Everything ..With The Exception Of The P.S.G.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Am I missing something? The suppositional question would pursue the digression, or exclusion of pedal steel guitars in bands throughout New England. It's very difficult to find a steel player seated comfortably in a band. Some populated areas are virtually void of steel guiarists. The preferred types of entertainment by the majorities, excludes the steel guitar. Ear-splitting volume has become an accepted form of entertainment here in New England. Group singing has become something of a petty annoyance as well. What ever happened to the gift of vocalization?

Roual Ranes · From: Atlanta, Texas, USA

Bill,
It is not only in New England. Most of the material being produced today does not require much of a voice and does not have enough of a melody for the steel to work from. Guitar, Bass, Keyboard and Drums have taken over the area around here. Group singing helps the melody carrier to not sound so bad. A duo of voices seems to make each other more palatable for the listeners around here..........you know the more the merrier.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Roual,

Thank you for responding to my laments directed at what has become a dominant situation throughout. It may spread to other areas where good country music is a prime concern of musicians and others who were raised on the music of Haggard and Jones.

Brian Kurlychek · From: Maine, USA

Its so bad up here in New England musically that no venues will hire anything other than Classic Rock acts to please the masses.

All I ever see advertisements for are classic rock and death metal - screamer bands.

I think there is also a lack of Pedal Steel players in this area. Apparently there is also a lack of Bassists.
_________________
We live to play another day.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Brian,

Dana Flood was holding Steel Guitar Shows in Maine. Have you attended any of those? Some time ago, Chuck Sherman mentioned that he was gigging with two country bands in Maine. Chuck winters in Florida. Either of the two gentlemen have been tireless in the work accomplished, that lends to the interests of promoting the steel guitar. They've added new meanings to words, such as crusade and inspiration.

Brian Kurlychek · From: Maine, USA

Yes Bill, he has mentioned this. I have yet to attend due to the distance it would take to drive both ways.

Bangor is about 2.5 hours North of me.
_________________
We live to play another day.

Rick Campbell · From: Sneedville, TN, USA

Bill,

New England does not have any exclusivity in this matter. It appears to be widespread. I think it's a product of allowing the anything goes attitude of blending rock, country, folk, etc... and losing the definations of the music.

You know I've thought about it. Opera music is not for me at all, but if I went to see the Opera, I know what I would hear. They have been good about keeping their music defined and not diluted with other forms of music.

Smile

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Brian,

I met Shelley last night at the Annual Fireman's Annual Block Dance and Muster, in Hinsdale , MA. Her place of business burned down a few years ago in Lee, MA. We were very thankful when she opened her doors to a number of great steel guitarists attending the MASSBASH, including Dana Flood, Bobbe Seymour, Buzz Evans, Jim Cohen, and an impressive list of others. If you haven't heard Dana's tone, compare it with some of the greats of country music.

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Jim Sliff,

Could you elaborate extensively on the subject of SPL? I can only assume that you are referring to the term found in the study of physics. Earsplitting is another term for LOUD. Loud is the culprit that marks and categorically blasts audiences to the exiting escape doors. Musicians who show no regard for others with their blatant decibel outbursts, need to be reminded, by taking some course of action to jar them back to their senses. Deemed as outrageous by civilized audiences, earsplitting decibels approaching the pain level of 130, calls for immediate changes, necessitating openly complaining to the sound man in the protection of his little booth. Much proof can be attained by listening to installed "BOOM BOXES" in trunks of automobiles. A word of caution: Keep within a safe distance! Jim, I see you as a musician with many worthy ideals. How do you react in the presence of volume gimmicks?

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Rick,

My sensitivity to civility is awakened by your comments. I like your ability to have read into the existing shortcomings that are increasing at an alarming rate. Just take a look at what is representive of country music. The decline has been so severe, that it may spell the end of an era known as country music at its best. Average youthful musicians, DO NOT relate to country music. I've considered this to be a bad omen.

Bo Legg · Posted 20 Jul 2009 10:16 am

This is exactly why that I had my son work me up a blues, rock book for E9 and I'm getting fairly decent at picking BB King and Clapton licks and applying the rock and blues scales and techniques to the Steel.
It has got me into one of the better bands around that I could not have played in if it were not for my blues rock playing. It's a lot easier to play than some good crying country PSG. My motto is if you can't play a little good steel just play a whole lot of bad. P.S. I'm not trying to sell you on my son's blues book, this was transcribed for my use only.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Bo Legg,

It's called versatility, or I know a trick worth 2 of that. When efforts to find inroads leading to opened doors have failed, reposition your stance of inquiry, requiring full knowledge of status quo in that division. The lack of active bandleaders, who are known contributors to major slumps in active bookings should be subjected to change. There have been instances where a few steel guitarists have formed their own groups, apparently to eliminate any understrapper hindrances that undermine steady employment. The problem is not the same with week-end warriors who hold regular jobs, and cash in on the superb talents of devoted players of the steel guitar. Just one more reason to become bandleaders!

