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Topic: Steel Guitar Player's Humility |
Jeremiah Hanley
From:
Springfield, Missouri, USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2016 10:43 am |
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I have a 'few' words to say because I'm not a man of many words, so I'll try not to take too long in saying what I want to say. I heard a very talented musician say one time about steel guitar players that he worked with, that there is a certain amount of admiration that is mutual among them. I've played with many steel pickers of all levels of skill and I've found that statement to be true! The fact that one plays a steel guitar is enough basis for a friendship. In fact, I've witnessed the best pickers among us, really compliment the steel picker that is still learning the very basics of the craft. Then on the other hand, I've heard some steel pickers who aren't all that talented, consider themselves as judges, as to tone, touch, and methods, being critical of every steel player they hear. But thankfully, there is just a few of them. It seems like there's room at the table for all steel players, not a table for 'good ones' and a table for 'bad' ones. Our last show that we had here in Branson, March 19-20, we had some very top steel players, the very best, in our attendance. You take guys like Terry Bethel and Johnny Cox, Austin Stewart, and Eddie Lane, Mike McGee, Keith Hilton, Bob Tuttle, Jack Musgrave, and Dean Holman, are so friendly and warm. They really make you think you're important! You can ask them any question about playing the steel guitar and they will take time to help you find the answer. And they can talk about the weather or any meaningless subject that calls for friendly verbal exchange. My hat's off to all the steel players and all the time they put in learning the riffs, hot-licks, and sweet phrases that pours out of their amplifiers!! Let's be thankful for the guy who invented the steel guitar!!
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Jerry and Venda |
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2016 11:10 am
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Talk about humble! I'm the most humble guy you'll ever meet!   |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Ben Edmonds
From:
Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2016 1:03 pm
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| So true. I find that the top players who are on this forum to be the most helpful and humble people I've ever seen. |
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Rich Upright
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2016 3:03 pm
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That IS very true; about 25 years ago, I met Paul Franklin at the Armonk convention, and I mentioned I was having a little trouble getting the intro to George Strait's "Nobody In His Right Mind Would Have Left Her" correctly. He sat down at the steel, showed me how he did it on the record, then had me sit & try it until I got it right. Imagine that; an impromptu free lesson from one of the best in the business without EVEN ASKING!
When I first started playing, I used to go out to hear as many local players as I could in my native NYC. One guy,John Widgren, always took the time to show me stuff at the clubs, taught me a lot about equipment, tone, maintenance, playing, etc. To him I am eternally greatful. Almost 10 years later I followed John as steel player in a band he was in years previously, & I knew I had some tough shoes to fill!
On the rare occasions I have a beginning steel player come up to me at a club to ask questions, I always take the time to explain stuff to him, show him a couple of my little "tricks", etc. I like to think I am paying it back AND forward at the same time; helps keep our craft alive in an already dwindling market.
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A couple D-10s,some vintage guitars & amps, & lotsa junk in the gig bag. |
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Jim Means
From:
Missouri, USA
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Posted 23 Mar 2016 3:19 pm
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Good post Bro. Jerry. I remember a very humble steel playing evangelist about 30 years ago who taught me more about playing steel and music in general than he could ever imagine and I will be forever grateful!
Bless you and Venda.
Jim Means |
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Paul King
From:
Gainesville, Texas, USA
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 2:15 am
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| I have been to several steel shows and have found the high 90% to be friendly and willing to talk. I have asked questions on this forum and had them answered by Buddy Emmons and John Hughey. Everyone knows John Hughey was a very humble man as so many are. Herby Wallace was always so quiet and shy when I was at his booth. When I called him on the phone, 30 minutes later I was still there. The bottom line is we are like one big family. I just do not see that in other instruments that are played. |
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Henry Matthews
From:
Texarkana, Ark USA
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 8:24 am
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| Paul King wrote: |
| I have been to several steel shows and have found the high 90% to be friendly and willing to talk. I have asked questions on this forum and had them answered by Buddy Emmons and John Hughey. Everyone knows John Hughey was a very humble man as so many are. Herby Wallace was always so quiet and shy when I was at his booth. When I called him on the phone, 30 minutes later I was still there. The bottom line is we are like one big family. I just do not see that in other instruments that are played. |
You are so right Paul, most steel players never meet a stranger. The only other instrument that comes close is fiddle. I used to belong to Texas Ole Time Fiddlers Association and they are much like steel players. Just one big family. I had great fun in those days and met a lot of folks that I'm still friends with to this day. To bad we didn't have internet back then. No telling what we would have accomplished,LOL.
