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Topic: About 'we' steel guitarists............. |
Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 15 Nov 2013 11:05 am |
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Closer examination of all of the photo's taken at the International Steel Guitar Convention and at other similar events reveal a unique 'constant'......
When we view videos of Ray Coniff's orchestra and singers, a very relaxed and happy scene can be enjoyed.
By comparison, when viewing steel guitar players busy at their task........I always get the impression that either their underwear is too tight or they're suffering from a bad case of hemorrhoids?
This is not meant to be a criticism of ANYONE!
Fiddlers bob and weave while playing, drummers do their gymnastics while playing, lead guitar players appear to be making really technical performances out of one sustained string......and country singers seem to eat up the chance to be center stage.
What are your views? |
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David Shepack
From:
New Jersey, USA
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Posted 15 Nov 2013 12:21 pm a question, not an opinion
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| Could it be that, to an audience, pedal steel looks ridiculously easy to play? You just have to slide a little bar around. Maybe we put on game faces, for show, and to let people know how hard we are working. |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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David Shepack
From:
New Jersey, USA
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Posted 15 Nov 2013 1:21 pm Jim, it reminds me of an old story
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| A drummer and a pedal steel guitarist are in the mens room between sets, when the pedal steeler passes wind with extreme conviction. The drummer looks in horror as he asks, " WHAT WAS THAT? ". The pedal steeler pauses a few seconds and responds. " I think a G# " |
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Jerry Berger
From:
Nampa, Idaho USA
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Posted 15 Nov 2013 1:27 pm
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Gene Jones
From:
Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)
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Posted 16 Nov 2013 9:53 am
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It could be because of the steel players stone faced disapproval of everything happening on stage, and his non-emotional demeanor, as opposed to the antics of the guitarist and others on the stage.
The above steeler is obviously too obsessed with being a good musician rather than being a player of meaningless trivia.
_________________
"FROM THEN TIL' NOW" |
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Barry Blackwood
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Posted 16 Nov 2013 12:28 pm
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| Quote: |
| By comparison, when viewing steel guitar players busy at their task........I always get the impression that either their underwear is too tight or they're suffering from a bad case of hemorrhoids? |
Tight underwear or hemorrhoids? You be the judge..
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 16 Nov 2013 1:41 pm
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| I think that true players are appreciative of musical ability, and are content with just that. Whereas, the general public wants more...they need entertainment and some kind of visual "show". |
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Rick Schacter
From:
Portland, Or.
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Posted 16 Nov 2013 6:07 pm Re: a question, not an opinion
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| David Shepack wrote: |
| Could it be that, to an audience, pedal steel looks ridiculously easy to play? |
No way.
I've never heard anyone from the audience or other band members for that matter, ever say, "Ah! That looks easy"!
Exactly the opposite.
Ray, if the steel guitarist has a serious look on their face, it's probably because they have a lot to think about.
They're busy.
Rick |
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Rick Schacter
From:
Portland, Or.
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Posted 16 Nov 2013 6:11 pm
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| Barry Blackwood wrote: |
Tight underwear or hemorrhoids? You be the judge..
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...or maybe shouldn't have eaten the discount sushi?
Rick |
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Kenny Brown
From:
Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Posted 20 Nov 2013 7:50 am
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had someone ask me once upon a gig if I knew how to smile. I think it's a common trait among steel players. A lot of concentration is involved in playing steel.
I've always heard a story that Dolly Parton fired a steel player because he wasn't looking at the audience and smiling like the rest of the band. don't know how much truth there is to that.
_________________
Mullen RP SD-10, Hilton volume pedal, Peavey Nashville 112, George L's. |
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Roual Ranes
From:
Atlanta, Texas, USA
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Posted 22 Nov 2013 5:37 pm
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| Gosh, sure glad I am not a steel player and just play on the steel. |
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Howard Steinberg
From:
St. Petersburg, Florida , USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 5:11 am
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What we do is simply more difficult than others on the stage. Upper and lower extremities constantly at work, lower extremities doing double duty and focusing to be certain that we are in tune with the rest of the band (which hopefully is in tune with itself). It's a heavy workload to say the least. I'm sure we've all encountered the "patron" who asks "Why aren't you smiling?" My latest response to this frequently asked question is that I'm smiling on the inside.
_________________
Justice Pro Lite (4-5), Justice D-10 (8-5)x2 , Quilter Steelaire, Hilton Pedal, BJ's bar. |
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Howard Steinberg
From:
St. Petersburg, Florida , USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 5:11 am
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What we do is simply more difficult than others on the stage. Upper and lower extremities constantly at work, lower extremities doing double duty and focusing to be certain that we are in tune with the rest of the band (which hopefully is in tune with itself). It's a heavy workload to say the least. I'm sure we've all encountered the "patron" who asks "Why aren't you smiling?" My latest response to this frequently asked question is that I'm smiling on the inside.
_________________
Justice Pro Lite (4-5), Justice D-10 (8-5)x2 , Quilter Steelaire, Hilton Pedal, BJ's bar. |
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