Coping With Background "Noise"

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

I'm curious to learn how fellow musicians manage to "cope" with background noises while playing steel or listening to others perform. I'm hoping for some responses on how to "cope" with these major distractions. BTW, have a happy 4th of July!

Pete Woronowski · From: Saskatchewan, Canada

Removed comment.
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Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

I've been able to pretty much eliminate background noise during playing sessions......using the mind; mind over matter, thingy.

But the never ending "CLINK" of glasses by the cocktail waittresses is the one thing that still explodes in my ear.

Clyde Mattocks · From: Kinston, North Carolina, USA

We play so loud it's never a problem.
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LeGrande II, Nash. 112, Fender Twin Tone Master, Session 400, Harlow Dobro, R.Q.Jones Dobro

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Clyde,

With the passing of years, there is an obvious trending to louder is better. Guitar accompaniment has rooted deeply in country bands with the strains of ostentatious rock oriented effects; that alter the musical influences of the pedal steel guitar. It's time to move on to whatever the overpowering majorities lurking in virtually every musical outlet has to offer. They've said all through the ages that the majority rules. For every steel guitar sold out of outlets, hundreds of guitars (6 string Spanish) are sold in the same period of time. The certainty of an outbreak of voluminous background fill, is assured for posterity. The best is past in country music. The gradual increases of backgroung volume swells made by exponents who believe that louder is better, have through willfulness, changed the course of an American standard of entertainment.

Clyde Mattocks · From: Kinston, North Carolina, USA

Bill, my comment was obviously tongue in cheek, but
true, largely for the reasons you pointed out. I certainly prefer playing in an environment where the
levels are such that I can hear myself as well as
what the other players are doing. I do play in those kinds of settings, theaters, schools.

But I also play in noisy bars and the factor that comes into play there is that you have to get above the crowd noise to excercise control of the entertainment. Also, if you don't crank it up, your music appears wimpy after the DJ. And, we do play a fair amount of rock & roll and if you are not loud,
it just doesn't sound like, well, rock & roll.
_________________
LeGrande II, Nash. 112, Fender Twin Tone Master, Session 400, Harlow Dobro, R.Q.Jones Dobro

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Ray,

Would you elaborate on the steel pictured in your last response? I'm still in a state of disbelief after hearing and watching the taped recording of Jody Carver recently shown on the You Tube section. Society as a whole may have missed something of great importance in Jody's performances. Jody could get around on those nonpedal steel guitars with the finesse of the very best "in the west". Lou Costi, a business minded musician, in Pittsfield, MA, tried to feature Jody at his music store. He started kidding around with me (he enjoyed kidding around), by telling me about Jody's prowess. At that time, I should have known more of the fantastic musicianship of one Jody Carver. One backward step touched off a sharp rebuke from the store owner. With a riveting glance, he inquired in a terse manner; you don't think he (Jody) can teach you anything? I resumed my purpose of visiting the store, and went about my business. Had I known then what I've learned since circa 1980, my thoughts would have been trained on
Jody's arrival.

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

The background noise is in my mind.
You just have to ignore it.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Charlie,

I've met a few very patient entities who never come unraveled, even in the midst of thunderous rackets. That is not to say, that I desire to have those qualities. I'm advocating finding a way to control the blatent and recalcitrant behaviorism by attracting attention to those assigned to maintain a format of cultural exchanges. Gone are the vintage acoustic guitars, with their rich mellow tones. They are scooped up by collectors who care very little about the rich melodies and rhythmic strumming once played by former owners of the instrument. The richness of tones of certain (vintage) guitars varies with the differences of wood, and handmade quality workmanship. The bottom line decidedly points to the essentialness of blotting out hopes of replacing the pure tones of a well constructed acoustic guitar. The rock movement, featuring the monotonous "Proud Mary" beat, or "The Midnight Hour" is featured in most of the new country written at this time. I feel there is an unfavorable void building in the midst of country music. The smoke screen effect coupled with glamour and impossible noise levels, warrants better controls by management.