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Henry Matthews
D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes. |
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John De Maille
From:
On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 9:55 am
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I wholeheartedly agree with all that's been said and I,even though I'm not a great will help or answer anybody's questions about the steel. It's a passion to me to play the steel and if I can fan the flame under another would be player, I'll do it.
However, when I was young and just starting, I was at my first Scotty's convention in the 70's. I had the great pleasure, or so I thought, to meet one of the great performers in the coffee shop. I reach out my hand and stated how I was so impressed with his playing and how I was just starting. He didn't even look at me and said " yeah, so what, who the xxxx cares about you", and kept going on his way. Needless to say, I was floored, shocked and very devastated. I couldn't believe it! Here was a guy everybody was revering and talking about and he just shot down an aspiring, young steel player. I have never been a fan of his since then and don't really care for his playing, no matter how intricate it is.
But, on the whole, all the others I've met have been warm and cordial and eager to explain anything to anybody. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 10:20 am
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was it curly? that would be hilarious to me.
anyone else would just be a pisser.
who was it? |
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John De Maille
From:
On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 10:44 am
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OK, OK. It was none other than Curly Chalker.
No other pro steeler never, ever treated me that way at any time.
Last edited by John De Maille on 24 Mar 2016 10:47 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 10:45 am
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| chris ivey wrote: |
was it curly? that would be hilarious to me.
anyone else would just be a pisser.
who was it? |
I agree, that would crack me up. I've had a few guys blow me off, maybe not as rudely, but it never bothered me. In fact, when I had a steady gig at an airport area hotel years ago, I got pretty good at doing it myself. But anyone with that kind of gig would understand.
I like the crazy musicians, I'll be honest.
_________________
Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 11:29 am
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| I think Curly had been drinking something other than coffee. |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 2:57 pm
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| I've had a couple condescending experiences like John quotes. Very humiliating. I guess it depends on whether you are in the "fraternity" or not. |
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Rick Campbell
From:
Sneedville, TN, USA
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 5:12 pm
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| John De Maille wrote: |
I wholeheartedly agree with all that's been said and I,even though I'm not a great will help or answer anybody's questions about the steel. It's a passion to me to play the steel and if I can fan the flame under another would be player, I'll do it.
However, when I was young and just starting, I was at my first Scotty's convention in the 70's. I had the great pleasure, or so I thought, to meet one of the great performers in the coffee shop. I reach out my hand and stated how I was so impressed with his playing and how I was just starting. He didn't even look at me and said " yeah, so what, who the xxxx cares about you", and kept going on his way. Needless to say, I was floored, shocked and very devastated. I couldn't believe it! Here was a guy everybody was revering and talking about and he just shot down an aspiring, young steel player. I have never been a fan of his since then and don't really care for his playing, no matter how intricate it is.
But, on the whole, all the others I've met have been warm and cordial and eager to explain anything to anybody. |
There is no acceptable excuse for that kind of behavior. I'm like you, I wouldn't have been interested in his playing after that either I have not found many musicians that were not appreciative of a fan taking time to speak to them.
RC |
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Allan Jirik
From:
Wichita Falls TX
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Posted 24 Mar 2016 5:43 pm
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I haven't had any encounters with the super greats except for Paul Franklin in his Detroit days. I've posted that memory before so I'll just say here that Paul was extremely kind.
Another memory: We were the house band at the Faces Lounge in Lansing MI in the early 70s. Oldsmobile worker/biker bar. Fun place to play for a 20 year old kid. One night an older fellow came in, a kindred spirit/steeler. He was very classy, well dressed and he invited me to come outside on break. We sat in his Lincoln and sipped whiskey. He told me stories of who he played with, the Grand Ole' Opry, etc. Now I wouldn't hazard a guess who that guy was because I can't remember over the years but he was way cool and he respected me for being a young guy just starting out. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 25 Mar 2016 6:46 am
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As far as gentlemanly and kind, I think it would be impossible to beat John Hughey.
