Jammin' in the Ozarks

Jeremiah Hanley · From: Springfield, Missouri, USA

At 1:00 today, the Ozark Steel Guitar Association 'Jam' swung into motion at Branson, MO! Ten steel guitars and their players lined the front of the Community Center. There were 3 band members, lead guitar, drums, and bass guitar and they presented a strong and efficient background for all the steel players. Larry Baker, from Columbia, MO, Ken Metcalf, from Austin, TX and Ed Javener from Arkansas, Roger Hurst, from Kansas City and Jerry Smythe, Bob Cardin, Hank Ruf, Eddie Lane, Steve Melchi, and yours truly, Jerry Hanley, all from the immediate area! Ken Metcalf came to play steel and that he did. He played with high energy and serious execution! Larry Baker demonstrated his red, Mullen G2. Steve Melchi played with a generous amount of hot licks and you could tell he was having a lot of fun. Eddie Lane played so smooth and accurate. His touch and tone was simply beautiful. Roger Hurst, what can I say, that man made that C6 talk! Mr. Hank Ruf played those big beautiful chords on his C6 as he played Danny Boy. There was a lull in playing, then the music started again and I thought, who's that playing? It was Bob Carden. Boy, what sound he had! Ed Javener played with obvious improvement and made that Stage One sound just like the big steels that were there. And Jerry Smythe played with his usual wonderful talent! He just made our day! You should have been there. The ladies brought great "yummies". The main chorus of ham and cheese sandwiches and ham roll-ups were followed by an assortment of wonderful desserts. Those that came to listen were very responsive with their applause and they let us know they appreciated our efforts. There were visitors from Salem, Mo and as far away as Iowa besides those faithful ones from close by that can always be depended upon. There are whispers of a Christmas Party, so watch for further information. Oh, yes, there was an election! Terry Bethel was voted in as president, and Charlie Steichen was voted in as vice president. They both received very strong votes. We heard some good singing by Larry Baker's wife, Jeanne, and also the singing drummer, Russ Burns. We all sat in amazement as we listened to the wise counsel of Bill Myrick in the business meeting. And we all thank Hank and Ann Ruf for the great job they have done during the past 3 years! We really appreciate it! It was a super afternoon!!
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Jerry and Venda

Jack Musgrave · From: Springfield, Missouri, USA

Thanks for the update Jerry, I really wanted to be there , but was unable to go. sounds like a good time was had by all. maybe I can make the next one

Jeremiah Hanley · From: Springfield, Missouri, USA

I realize that previous post was a lengthy one, but believe it or not, I didn't say all I wanted to say. We've had a great group of leaders the past few years. Hank Ruf: President, Mike McGee, Vice President, Terry Bethel, Treasurer, and Ann Ruf, Secretary! Mike McGee taught some valuable sessions at some of our jams on 'theory' and other techniques that are really helpful! Also, Terry Bethel and Hank Ruf taught a session and both of these DVDs are still available. Thanks to all of you!
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Jerry and Venda

Fred Justice · From: Mesa, Arizona

Hey......... any ah them ham sandwiches left ??? Whoa!

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Email: azpedalman@gmail.com
Phone: 480-235-8797

Bill Myrick · From: Pea Ridge, Ar. (deceased)

Thank you Jerry, for taking the time to write up the meeting and jam so well. I would add that Jerry and Venda agreed and were elected to serve as The Secretary/Treasurer position and we were all very pleased that they could find the time for this.
I would also like to express our sincere THANK YOU to Buddy Lewis for providing the fine sound system and playing a great bass in the band. What a wonderful asset this young man is to our Association !
One last comment ; we have a new Vice President who is willing and has a whole lot to offer the Association and is admittedly new to the the "in's and out's" of things but is enthusiastic about learning and helping and I hope Terry (and all of us for that matter) will provide him with information and support so our Association will reap the rewards of his efforts in the future. His Name, as Jerry stated above, is Charlie Steichen (pronounced Stykan)
and he lives in Branson West. Terry is still working a busy Tillis road show and will not be there at various times and Charlie will have the weight on his shoulders. Like Hank stated, "Terry's going to need a lot of help" (Vice President and our responsibilities)
Here are a few pictures from sunday---

President Hank Ruf conducts meeting

Left to right : Jerry Smythe, Ed Javner, Bob Carden, Dino Strunk and Hank Ruf

Left to right : Roger Hurst, Eddie Lane and Steve Malchi

Left to right : Jerry Hanley, Larry Baker and Ken Metcalf.

Russ Burns on drums and Buddy Lewis on bass

Miss Jean Devore doing a great job on Connie Smith's "Run Away Little Tears"

Jeremiah Hanley · From: Springfield, Missouri, USA

Thanks, Bill, for all your comments and the great pictures. You're our official photographer and it's kind of you to post them for everyone to enjoy. They're always super pictures! And yes, we're so glad Buddy Lewis is helping out by bringing his PA system and playing bass. That's tremendous! And Dino Strunk certainly added a lot to the jam yesterday. He's fantastic.

