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Topic: Tommy Morrell |
Terry Farmer
From:
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Posted 5 Jul 2005 6:26 pm |
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| In another thread Andy Greatrix asks if Tommy Morrell has any teaching material. I hope you don't mind, Andy, but I decided to start a new thread on Tommy. I don't know of any teaching material, but I'm like you. He flat knocks my socks off. I have all his CDs and have played one or more of them every day for over two years. "Rosetta" ...Mmmhmmmmmm He's definately one of my heros! |
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Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Posted 5 Jul 2005 6:33 pm
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| Same here, Terry. He gets some amazing chords out of a single neck (with no pedals!). I also enjoy his acoustic work, like on Honeysuckle Rose. I have all his discs, too. That's truly how the west should be swung! |
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Billy Wilson
From:
El Cerrito, California, USA
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Posted 5 Jul 2005 6:38 pm
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| I ran into Morrell at a show one time and asked him if he ever helped other steel guitarists learn the instrument. He said "Hell no! If you wanna learn this instrument you gotta do what I did. Go to the show and sit down and watch em and see how they do it. Then I bought him a couple of drinks and he got alot more friendly. A really hot player live with some good advice. |
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Dana Duplan
From:
Ramona, CA
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Posted 5 Jul 2005 8:07 pm
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When I first started up on steel a few years ago, I attendend the Tx. Steel Show. T.M. was my fave, and I aspired to learn some of his stuff. I thought maybe I could coax him into a private lesson, so I asked. He replied "what do you want to know"? I said I'd like to learn more about your E13th tuning, to which he replied "what do you want to know about it?" I said for starters, I'm not sure what to do with the first string, to which he replied "Then just leave it off!" I realized then that Tom was not much on teaching! He still continues to blow me away, and is one of my all time favorites.
DD |
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Andy Greatrix
From:
Edmonton Alberta
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Posted 6 Jul 2005 4:17 am
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| I have a Gene Autry tribute CD by Don Edwards with the Time Warp Top Hands supplying the music accompaniment. Tommy is as tasty and complimentary as you'd ever want. It's a live concert, so no studio gimmics involved, just pure talent. |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 6 Jul 2005 4:29 am
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Before I met Tommy and had a better feel for the man, I phoned him up and asked him if he'd consider giving me some lessons. He replied that, no, he really wasn't "set up" for giving anyone lessons. I persisted, and he just repeated his one line. I later came to realize that this was probably code-speak for the fact that he has no indoor plumbing! Oh, well, just enjoy his amazing artistry. He is truly uniquely gifted.
I've heard some rumors of ill-health lately; I wonder if anyone has an update... |
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HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
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Posted 6 Jul 2005 6:14 am
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It saddened me to see this man of great talent drink himself into a near coma in the bar/lounge area during this past Dallas Convention.
Attempting to get up from the table that he occupied for most of the day, he collapsed in a drunken heap and lay motionless. Unable to get up, he was picked up and carried off by two guys. I heard one say to him..."I always wanted to meet you, but not like this."
Such a talent, such a shame.[This message was edited by HowardR on 06 July 2005 at 07:15 AM.] |
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Bobbe Seymour
From:
Hendersonville TN USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 7 Jul 2005 5:14 pm
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I'm afraid time is running out, I wanted Tom to come to our (Maurice and my)"Slide Off" show the 5th of July, This would have put the M S and A playing on the stage at the same time,for the first time ever, and the first time we three would all have been together since the formation of the original MSA company in 1963.
I'm so sorry that my wonderful great old friend and business partner couldn't make it.
He told me a couple of years ago that if Maurice and I would make up, and be friends again (which we have) we should all do an non-pedal album (CD) together, I sure wish we could have. It would have been a milestone. Possibly Maurice and I can do one, dedicate it to Tom. He and I talked about Mr. Morrell this past weekend, with heavy hearts.
However, it wouldn't hurt to pray for Tom, you never know, if he'd put the booze down, he might be lifted up. I hope so, He has been a wonderful and funny friend for 48 years. Yes, he has been the friend of many of us for many, many years.
Bobbe Seymour |
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Jody Carver
From:
KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED
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Posted 8 Jul 2005 9:35 am
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Bobbe
Like so many others,I admire Tom for his great steel playing. Please accept this as my way of offering a prayer for one of the greatest steel players ever.
I will pray for Tommy and throw a few in for yourself and Reece.
My Best to you .
Jody |
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Terry Farmer
From:
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Posted 8 Jul 2005 9:48 am
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| Good idea, Jody. I'll add Tom to my prayer list also. |
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Bobbe Seymour
From:
Hendersonville TN USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 8 Jul 2005 8:18 pm
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I love you guys, everyone of you! What a wonderful bunch you are. (just had to post my feelings)
Bobbe |
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Howard Tate
From:
Leesville, Louisiana, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 9 Jul 2005 5:42 am
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I've seen the downfall of so many exceptional performers over the years that it always saddens and angers me. All I know about Tom Morrell is that I can't get enough of his playing, I sincerly hope that there will be a lot more of it.
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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum S12U, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3, DD-3, Sierra Session D-10
http://www.Charmedmusic.com
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Bill McCloskey
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Posted 9 Jul 2005 7:08 am
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I felt the same thing about Townes Van Zandt. I knew him in the early 80's and it was sad to see how much his alcoholism had taken over his life. He would sometimes stay at our house when he was touring the northeast and he would start each morning by opening a bottle of vodka and drinking it "by the neck". During the course of the day, he'd finish two bottles. Sometimes he could perform sometimes he couldn't.
The sadder part for me were the people who romanticized this aspect of his life and felt it was what was needed to be as good a songwriter as Townes. I once got into a near fist fight with someone back stage at Anderson Fair in Houston where I was performing as the opening act. I had written a song about the wasted life of one of Towne's wanta be's and a guy in the audience took offence. That I should write an anti alchohol and drug song was an insult to him.[This message was edited by Bill McCloskey on 09 July 2005 at 08:10 AM.] |
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HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
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Posted 9 Jul 2005 7:31 am
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A few years ago we were saddened by the unfortunate demise of Vance Terry.
There's still hope, and I hope there is still time for Tom Morrell. |
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Al Johnson
From:
Sturgeon Bay, WI USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2005 11:00 am
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| I normally only say bad things about people in jest and when I know them. Tom Morrell is a great steel man and I understand he also plays standard lead guitar. I only have about 5 cds and 1 lp featuring Tom. I hope to buy a whole lot more-he plays what I enjoy and a whole lot of it. Life is not always what we want it to be or what it should be. Yes, I did enjoy Vance Terry. Al |
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Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
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Posted 9 Jul 2005 11:32 am
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Normally in the case of alcoholism, an intervention is a necessary event. The intervention generally consists of immediate family members and close friends confronting the person in order to get them to realize they need help. The power of the intervention is that every one is giving the person the same message. It works in many cases. It is best done with professional help!!
You that know Tommy, is this a possibility?
As many of you are alluding, prayer is helpful.
The spiritual component is generally a part of every successful recovery. I hope Tommy turns to it.
Hope this helps.
Aloha,
Don[This message was edited by Don Kona Woods on 09 July 2005 at 12:39 PM.] |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 9 Jul 2005 1:26 pm
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i discovered Tom through ya'll on this great forum
Tom is definitely a top shelf player in my book now
it saddens me to know that Tom , like many gifted heroes, is cryin' deep down inside.
My prayers & best wishes to him. |
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