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Topic: Steel's re-popularity in Hawai'i? |
Todd Weger
From:
Safety Harbor, FLAUSA
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 4:37 am |
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Ron Whitfield made this observation in another thread, and I thought it was curious:
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| Steel is still a bit of a secret in Hawai'i. That's gotta change. |
I know it fell out of favor in the '60's and 70's, and from what I gather, into pretty harsh dis-favor there.
But from some of the things I've heard lately, it sounds like the old-style Hawaiian steel sounds are making a comeback there. Is this true? Is "old-style" Hawaiian steel making a comeback on the islands? I mean with the locals?
I've not been there to visit (yet  )but we plan to get there soon. I'd love to be able to take along one of my steels to sit in at a jam when I do.
Mahalo!
TJW
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Todd James Weger/RD/RTD
1956 Fender Stringmaster T-8 (C6, E13, B11); 1960 Fender Stringmaster D-8 (C6, E13); Melobar SLS lapsteel (open D); Chandler RH-4 Koa semi-hollow lapsteel (open G); Regal resonator (open D or G)
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 11:53 am
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Much of the problem as I see it is perhaps with the native youth of Hawai'i who may still be under the impression the steel guitar is NOT a true Hawaiian instrument, thinking it was "born" in Nashville. Also, (and this is only my thoughts), if they do realize it is indeed a true Hawaiian instrument, the steel could be a lot more difficult to learn than the more popular slack key guitar ? Further, there is no denying, slack key, a great party/luau instrument can be played instantly anywhere, anytime without hauling around an amp, etc. Jerry, to his everlasting credit revived the otherwise near fatal demise of the steel in Hawai'i upon his arrival on Hawaiian shores in 1972. But who in Hawai'i will take up the 'torch' now that Jerry is in retirement ? History could well repeat itself if nobody comes forward for the cause of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar in Hawai'i Nei.  |
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Jeff Au Hoy
From:
Honolulu, Hawai'i
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 12:16 pm
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...
Last edited by Jeff Au Hoy on 13 Sep 2019 3:38 am; edited 1 time in total |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 2:32 pm
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| Ahhhh, c'mon Jeff ... we know you are just being a kolohe. Make sure you tell your buddies the steel guitar originated almost from where you are sitting reading this thread. |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 5:14 pm
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I really think that ... very soon ... there will be a DRAMATIC increase in the number of young Steel Players in Hawaii.
We at the "Kids Table" at the 2004 HSGA Luau ... called Jeff Au Hoy over from the Performers Table ... and had a few "words" with him.
From the looks of this picture ... it seems we got through to him ...
Once his "bruddahs" get wind of The Secret ... there won't be enough bullet bars available in Hawaii to go around ...
Look ... he's even sharin' his left-overs with his teacher ... whatta guy 
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Aiello's House of Gauss
My wife and I don't think alike. She donates money to the homeless and I donate money to the topless! ... R. Dangerfield
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Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 5:46 pm
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| The steel has been gaining in presence over the last few years, but when heard it generally takes a back seat and is used simply as 'color' instead of also being the lead as it often was in it's heyday. Few of todays players make the steel leap out at you like the hot shots we revere did. This adds to the problems of getting someone's attention and interest today in takng up the steel, then few are willing to devote the time/effort/$ it takes to make it pay off. The deserved popularity of the uke at present with it's portability and monetary accessability presents both challenges and opportunities for those looking to play and/or perpetuate the steel. At least lots of kids are into music and therefore some may stumble onto the steel, and a few will be willing and able to carry the torch. The fact that the steel is an indigenous Hawaiian creation, the State instrument, the original thing that put Hawai'i "on the map", and the most exspressive instrument out there should prove to be enuf incentive for many folks to take interest if presented well. |
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Mike D
From:
Phx, Az
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 7:06 pm
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Hey Jeff, is that a bullet bar in yer pocket or are you just happy to be there?? 
And George, why do you have to haul an amp around? Since we're getting back to the old time music get yerself on a these and go portable man.
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Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.
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Denny Turner
From:
Oahu, Hawaii USA
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 7:17 pm
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I must disagree that Jerry's style came from Nashville; But rather Nashville's sound evolved from Jerry (and Chet et al) who got it from the HUGE Hawaiian Music craze of 1920's-1950's, which combined with the folkier country styles of the likes of Jimmy Rogers, Gene Autry, Woody Guthrie, et al, ...hotrodded in the 1950's by the likes of Hank and Rockabilly, ...in the melting pots of community dance halls, The Lousianna Hayride and Grand 'Ol Opry and such. Although cross-over has blurred the distinction between most music styles, I think the core of authentic Country Music shows all signs of being emotional folk blues with a strong old Hapa-Haole / Waikiki Hawaiian influence.
