Jana Lockaby
From:
Kaufman, TX
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Posted 17 Mar 2008 7:19 am |
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I usually post on some of the reso forums, but I wanted to Post this here as well. It's my way of saying thanks to everyone, who has encouraged me to play both dobro and pedal steel, as well as, helped me along. You all have given me a gift that has changed my life.
I, once again, had a great time at the TSGA Jamboree. The music, as always, was fabulous. This years report will be a little brief. I spent most of my time in the Benoit room with dobro in lap, picks on, and bar in hand. I missed most of the players in the main room, but heard some dern good music where I was sitting. As far as the reso content of the show, I had the best seat in the house.
I was seated just inside the door of the Benoit room, only a few feet from the wall that separated the Benoit room from the Beard room. It was a thin wall, and guess who was on the other side of that very thin wall. It was Mike Aldridge. It was almost like sitting right next to him as he played. Even better, I could play along, well, as best I could.
Mike Aldridge was playing “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”, and I was sitting right there playing with him. I was jamming with Mike Aldridge. Does the fact that he didn’t know and there was a wall between us mean it doesn’t count? No matter, and though some might think it silly, it was still a thrill for me.
Well, here it goes. Everything is kind of a blur. It was a non-stop weekend for me. I’ve lost all sense of time so I’ll just tell what stands out for me in no particular order.
Friday night in the Benoit room Eddie Ortego and Mr. Benoit were doing a little picking when Mike Aldridge sticks his head in to say hello. Next thing you know, Mike grabs a guitar and joins in. What a treat.
For me, the highlights of the main room were:
I don’t remember which day, but Buck Granthum stopped me in my tracks. I was on my way out the door when he started his set, but had to stay. I just couldn’t leave.
On Sunday, Scotty De witt and Herb Remington: Scotty played his set then Herb. I was front row and center. It’s just a privilege to hear them play. They both played the old stuff. From Scotty, I gained a new appreciation for Hawaiian music. Herb Remington playing his signature “Remington Ride” and I was right there in front of him to hear it. Let me tell you, I don’t think age has slowed him down at all. It was an honor for me to be there to hear them play.
Friday night, it was all I could do to hang in there for Tommy Dodd’s set. I wouldn’t miss him for the world. He was one of the last few players. I had crammed more into Friday than I should, but there was no way I was going to miss him. I knew it would be well worth the sacrifice of any sleep I might miss, and it was. I just don’t have words for his playing. I don’t think he has ever hit a sour note. I may have been dead tired and ready for bed when he started, but by the time he finished, I was revived and ready to go another 24 hours. I don’t know who had more fun, Tommy or the crowd. He is just awesome, not only as a player, but as a person.
On Saturday night, the tribute to John Hughey was very special. Larry Sasser, Doug Journigan, Russ Hicks, and Randy Beavers did a wonderful job. The last song was “Look At Us”. For of the top steel players around playing it simultaneously, it was just awesome. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.
Joe Wright’s Saturday night show is something I never miss. There are no words for describing what he does. It is something you just have to experience. There is just no one quite like him.
Last, but not least, and I’m really torn between Tommy Dodd’s set and this one, but sorry Tommy. You know I love you, but I think my favorite set of the entire show has to go to Austin Stewart. Austin filled in for a very well known player, who was unable to make it. He had some very, very, huge shoes to fill on Saturday night, and fill them he did. That young man, now 14, can flat out pick a pedal steel guitar. He was just as good if not better than anyone who played that weekend. His versions of “Steel Guitar Rag” and “Orange Blossom Special” made the big boys stand up and take notice. He received a standing ovation at the end of his set, and he deserved it. What an absolutely fantastic set, and what fun to hear the excitement of the crowd as they cheered him on during every song he played. I know I smiled, clapped, and whooped through his entire set. Great job Austin!
As usual, I spent way more money than I should have, but I came home with some great CDs, Band in a Box, and a new set of “Perfect Touch” picks. Rusty has developed a thumb pick, which I now have two of. They take some getting used to, but it didn’t slip a bit when I got nervous and my thumb got sweaty. More than what I could buy with money I came home with some great memories
My favorite thing about the show is all the wonderful people I get to meet and the friends I’ve made because of it. Thank you Eddie o, Mike A, Howard P., Howard, R. Myron, Kenny, and everyone else for being so sweet. Thanks to everyone who came into the Benoit room to jam, for letting me sit in, and for all your encouragement. I have already made our reservations for next year, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again.
Thank you Charlie and Shirley Norris, Carroll and Anita Benoit, Albert and Debbie Talley, and the rest of my TSGA family. You just don’t know what a gift you have all given me. I love you all.
Jana
P.S. Rumor is that the hotel is already almost completely booked; so don’t wait to make your reservations for next year. And, Herb Steiner, I’ll keep working on that ending. Next year, if I don’t see you before, you can tell me if I’ve gotten it right. Thanks, you’re a sweetheart.
A brief report on the TSGA Jamboree…not possible. There’s just too much to tell. For me, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. |
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