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Topic: ISGC and ME |
Bill Ferguson
From:
Milton, FL USA
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Posted 17 May 2010 1:39 pm |
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Wow, I have been in the sound booth at the ISGC since around 1980 and good Lord willing, I will be there this year.
PLUS, I am PLAYING a spot on the show for the first time.
Here's a note from the Big "E" telling me how to handle the pressure:
"Bill,
Congratulations on getting the spot. It's hardly ever easy for me to get in front of so many critical ears without being edgy; but after having done it so many times, I've found that nervous energy has been a positive influence that made me concentrate more on what I was playing, and less about the presence of the crowd. As you progress through the set you'll loosen up naturally, so choosing something you are most comfortable with for the first tune will help. In short, being nervous can be as much of an asset as a liability if channeled in a positive direction. That direction would be concentrating solely on what you are playing.
Buddy"
So pray for me.
Bill
_________________
AUTHORIZED George L's, Goodrich, Telonics and Peavey Dealer: I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables, Goodrich Baby Bloomer and Peavey Nashville 112. Can't get much sweeter. |
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Roger Rettig
From:
Naples, FL
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Posted 17 May 2010 2:43 pm
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That was nice of Buddy, wasn't it?
I've heard similar advice from others, to be fair; I've also heard it said that, just as you're really hitting your stride and getting past the nerves, it's time to finish!!!
I bet you'll do just fine, Bill - I wish I could be there to see it, but I'll be working way out west on that day.
Break a leg!
_________________
Roger Rettig: Emmons D10, B-bender Teles, Martins, and a Gibson Super 400!
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Archie Nicol R.I.P.
From:
Ayrshire, Scotland
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Posted 17 May 2010 3:03 pm
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...but not a string!
Good Luck.
Arch. |
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Ransom Beers
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Posted 17 May 2010 4:04 pm
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| Bill,just picture everybody in the audience naked,you'll be fine!! |
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Buck Grantham R.I.P.
From:
Denham Springs, LA. USA
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Posted 17 May 2010 4:06 pm Bill
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You,re gonna do great Bill. Just zero in on that guitar and the songs you,re gonna play and in five minutes you won,t even know a crowd is out there . And don,t get up tight and take all your songs off too fast. Love you guy !!!!!
_________________
Music to light up your life |
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Herb Steiner
From:
Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064
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Posted 17 May 2010 4:38 pm
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Bill
Congratulations on getting the spot on the show!
There's no way you're not gonna be nervous, but like Big E said, you will loosen up. Talk to the audience like they're your friends... because they are.
I will give you a piece of advice that Johnny Bush gave me. Johnny said "the people out there in the audience PAID to see you play. They WANT to love you. Just show them that you love them back."
_________________
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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Bill Dobkins
From:
Rolla Missouri, USA
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Posted 17 May 2010 4:58 pm
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Congrats Bill, as our friend Ron Elliot told me.Don't worry about the other steel players, just play for the crowd. The best advice I ever got.
BD
_________________
Custom Rittenberry SD10
Boss Katana 100 Amp
Positive Grid Spark amp
BJS Bars
Z~Legend Pro,Custom Tele
Honor our Vet's.
Now pass the gravy.
Last edited by Bill Dobkins on 18 May 2010 4:59 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Kenny Martin
From:
Chapin, S.C. USA
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Posted 17 May 2010 5:19 pm
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Don't fret it Mr. Bill you'll be fine! Its like walkin a wire a 100 feet off the ground but now without a net! 
Not tryin to scare ya so it was the best way to make you feel at "E"s! 
love ya man! 
_________________
www.youtube.com/krmsr59 |
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Roy Rosetta
From:
Nederland, Texas.. On the Texas Gulf Coast
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Posted 17 May 2010 8:16 pm
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I'm so happy that Bill is on the show this year. Bill is a great player and will surely entertain. That was a class act note from Buddy, but one would expect nothing less from the "class act" that he is.
I'll do my best to make Bill confortable and support him from my piano.......but........
I do have one question.... Bill are we really gonna do "that song".... .
Luv you brother,
...Roy
_________________
Music is a "gift" with many wrappings....
....Roy |
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Stephen Gambrell
From:
Over there
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Posted 17 May 2010 11:00 pm
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Depends, Bill. Which is more important to you---The fact that you have a slot on the show, or the note from Buddy? You've got plenty of experience at playing in front of crowds. So there's nothing to worry about there. But the rah-rah note from BE? THAT'S the treasure, and the part I'd be proudest of.
