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Topic: To PSG or not to PSG - That is the question. |
Scott Shewbridge
From:
Bay Area, N. California
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 5:47 pm |
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The pedal steel seems like that beautiful, but friendly girl you knew in school. You weren't sure if you could ever have her, but you got enough smiles and kind words to keep your hopes up.
Anyway, I’m facing a little dilemma and thought I’d lay it out and seek advice.
My mother was a schoolteacher and very good, classically trained pianist, so music has always been a big part of my life. I started out in grade school, playing clarinet and saxophone, which I kept up through my thirties. I’ve mostly played with big bands on the high-society benefits circuit here in the San Francisco Bay Area (no pay, all charity, but great music – Basie, Nestico, Miller, Kenton…). I also sing well and played enough cowboy chords on my guitar to keep a few “select” friends and myself entertained at campfires.
I’m 48 now and something struck me three years ago. I’m paying the mortgage and doing fine, but really wish I could have been a poor musician  . I have always loved the country/folk rock guitar and singing side of my life, but had never integrated it with my blues, funk and jazz side. Time to scratch that itch (at least in the evening and on weekends).
Since then, I’ve been working my way up. I now have a nice set of guitars (acoustic and electric), a beautiful amp and a decent set of skills to go with them. My voice is probably my strong suit, though my ambition is to be well regarded for my instrumental skills too. I’ve been getting out and playing (for free), meeting some nice folks and having lots of fun.
About three months ago, I got the chance, through work, to spend a week in Nashville. Heaven. I was out listening to music way too late every night. Roberts Western World (tied for first place in my book), the Bluebird (1st too), Tootsie’s, BB King’s, the CM Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B, Ernest Tubb’s, the real Opry (Ryman), the fake Opry (‘nuf said), and Gruhn’s guitar museum (I mean shop).
The grand prize though was Steel Guitar Nashville in Hendersonville. I went on a Thursday morning and Bobbe Seymour was in. He was such a warm host. I sat down and we talked for an hour or so, then he played a bit for me and let me try pedal steel for the first time. I found Nirvana in Nashville. Ever since, I’ve been hooked on Bobbe’s videos and other Internet diversions, like this forum.
I bit the lure and now the dang thing is yanking me out of the water.
When I got back from Nashville, I started looking at what I could find in my own neighborhood. I found out that a member of the PSG Hall of Fame lives just ten minutes away – Tom Bradshaw. I emailed him and asked for advice on buying a student steel. He told me – “NO – come on over, I‘ll lend you one.” Wow! I was and still am amazed and deeply grateful. He warned me though – I may be too old to make a run at it. Nevertheless, he’d let me try and I could figure it out for myself.
Since then, with the MSA D10 Tom lent me, I’ve been working my way through DeWitt Scott’s book, checking out Youtube videos and playing along with recordings. It’s a different learning curve than I’ve experience before. Comes in snits and farts, as they say. I get a break through, leap ahead, but then get worried that it won’t all come well or fast enough to satisfy me.
The last couple of weeks have been a roller coaster. I've been practicing and getting out to see other players around the Bay. The first group was a swing band with a lady lead (nice voice), upright bass, accordion, fiddle, drums and a guy playing a triple-neck no-pedal steel very well (a young, enthusiastic and infectious group – very enjoyable). I also caught a group called _________ over in ___________. ___________ was sitting in with them. His playing was nice and the band was ok (kind of a modern folk rock thing, that fell a little flat on my ears, seemed talented, just not my style). I also caught a western swing group over in ________. Nice song selection, again some talent in the group, though in my opinion the drummer couldn't swing a door open.
It's been eye opening to see some of what's available as a steel player in the SF Bay Area. Unfortunately, based on what I’ve found so far, it seems like not much. Some of the swing stuff is really fun, but there doesn't seem to be much audience support. Also, the quality of the other sidemen doing steel-oriented music doesn’t seem very high. I have my charms and occasional moments as a front man, but I'm not sure being a sideman and playing behind so-so bands with so-so band mates is going to be very satisfying. As a friend of mine says, “As play with As, Bs play with Cs.” I’m not sure there are lots of other Bs out here who want to play this kind of music. That's a little depressing. I just about packed up the MSA and called it quits.
Not quite ready to give up though, last night I hooked up with some folks from the Forum at a jam in Concord. Three guys were there - Bobby Lee, Jeff Hanson and I think Pat Hattock. The jam was very eclectic, but friendly, with the crowd split in three groups: the country/swing/western boys, some heavy metal head-bangers (fun guys, who read the crowd and tailored their stuff to try and fit in) and the biker bar blues dudes (I was born in Chicago, 1971 at 115 dB, you know…).
I mostly sang and played my acoustic and electric with the steelers. I really enjoyed myself and the interaction with like-minded players. It made me think, maybe I should just stay with what I’ve been doing, keep working on my guitar and vocals and seek out the other steel players to get my fix.
Anyway, it is an interesting and pretty dang pleasant dilemma to face.
So, what do you folks think? Keep plugging away on the PSG, or seek out others and keep working on being a good accompanist?