Regarding the appearance of "rejection" of Steel Guitar in Hawaii 35 years ago; I think it was more a matter of the Youth all over our country rejecting the neo-con fascist mentality that had pervaded our society ...MUCH as it is once again doing today ...and hopefully will suffer the same results; And the Youth is indeed who establishes the menu for commercial music's social proliferance. Hawaii had the additional influence of an indigenous population that wasn't too fond of the neo-con fascism that had reduced anyone that was not white to some subserviant class that was expected to emulate the fuzzy white Amairkan model; Which put a considerable majority of peoples' mentality and amibitions in Hawaii quite at odds with most anything iconic to "Red Necks" ...as erroneous as such social upheavals can be and are later realized when the dust settles.
The late 1960's gave birth to Hawaiians and Hapa-Haoles seeking a new identity in the freedom from neo-con fascism, ...and what we now think of as "new" Hawaiian Music was born ...sans the Steel Guitar that I too feel sure was associated with "Red Necks". Even the "Hawaii Calls" type of Waikiki was seen as empirical by the Youth that in their innocent ignorance was commendably seeking a new identity. Waikiki in the late 1960's and early 1970's was a Hippie smorgasborg and haven! Even the Ukulele fell out of popularity until it's slow re-emergence that started in the late 1970's (as that Youth grew up and learned) and not more-fully mature until the early 1990's. We must realize that Music became central to Youth expression and ideals in the 1950's and singularly central by the late 1960's ...and litterally changed the course of Music and the ideals it expressed. As the MANY Musicians of that era matured, they "rediscovered" the older roots of Music and younger Musicians followed suit as did also the general public's ear.
I had no clue what the Hawaiian Steel Guitar could do until around 1990 even though I had been playing slide on a BR6 for 15 years! Nick Masters (of Bill Haley's band) decided to take up his Steel again and borrowed my BR6. And on my way home from work one evening, I stopped in at the club he was playing at and MUCH to my amazement heard what real Steel playing could do. Nick drug my butt to hear Jerry and Barney ...and then 2 years later got me an "audition appointment" with Jerry for lessons (Jerry was a bit selective in accepting old dogs for new tricks). I have been addicted ever since; And I think such experiences and time windows will dictate the continuing re-emergence of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar ...and "non-pedal Steel Guitar" for those that might think of it that way.
I was in the audience when young teen-ager Jeff Au Hoy made his debut at the Steel Guitar Hoolaulea (1993 if I remember correctly). Since that time the galactic cosmos of Steel Guitar have been opened for me, and Jeff is iconic in what we can expect from the discovery of Steel by our Youth, ...if we continue to play and demonstrate the Steel's capabilities and share it's recorded Music history as much as we can. I don't think there is a better example than this SGF and it's generous Steelers, of what promoting the Steel Guitar can do. This SGF has been a grand blessing to me, and I see it has been for many others as well. I've seen MANY new Players here in just the year or so I've been here; And they certainly have this treasure trove of learning resources. I predict that the Steel Guitar will see exponential growth, and the number of members and visitors to the SGF will more than double in the next very few years.
I think the free and casual discussion of all styles of Music on this forum is quite indicative that Music has stewed quite well in the melting pot, and that we will continue to see the rediscovery and re-emergence of the Steel Guitar as what it can do is discovered.
I personally know of at least 6-8 professional Musicians here in Hawaii that have discovered the Hawaiian Steel Guitar over the last 10 years and are enjoying the many years it takes to learn the instrument and make their marks on it's re-emergence.
My focus for the next year is to start teaching again and promoting same, as soon as I get my shop organized again after many months of remodeling.
I also sense some new blood emerging in the Hawaii HSGA, with similar good ideas and motivations about the fuller potential of the HSGA to promote the Steel Guitar.
Personally, I think those that are promoting the Steel Guitar are having commendable success. It will just take time and continued effort. ....IMHO.
And with Groupies like Jeff's Hawaiian Tropic Girls, ...who can resist? FREE RECIPROCATIVE LESSONS TO THE HAWAIIAN TROPIC GIRLS!
Aloha,
DT~
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 8:43 pm
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| Bobby Ingano doesn't look exactly unhappy in that pic ! |
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Jeff Au Hoy
From:
Honolulu, Hawai'i
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Posted 24 Nov 2004 10:14 pm
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...
Last edited by Jeff Au Hoy on 13 Sep 2019 3:38 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Gerald Ross
From:
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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c c johnson
From:
killeen,tx usa * R.I.P.