I remember him from a gospel steel show in Indianapolis, IN.
A kinder, gentler person I've yet to meet.
God bless you, papa John.  |
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Brett Day
From:
Pickens, SC
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Posted 25 Mar 2016 7:19 am
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| Right after I started playing steel, I went to the Southern Steel Guitar Convention, and John Hughey was the headliner. It was at the show that John and I became friends. Then in 2004, I met another one of my heroes, Paul Franklin. |
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Dustin Rigsby
From:
Parts Unknown, Ohio
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Posted 25 Mar 2016 2:02 pm
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Larry Behm talks about the "brotherhood of steel guitar" on the his episode of Bryan Daste's pedal steel podcast. I've only had one name steel player get short with me...that's a subject for an entirely different thread. All of the rest,name and no name alike have done nothing but help and encourage me along the way. When I was down about my playing and wanted to experience "something different" from pedal steel, a name sent me a free cd of something pretty cool that he did. I never will forget that act of kindness. He didn't have to do that. But he did ! Gary Preston gave me free lessons for two years ! Sonny Curtis taught me the intro to A-11 in a different key than the record. Phil Perry has given me amp and effects advice. The list goes on and on. I sure as heck never got that kind of advice from anyone when I was playing guitar in rock bands in the late 80's,except from my mentor who advised me that my hands had more to do with my sound than all the Marshall amps that I could buy(Thanks Jack...if you're reading this) !
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D.S. Rigsby |
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Ford Cole
From:
Texas
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Posted 25 Mar 2016 2:47 pm
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| At the Dallas show couple of years ago, my wife and I had just sat down to breakfast in the Sheraton. Along came one of the ultimate players of the whole weekend and ask to join us. We were so delighted and humbled ourselves to keep company with this gentleman even for a short time. He plays one of my all time favorites, "Bonnie Marie." |
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Paul King
From:
Gainesville, Texas, USA
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Posted 26 Mar 2016 5:12 am
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| Ford, That had to be Doug Jernigan who plays that song. And yes, he is a monster player and a fine Christian man. You are so blessed to spend time visiting with him. |
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Les Cargill
From:
Oklahoma City, Ok, USA
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Posted 26 Mar 2016 11:31 am
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| I will bet that there is no steel player that could keep up with Buddy Rich nor Paul Anka on that front. |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 26 Mar 2016 2:44 pm
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I talked to Curly once over the phone, and that single conversation was enough to convince me that the man had some mental health problems. Unfortunately, artistic genius is often accompanied by these kinds of problems and correspondingly bad behavior. Picasso beat his wife, Paul Gouguin sired a child and abandoned the mother and their son. Jaco Pastorius became a skid row bum. Van Gogh was batshit crazy, Roman Polanski raped a 13 year old, and Mozart was into all sorts of sexual perversions.
But aside from Polanski, all these men are dead, as is Curly. And we don’t have to put up with their abhorrent behavior. Regardless of how flawed they were, they left us with great art. We may as well appreciate and enjoy it.
I would not want to associate with Curly if he was still alive. But that doesn’t diminish the quality of his music.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
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Tom Quinn
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Posted 27 Mar 2016 6:00 pm
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First time Jeff Newman came out to Norcal for a teaching seminar put on by Tom Bradshaw in Concord, there must have been 80 steel players set up. Probably a dozen of them thought they were hot potatoes.
Jeff set up the ugliest, cheesiest S-10. I saw a few smirks in the audience by the local hot shots. Well, he kicked off the show and in the first 10 minutes he smoked out everybody's ego. No prisoners, heads rolling on the floors, bozos skulking down on their gen-u-ine Sho-Bud pak-a-seats.
Jeff was a great, kind, funny guy. He also played the holy snot out of a pedal steel and the local boys learned right quick to turn down their pathetic egos.
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I need an Emmons! |
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