(Sorry to be so long winded. After you get to know me a bit, you'll realize it is really annoying.) |
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 6:50 pm Worth his weight in GOLD!
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A good accompanist is wonderful.
An exceptional one, is a gift from GOD!
Steel men craive the opportunity to work with an exceptionally fine accompanist.
Be a star and attract the best sidemen in town.
Good Luck to you. Thanks for sharing. |
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Tom Campbell
From:
Houston, Texas, USA
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 6:50 pm
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Do you like the steel guitar...is it a challenge you enjoy? If you quit now and next year decide to have a go at it again...you lost a year and part of the knowledge/motor skills you now have. Would every time you saw/heard a steel player, would you think about what you might have accomplished if you kept at it?
Notice I didn't mention anything about other musicians, playing backup, lead, etc. as related to the steel. At this point in your (steel) journey its not relevant...those issues all come late...sometimes much later...maybe never. All that counts at this point is...do you like the steel guitar? |
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Dave Mudgett
From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 7:09 pm
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| Quote: |
| So, what do you folks think? Keep plugging away on the PSG, or seek out others and keep working on being a good accompanist? |
I think it is possible to do both, and frankly, having both skills makes one significantly more valuable on a bandstand.
But if you decide to play PSG, you will have to put a level of intensity into its study. The other thing is that you will have to completely ignore everybody who says, "It's too hard.", "You're too old.", "It's only for country music.", "There's no demand for it.", or 100 other excuses why it's not worth bothering. If you want to do it, you just have to put your head down and say, "Damn the torpedoes."
I almost would say that, if you have to ask whether or not it's worth doing, maybe it isn't - but I won't do that. I realize that many people tortuously question even things that are completely obvious to them. Think about it - do you love the sound enough to just plough ahead and do it? If you do, what is the question?
People ask me why I play. I tell them, "I have to." In retrospect, it amazes me that it took till I was 45 to start, after a youth of classical piano and then 30+ years of guitar (the latter of which I continue to play plenty). But to me, far better late than never, and there's nothing like it.
Just my take. |
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Larry Bressington
From:
Nebraska
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 7:10 pm
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Don't stop.
_________________
A.K.A Chappy. |
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Craig Schwartz
From:
McHenry IL
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 7:14 pm
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| Hi Scott , I`m new to this instrument myself and were the same age, 6 kids a couple of mortgages 2 horses and a dog. Youve met some players that I would give my eyeteeth just to shake their hands , I know you probably realize that, and your decision shouldnt matter to anyone but you... Were all brothers & sisters down here , age is owned by father time, pack in what you can because in heaven the harp is a steel stringed instrument that the angels play and I`ll take a gentlemans bet that right now Jeff Newman is up their playing a Pedal Steel Guitar with his cowboy boots on and lovin it, you know what I mean... |
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Craig Schwartz
From:
McHenry IL
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 7:22 pm
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Scott I forgot to mention i have a wife too... LOL
love her to death |
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Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 7:53 pm
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Scott,just depends how MUCH you want to play steel,you are still young enough to,I was a guitar player for forty years,[from 15 to 55] started playing steel at 55,fifteen years ago,have'nt touched a guitar since,still working, Why ? because I WANTED to . DYK?BC.
_________________
Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
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Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 7:56 pm
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delete
_________________
Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 19 Jul 2009 11:18 pm
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If you want to play pedal steel, then play it. And, unless you are really into country music, forget about country (at least temporarily) and play whatever kind of music you like to play. Country pedal steel is the hardest, because you'll be trying to play like the best players who ever lived, and you'll be expected to learn the intros and rides of hundreds of classic country songs just like the top pros did on the original hits. Jazz pedal steel is also getting to be a little like that, at least in terms of bebob. But every other genre is wide open. Nobody knows exactly what to expect, and you are free to make it up as you go. It's such a great instrument, and so unique, that people will love it if you can just play a little with reasonable competence. Pick the genres you like, go at your own pace, and play with musicians at your own level or better. As you get better, you will be able to play with better musicians. But start wherever you are, with whoever you like playing with, and just play.  |
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Brett Day
From:
Pickens, SC
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Posted 20 Jul 2009 12:03 am
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Don't ever stop. Always play from the heart and put your heart into the music you play on steel. Work on your own style too and never worry about mistakes-it's okay if you play the wrong note sometimes because you learn from those mistakes. Push them pedals hard and make that steel really cry!