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Posted 25 Nov 2004 6:29 am
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| Look at the banner on the gals. I'm glad our Texas gals were such an inspiration. Their grandmothers do the same with me between sets. CC |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Dan Sawyer
From:
Studio City, California, USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2004 12:45 pm
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This has been a great topic to read, between the doctored photos and Denny's thoughtful post.
Mike D, do you make that guitar in a 7 or 8 string? |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2004 12:56 pm
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Whachyo talkin' 'bout Willis  |
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Denny Turner
From:
Oahu, Hawaii USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2004 4:33 pm
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Jeff,
I am now quite perplexed as to who that young Steeler might have been. That Hoolaulea might have been at a later date. The one I was speaking of was at the Golf Clubhouse aside the Ala Wai. That young steeler seemed to be Jerry's "pride and joy" as a "prodigious" student at that time. It seems to me that he was 11 years old at the time. Obviosly having forgot his name over the last 10 years, and watching your commendable emergence the last few years, and you being a dead-ringer for him in my memory ...I had thought for sure it was you. His subsequent and periodic exposures surely must have overlapped yours since I now realize I related the 2 as the same; Unless my times frames are off and it was you at the Hoolaulea at a later date. Now I must go find out who it was. I also now must search my senses for when I first became aware of your fine reputation's emergence.
I was recovering from a quite serious back injury for most of the 1990's and spent several periods on pretty stout pain and psych drugs, ... so I'm not surprised at distortions in my memory of those times now.
I recorded much of that Hoolaulea on a small cheap casette deck for learning purposes, ...and I think I still have those tapes in my library. I'll have to go dig them out in hopes of having captured who that young Steeler was.
Maybe someone on the forum here might know.
In any event; If you fine young Steelers are any indication, ...we have allot to look forward to.
Oh, ...and by the way, ...don't feel bad about being mistaken for a hotel agent. Quite a few times before I "retired", ...when I was at the airport and hotels in my airline pilot uniform, Joe or Suzie Tourist would think I was a bell hop, greeter, customer service or baggage agent! Perfect opportunity to drive off with someone's Ferrari!
Aloha,
DT~
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Denny Turner
From:
Oahu, Hawaii USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2004 4:38 pm
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Bobby and Jeff both look like they're enjoying the fruits of such affairs; ....As it should be!
Aloha,
DT~ |
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Mike D
From:
Phx, Az
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Posted 25 Nov 2004 7:39 pm
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Mike D, do you make that guitar in a 7 or 8 string?
Dan, so far, 6 and 7 strings. 8 could be done but the spacing wuld be awful narrow since it's limited by the saddle width on the T-bar.
If you search on 'Weissonator' here on the forum you'll find Howard R's 7 stringer.
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Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.
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Gerald Ross
From:
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Posted 26 Nov 2004 5:02 am
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Don't you remember the I Dream Of Jeannie episode where Major Nelson insisted on sticking with a straight bar technique eventhough Jeannie was willing and eager to do some behind the bar string pulls and reverse slants?
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Gerald Ross
'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar'
Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website
[This message was edited by Gerald Ross on 26 November 2004 at 11:24 AM.] |
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Bill Leff
From:
Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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Posted 26 Nov 2004 8:09 am
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Denny:
Perhaps the young steeler was Al Green Jr (not to be confused with the great soul singer). I remember reading a lot about him in the old HSGA Quarterly. He was the "GHH" (great Hawaiian hope) of the HSGA faithful and a scholarship student of Jerry Byrd.
Anyone know what ever became of Al Green Jr? |
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Gene Jones
From:
Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)
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Posted 26 Nov 2004 9:44 am
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This has certainly been an educational thread. 
I have learned that the demise of the steel guitar in Hawaii is because of the "neo-con fascist mentality of American rednecks and the obscene presence of ugly American tourists"!
The USA need not worry about terriorists and others who are dedicated to the destruction of our government, we can deal with them appropriately. Those we need to be concerned about are the misguided and ungrateful citizens of the USA who wish to replace our democracy with an unrealistic, utopian, socialistic society where individual upward mobility is considered by them to be criminal and immoral.
How about sending these political comments that are presented under the cover of a legitimate steel guitar discussion, over to off-topic where they are encouraged and appreciated by a minority of political dissidents!
www.genejones.com [This message was edited by Gene Jones on 26 November 2004 at 01:25 PM.] |
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Jeff Au Hoy
From:
Honolulu, Hawai'i
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Posted 26 Nov 2004 12:20 pm
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...
Last edited by Jeff Au Hoy on 13 Sep 2019 3:38 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Jeff Au Hoy
From:
Honolulu, Hawai'i
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Posted 26 Nov 2004 12:55 pm
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Last edited by Jeff Au Hoy on 13 Sep 2019 3:39 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Gerald Ross
From:
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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