And Fred, so sorry there weren't any sandwiches left for you. I should have put a stamp on one of them and sent it to you! I'll remember next time!
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Jerry and Venda

Larry Baker · From: Columbia, Mo. U.S.A.

This was my first time for one of the Bi-monthly jams. It was great... A lot of really good steel players. I kinda think I was way out of my league, but I had fun making a fool out of myself anyway. But that Red Mullen really looked good didn't It.Jean's vocals was great as usual. (I'm not partial either) Thanks everyone. Larry Baker
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Mullen G2 SD10 3 & 5 The Eagle
NV112 amp===Earnie Ball V.P.

Keith Hilton · From: 248 Laurel Road Ozark, Missouri 65721

Sorry, I couldn't come and play. I played with two different bands at the Auction Barn on Friday night. Then Saturday I was busy playing another job with a different band. By Sunday I was worn out and could not get away. I am happy everyone had a good time, wish I could of been there. Maybe next time. I've been playing through a Peavey Studio Pro 112--40 watts with a 12 inch speaker. I have been getting the best sound I have ever got. The 40 watts has been more than enough volume in even the biggest places I have been playing. I did buy a new amp last week, a Triple X Super 40 Peavey Tube amp. I am going to try it with a band for the first time tomorrow night. I was a 15 inch speaker man for 38 years, but I am liking these 12 inch speakers I have been using.

Bill Myrick · From: Pea Ridge, Ar. (deceased)

Larry , You certainly were not out of your league ! You see down here at OzSGA we don't have "leagues" we're just a bunch of "Good Ole" boys and girls having fun and enjoying each other's company.
And--oh yes--that new G2 is astoundingly beautiful--in fact let me see, I just may have a closer picture of it some where ---(digging)

She's a beauty all right -- Smile

It's always a treat for us to see you and Jean pull in to our events and we appreciate you taking the time and effort to come that far. Please return as often as possible.

Jeremiah Hanley · From: Springfield, Missouri, USA

I say a big 'Amen' to what Bill said about Larry! We're so glad you and Jean came to the jam on Sunday, Larry! I'm really impressed how much you've improved in such a short time. I remember when I first sat in line with all these other pickers, it made me feel like I didn't know anything. And I still do. I guess if I get to thinking I'm really good, I'd better hang it up! Please come back as often as you can!!
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Jerry and Venda

Ken Metcalf · From: San Antonio Texas USA

Fun and Friendly get together.
Here's what it looked like from my seat.

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MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes

Eddie Lane · From: Branson, Missouri, USA

I just wanted to say that Roger Hurst had his new Zum at the jam and was getting a killer tone. Of course his playing was great too as always. That guitar is truly a work of art.

Eddie

Jeremiah Hanley · From: Springfield, Missouri, USA

Eddie, thanks for pointing out that Roger's guitar was a new Zum. I didn't know that! Yes, it was a beautiful guitar! And I agree with you, his tone was great! We need to hear it again in December!
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Jerry and Venda

Roger Hurst · From: Independence, MO, USA

Hey guys... Thanks for the compliments on the tone of my "New Blue" Zumsteel. Bruce should get all the credit for building such an amazing instrument. It was well worth the nearly 2 year wait. Now, if I could just get my chops together like the rest of youse guys I would be happy. And, I guarantee you that I will have my volume pedal attached to the pedal board next time so it doesn't slide out from under the guitar in the middle of a solo again. Jeeeez.... what an embarrassing moment that was. Love jammin' with you guys. Always worth the trip down from Kansas City.

Bill Myrick · From: Pea Ridge, Ar. (deceased)

It's always fun to have you with us Roger, and that Blue Zum is a piece of work for sure and sounds great !!

I'm kind of partial to blue myself---I have a 2 year wait going on a blue "Bud" refurb---but---sigh---that's another story -- Crying or Very sad

Larry Baker · From: Columbia, Mo. U.S.A.

Thanks Bill and Jerry for your Kind words.We had a great time in Branson, We hope to do it again.
Everyone made us feel very welcome and a part of the club. Thanks again, Larry
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Mullen G2 SD10 3 & 5 The Eagle
NV112 amp===Earnie Ball V.P.

Jeremiah Hanley · From: Springfield, Missouri, USA

Bill, Your photography is superb!! That camera must be a top of the line to get such clear pictures. Do you think there's a possibility you could edit those pictures and put smiles on our faces? Smile

I know playing the steel guitar is serious business, but we all look a little stern! It doesn't look like we're having too much fun, but that's another reason you can't go on looks, for it's barrels of fun playing the steel guitar, IF things go right! Thanks again, Bill, for all you do for the club! You're tip top, ole buddy!!
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Jerry and Venda

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