Just sayin'.... |
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Roual Ranes
From:
Atlanta, Texas, USA
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Posted 18 May 2010 4:54 am
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| I had an old pro tell me that if you make a mistake just grin and when you come to that part again grin first and try to make the same mistake.......the audience will laugh with you....... |
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Dan Burnham
From:
Greenfield, Tennessee
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Posted 18 May 2010 5:48 am Well Deserving
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Bill,
Congrats on getting a spot, you'll do fine, I know, I've heard you play 
Dan
_________________
BMI S12 Zane Beck's Tuning
www.danburnham.com |
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John Lacey
From:
Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada
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Posted 18 May 2010 6:37 am
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| The crucial part is the leadup to the gig. Don't be thinking about it too hard or you'll get obsessed, then freak out when it happens. I played in '83 and drank a few to relieve my anxiety until...guess what? Drunk! I was panciked when I got up there. In later years at steel shows I developed a more "have fun" attitude and regarded the audience as friends and brothers rather then critics. |
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JACK HEERN
From:
MURPHYSBORO,IL. USA
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Posted 18 May 2010 9:37 am
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Bill,
Congrats a bunch! You deserve the spot and you will do great! Put a shock absorber on your volume pedal and go for it!!! 
Jack |
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Jack Conyer
From:
Lake Park, Georgia * R.I.P.
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Posted 18 May 2010 9:51 am
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Bill, That's "great" CONGRATULATIONS Well deserved. Bill, if you play as good as you did at the Florida Steel Show, you'll have no problems. I'll be rooting for you.
Your Friend, |
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Bill Ferguson
From:
Milton, FL USA
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Posted 18 May 2010 11:30 am
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Thanks to all of you. I am excited.
And to Mr. Roy:
"I do have one question.... Bill are we really gonna do "that song".... ."
YES
_________________
AUTHORIZED George L's, Goodrich, Telonics and Peavey Dealer: I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables, Goodrich Baby Bloomer and Peavey Nashville 112. Can't get much sweeter. |
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Roy Rosetta
From:
Nederland, Texas.. On the Texas Gulf Coast
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Posted 18 May 2010 11:42 am
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Let not your heart be troubled brother Bill....I've got it !!!! As a matter of fact while you and Linda are spending a few days at our house in July I just might give you a "very small preview"...  .
Hug Linda for us and we'll see you both in Gulfport shortly.
...Roy
_________________
Music is a "gift" with many wrappings....
....Roy |
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Roger Rettig
From:
Naples, FL
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Posted 18 May 2010 1:09 pm
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I'm intrigued - what IS 'That song...'?
_________________
Roger Rettig: Emmons D10, B-bender Teles, Martins, and a Gibson Super 400!
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Roy Ayres
From:
Riverview, Florida, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 18 May 2010 3:34 pm
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Roger,
My guess is that they are talking about "Look At Us" -- perhaps as a tribute to John.
_________________
Pioneers of Western Swing HOF, Seattle 2005
Western Swing Music HOF, Sacramento 2006
International Steel Guitar HOF, St.Louis 2007
Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book. |
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Roy Rosetta
From:
Nederland, Texas.. On the Texas Gulf Coast
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Posted 18 May 2010 7:51 pm
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"Other Roy" and Roger, I'd tell you the name of "that song" (kind of an inside thing that we've amused ourselves with for years) but I would be stealing Bill's thunder. Should he want to devulge the title of the song we should let him do it, but thanks for your interest.
...Roy
P.S. Just for the record it's not "Look At Us"
_________________
Music is a "gift" with many wrappings....
....Roy |
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Roger Crawford
From:
Griffin, GA USA
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Posted 19 May 2010 4:03 am
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| Congrats, Bill. If you're taking requests, two of my favorites to hear you play are "Bitter They Are" and "The Waltz You Saved For Me". You do an awesome job on everything you play, but these two stand out for me. |
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Bill Ferguson
From:
Milton, FL USA
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Posted 19 May 2010 5:40 am
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"Bitter They Are" FOR SURE ROY & ROY.
Thanks Roger. Can hardly wait
_________________
AUTHORIZED George L's, Goodrich, Telonics and Peavey Dealer: I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables, Goodrich Baby Bloomer and Peavey Nashville 112. Can't get much sweeter. |
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Jamie Lennon
From:
Nashville, TN
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Posted 19 May 2010 10:42 am
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Bill your a great player, you do great !!! Congrats by the way !!!!!!
_________________
Mullen Guitars, Little Walter Amps, Benado Effects, D'Addario Strings
www.georgettejones.net |
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Bill Ferguson
From:
Milton, FL USA
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Posted 25 May 2010 6:04 pm
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Thanks Jamie. Coming from a great player such as you, I consider that a HIGH compliment.
Bill |
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BOBBY JACKS
From:
Fort Madison, Iowa
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Posted 25 May 2010 6:18 pm Spot
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Bill,Buddy has the same way with his words as he has with his fingers. Great words from the Master.
Can't wait to hear you play, You'll do great BJ !!!! |
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