carried a band with him, some boys from VA called "Heavy Country"..., which I thought was appropriate since the smallest guy in the band weighed, like, 250 pounds. Smile
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My rig: Infinity and Telonics.

Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg?
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Tiny Olson

 

From:
Mohawk River Valley, Upstate NY
Post  Posted 3 Mar 2008 10:01 am    
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Greg:

On those Church Street shows it would depend on the year as to which effects units I would have been using. The earlier ones, where I was probably playing a black Emmons would be a Ibanez, AD-80, stompbox analog delay. Later ones with a rosewood Emmons, blue ZumSteel or cherry JCH I was using a rack mount Ibanez delay of which I can't recall the model. Those shows were done from 1981 through 1987. On one show I used Mikey D's Fender amp. He was playing for Tammy W. at the time and both she and Gene were being taped the same night. The producers didn't want to clutter the stage area and requested one of us use the other's amp. I had an Evans on the road at the time. Hope this helps.

Herb:

I didn't know you worked for Dottsy.?.? I backed her up in the mid 70s a few times and i Loved doing Storms Never Last with Weldon's cool ride. She seemed like a great gal.

Sincerely,
Chris "Tiny" O.
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Greg Wisecup


From:
Troy, Ohio
Post  Posted 3 Mar 2008 11:06 am    
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Thanks a lot Tiny! I appreciate the info. I love your style of playing. I took the liberty and borrowed a few licks from you! I hope you don't mind ! Greg
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Tiny Olson

 

From:
Mohawk River Valley, Upstate NY
Post  Posted 3 Mar 2008 6:23 pm    
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Heck Greg, I don't mind a bit. I consider it a compliment. I've borrowed a few myself over the years!! Thanks for your kind words.

Chris "Tiny" O.
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Egil Skjelnes


From:
Meland,Frekhaug
Post  Posted 12 Mar 2008 2:18 am    
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Hi
Thanks alot for letting me know about this LP.After reading this post,i bought the LP on ebay,found a near mint copy.And,I really fell in love with this LP,not only for the nice steel work by Lloyd,but the songs,and his good voice.Reminded me some of Charlie Pride.A wonderful LP,so thanks for the tip.

Egil.
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Ben Lawson

 

From:
Brooksville Florida
Post  Posted 12 Mar 2008 5:24 am    
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Hey Tiny, I did a couple shows with Big Al too. He was a great guy. I saw him about a year before he passed away. Always had a big smile and handshake for everyone.
The Gillis mob will be up in Ellenville N.Y. on April 11 & 12. Any chance you could stop in?

Ben
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Tiny Olson

 

From:
Mohawk River Valley, Upstate NY
Post  Posted 12 Mar 2008 8:34 am    
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Ben:

Thanks for the invite. I'd love to see you folks. Ellenville is quite a distance south of my location though. That's also the only weekend I'm not out with The Commander in April so I'll probably stay close to home. Hope you're well.

Egil:

Glad you liked the Big Al stuff.

Sincerely,
Chris "Tiny" O.
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