Brett |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 20 Jul 2009 8:42 am
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| stop before it's too late! |
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Bo Legg
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Posted 20 Jul 2009 11:49 am
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Chris, you’re a maniac!  |
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Glen Derksen
From:
Alberta, Canada
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Posted 20 Jul 2009 5:16 pm
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| Charles Davidson wrote: |
| Scott,just depends how MUCH you want to play steel,you are still young enough to,I was a guitar player for forty years,[from 15 to 55] started playing steel at 55,fifteen years ago,have'nt touched a guitar since,still working, Why ? because I WANTED to . DYK?BC. |
I find that very encouraging. |
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Shane Glover
From:
Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 20 Jul 2009 6:03 pm
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| HI Scott , I am 42 and been at it less than a year . Played my 1st gig on steel last week end.I too play guitar and sing. Fronted for years, been on the road, etc. etc. My point is why not learn the steel guitar? Once you obtain that set of skills no one can take it away from you! If a local band does not play the style of music you like go find some pickers and start one!Who knows you might be the guy that revives classic country music in your area. Or turn someone on to it. If it's in your heart you will find a way to do it.Sounds to me like your a pretty good singer & guitar picker. If you are remotely interested in steel I say why not go for it? You can always sell your gear and quit if it don't work out!!Sorry I am long winded as well.GO FOR IT!! |
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Scott Shewbridge
From:
Bay Area, N. California
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Posted 20 Jul 2009 9:24 pm The PSG and everything that goes with it in NorCal
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| Quote: |
| I almost would say that, if you have to ask whether or not it's worth doing, maybe it isn't - but I won't do that. |
You know, I think you might be right to push that button.
What I think I’m learning is, for me, music is not just about playing by myself for myself. If I only wanted to learn a beloved instrument just for its own satisfaction, with today’s computer backing and learning programs, the only limits I see to the inner search are time and god given talents. That's not all I want though. There are social musical experiences that feed other needs too.
I was really lucky when young to get to play with folks for folks. The instruments I learned, almost by accident because that's what they offered at school, fit pretty easily into the musical scene where I live: jazz, R&B, funk, folk and rock. There's a pretty wide range of abilities and opportunities in the area, so I was able to float to a situation that fit my abilities and desires. The band I was in got paid, but only enough to pay the musical director for our weekly rehearsals. He was a pro (Kenton's arranger and second trumpet player) and a kick in the pants to rehearse and perform with. Few of us were good enough to make it in the music business, but we got a taste for what it was like and got to see a little bit of what goes on behind the curtain.
These days, rather than by luck, my heart seems to be drawing me to music that is not as common here in the Bay Area. Hard to believe, but I think Bakersfield might be farther from San Francisco than it is from Nashville.
I think that’s why I posted on this forum. The pedal steel draws on my ears and my heart. When I hear it, my brain almost feels like it’s twisting over sideways. I got similar feelings listening to my mother play piano. But, I admit, I also get some of those feelings listening to Larry Carlton on guitar or Willie Nelson singing. I’ll never play piano like my mother, but I might be able to get a bit of Larry and Willie in my lifetime.
For the sake of yacking, let’s say that with some work, I might be able to get a wee bit of Curly Chalker under my belt before I die. In that time, will I also be able to get enough of the social things that I want with that music too?
Whittling it down a bit, Northern California pedal steel players, compared to what you have to give to learn the vocabulary of the instrument, are you getting enough from the local scene to feed your social souls? If so, how are you getting it?
Being more inclusive, if you don’t live in the Northern California, are you getting enough where you live? What are you doing to get it?
(By the way, I have read and really appreciate everyones's posts. Every one of them affected my response. I gotta be careful though, I like writing and interacting and I kinda got addicted to another Internet forum a couple of years ago. I’m gonna try to limit myself to one post max per day.) |
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Barry Blackwood
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Posted 21 Jul 2009 6:10 am
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Scott, be careful what you wish for .....  |
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Brick Spieth
From:
San Jose, California, USA
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Posted 21 Jul 2009 8:28 am
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Hummm...you've got me thinking about why I'm doing this, and I guess I'm learning PSG for it's own sake. I play music with the same group of friends I've played with for over 20 years (bass) so I have a nice musical social interaction.
I'm somewhat south of you, and from what I can see I'll probably never be as good or even close to as good as the steelers that get the few modest gigs I see that are available here. There are some seriously good players with 30+ years under their belts playing the clubs.
When I started about a year ago, I was warned of the steep learning curve of the PSG, and there is nothing truer than that. I've dropped the other instruments I play at home, and have never been more disciplined than I've been the last year with PSG, taking lessons and practicing an hour a day regularly. I can now make this thing sound decent for short snippets sometimes and live for those moments.
I'm playing for the challenge and the satisfaction. If I ever play with a band it will be icing on the cake. If I didn't play with others regularly on another instrument, I don't know what I'd think. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 21 Jul 2009 8:38 am
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| scott...i'm a northern california steel picker. i think with a reasonably small but tasty arsenal of ability you can work/play regularly...several days a week. but jobs are not so abundant as they once were. as important as your ability is the talent of networking and developing friends and associates in the field...especially those with the hustle to scare up work! there are many private gigs to be had ...and they can pay well. |
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Greg Gefell
From:
Upstate NY
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Posted 21 Jul 2009 8:49 am
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Scott - why not play steel AND be the frontman? Its about time somebody put that steel front and center. Sing to your hearts desire and then add fills and solo away as you see fit. You'll never have to worry about the steel player overplaying and stepping on the lyrics that way!
This would obviously still require some good side musicians though to make it gel.
Either way - have fun with it.
_________________
https://www.facebook.com/ggefell/ |
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