Bo Legg · Posted 20 Jul 2009 4:56 pm

I really think it's more of a numbers game. The numbers seem to go like this.
3pc band (bass, drums and lead guitar)
4pc band (bass, drums, lead guitar and keyboard
5pc band (bass, drums, lead guitar, keyboard and another lead guitar or maybe most any kind of instrument including PSG.
6pc band (bass, drums, lead guitar, keyboard, another lead guitar and most any kind of instrument including PSG.
Then of course if you add a rhythm guitar to the mix you have to add one to each and Etc..
The numbers usually have to get big before you get down to PSG.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Bo Legg,

How does one repel the majorities who are determined to blow smoke around crowded areas for an entire evening? Combine that despicable habit with the littering aspect, and it's no wonder that rude and crude poor habit personages disrupt the others who value their health. Since the banning of smoking laws, the smokers have developed a system of knocking over incoming patrons, while making their way during breaks to the exterior of the buildings. It's really sad to see clientele captured by tobacco growers. I feel that many health conscious country music fans have avoided this smoking trend, that appears to be more prevalant than ever, which is contrary to claims made by others. This is a short version of my distaste for the cost of a bad habit. Please don't tell me that it doesn't concern those who play steel guitars. I can think of many instances of concerned individuals speaking out against the bad habit.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Bo Legg,

Do you ever get tired of shortages? Really! It gets tiresome! Pretentiousness, or poker-faced individuals falling silent when doubts are cast within range of their scrutiny. Replies are noticeably infrequent regarding mannerly qualities, or the lack of such things that could win favor among those a bit more concerned with culture.

Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

It's the same in 'OLD' England.
_________________
A.K.A Chappy.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Larry,

Many things of interest have been written on this forum in the past. Precociousness is a great subject to dwell on for extended periods of time. Mind-boggling issues are always informative and interesting to delve into. Injuries, or overworked hands resulting in a decline of faithful practice sessions are matters of concern. For those who must move on to seek new goals, the very best to you.

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

You ask tho't provoking questions and make legitimate comments about what can be found on bandstands around the country.

When I do that......I'm flamed by several of the FORUMs' self-proclaimed authorities..........saying in essance, 'to be Ray Montee must really SUCK' and other equally negative type comments about my going to 'the wrong kinda places', etc. They refer to me as being too olde and crochety and less than flexible.

What is YOUR CHARM? Or are the hotshots simply afraid of what YOU might come back with? How do you see it?

Bo Legg · Posted 21 Jul 2009 11:30 am

Bill, I think you lead the thread in this direction and I hope I have not ventured to far off topic here
I have found class, charm and mannerly qualities to be scarce or nonexistent in the bar room gigs.
I don’t smoke and by the 2nd set on the bandstand in a bar I’m coughing and gagging till I can hardly pick.
It’s like playing the whole night with the stage burning.
Even after the gig you go out to eat and these same people show up and smoke.
Sure they have a smoking section in the restaurant but that’s like having a urinating section in a swimming pool.
Playing for all these drunks all these years, I feel I bare some responsibility for contributing to the damage they’ve done to their lives and to others including death and injury on the highways by playing music and thereby helping to keep them in the bar till they are drunk to the point that all these bad things become possible.
I sincerely regret every moment I have ever played in a bar.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Ray,

You are one of the most distinguished of a large group, judging by your photo. Actually, physiological differences, coupled with a conscious effort to remain aloof in the presence of unsophisticated band members, requires special skills. I'll never in this lifetime become offensive with "HOTSHOTS". I need practice with proper introductions and enthusiastic behaviorisms, as many have deduced from past replies.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Bo Legg,

I'm not a favorite of stepping on toes for any reason. It's water over the dam! I can agree that looking back on some of the things we tolerated while playing steel, wakens various regrets, through the process of recall. Of course, we'd know better today, after realizing having placed ourselves in situations not in our best interests.

Mac McGhee · From: Texas, USA

My two cents which is worth nothing these days. we wonder what is happening to the Steel guitars in bands. One of your friends was the first in country music to refuse to produce a record he called country without a Steel guitar (psg/non). I personally did not like the guy and because he is gone hasn't changed my mind. I know he was this and he was that and everyone has their own opinion. Jerry Reed played much better and taught Chet Akins a few things. I am speaking of Chet Akins. A quote from More Memories Ralph Emery. I quote chapter 13, Page 181, second para "He, Don Law and Owen Bradley were the principal architects of the world-famous "Nashville Sound" of the 1960s and 1970s.During that period Chet was the most active record producer in the world's busiest record company, RCA. He became the first successful producer to delete the time-honored instruments from country records. He replaced them with brass and symphonic strings." The instruments of which is spoken is the whining Steel guitar, sawing of fiddles. The same thing is happening now and has for awhile. What a pity.....

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Mac,

I sincerely wish that you would be willing to exchange views, and report findings that may offer enlightening information that forum members may find interesting. I have a recorded interview of Chet and myself in a wide range of subjects. He had a memory second to none, and he made me feel relaxed with his greatness, and willingness to assist. I would like to give some thoughts to the comments made thusfar. I hope that you would be willing to express reasons for disliking Chet. The interview includes discussing segments related to steel guitars.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Mac,

Tom Bradshaw published a half dozen steel guitar magazines during the eighties. I must research those that covered dozens of steel guitar greats who would have undoubtedly been under Chet's scrutiny. Chet's enormous skills won him high honors in RCA's recording industry. Chet was widely accepted as the best in the land. I could ask: why did Johnny Cash exclude the steel guitar in his recordings, long before any exclusions became apparent with country recording artists who supported steel guitarists? It's a matter of preference. I have a copy of John's self-penned letter to a friend in Connecticut that I have kept for many years. I've enjoyed the great gentleman for years, as millions of country fans have done; over time.

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