Mark Durante · From: St. Pete Beach FL

The one problem I had that comes to mind is when I was sitting on the floor in front of the stage at Scotty's in the crowd to watch Jerry Byrd. The person next to me was having a nonstop conversation with their friend about an unrelated topic. Jerry of course did not play at a loud volume level so I finally got irritated enough to tell the person to please be quiet at which he became very indignant. Go figure!
I do think that bands in bars and honky tonks have raised the volume levels in part to overcome loud inconsiderate audiences.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Mark,

You've given a perfect example of a frequent flaw in attendees who become consumed with flawless performances by artistic performers. You were 100% in the right when you reminded the unmannerly guest to quit distracting those in close proximity to the staged presentation. You are absolutely on the mark, and I must say your experience suggests the need for a controlling body to call for a polite reminder to let others enjoy the show. The fact that he became indignant proves that he has a bad habit of refusing to comply with reasonable requests to make this world a better place in which to live.

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Bill, give me The Midnight Hour anyday. You can't imitate it with the right amount of looseness within the tightness.
You can keep the new country.

Clyde Mattocks · From: Kinston, North Carolina, USA

Bill, those of us who are old enough remember theater
ushers who would shush obnoxious patrons and in fact, escort them out if several warnings didn't work.
_________________
LeGrande II, Nash. 112, Fender Twin Tone Master, Session 400, Harlow Dobro, R.Q.Jones Dobro

Pete Finney · From: Nashville Tn.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Pete,

The percentage of the rhythm of songs written today would (IMO)exceed in number by threefold, as compared to say a shuffle beat. A true country feel is (very rare today in newly written material) or bands that are 90% rock oriented. Those who play under band titles indicative of country music, are booking jobs here in the Berkshires and throughout Western Massachusetts. The strains of thousands of 6 string Spanish tuned electric guitars have flooded the entire area, while steel guitarists are rarely seen as band members. Most rockers that I've observed wouldn't be attracted to hard core country for any reason, with the exception of hard cash. Let them explain away the volume issue. I'm quite sure that many with damaged hearing would be willing to listen in. My thoughts on who follows and contributes to these current brands of transitional changes are mildly disturbing, to say the least. As far as presenting a list as you've requested, it would require much of sorting out the newly adapted rock oriented trendings. Nonrhythmic folk guitarists are currently sharing in the popular "country" movement. Some become excellent finger style pickers, while others hold the guitar for the benefit of image. Years ago, the flat pick was standard equipment. Nine out of ten singer/player artists have adapted the pick and middle fingers technique that was uncommon 50 years ago. Even Les Paul has commented in the past about the finger style guitarists. I wouldn't rush off without paying some attention to what he has to say.

Billy Tonnesen · From: R.I.P., Buena Park, California

Many times playing a New Year's eve dance, about a half hour after you started they started handing out Hats, Confetti, noise wratchets, and the wonderful horns which were tuned to a certain note on the scale. The crowd immedietely started blowing the horns which were not in tune with any of the music the band was playing. By the time the evening was over your sense of being in tune was completely destroyed.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Billy,

Thanks for pulling out some thoughts on The New Year's Celebration. I struck a nerve by attempting to complain about rhythms that make up the bulk of new country. While on the subject of treatments, what of the song title sung by George Strait? M----r on 16th Avenue? What's what with that inflamed retort? To direct George Jones to pack up and go home is unheard of. Country music is quite similar to machinery before the casehardened steel is tossed into the mechanized working parts. Tones or pitches, as you've mentioned are difficult to maintain in a room full of noises. Quite frankly, it wouldn't matter a great deal, if you just strummed on an open tuning at that point. In other situations, where there is usually one or two visitors during a performance, who are talking about everything under the sun, except the entertainer, patience can wear thin.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Pete F.,

Let it not be said that my reserve of examples in this rock rhythm discussion is without foundation. I tuned into WGNA that features "country" music on the way to the bank. Sure enough out pops Alan Jackson's "Summertime Blues". I checked the beat for accuracy of comparison, and there it was. The same beat utilized by 60's rockers. This negative import is not to my liking, and is only intended to prove a point.

Scott Shipley · From: The Ozark Mountains

Background noise?
I usually just tell the drummer to shut up.
Very Happy

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