Tommy Morrell's Time Warp Top Hands new CD

Johnny Cox · Posted 21 Feb 2010 10:34 am

The Time Warp Top Hands have begun recording a new CD in tribute to their friend and band leader Tommy Morrell. Sessions started last week in Dallas and continue this week. I'm so humbled that the producers asked me to play steel on the record. At their request I'm playing Tommy's E13th tuning only. This is such a thrill for me. Denny Mathis, a great steel player from the San Antonio area is also on the record. So far the players and singers are as follows. Craig Chambers vocals,rhythm guitar. Rich O'Brien lead guitar. Mark Abbott bass. Johnny Case piano. Greg Hardy drums. Leon Rausch vocals. Reggie Rueffer fiddle. Denny Mathis non-pedal steel and myself,non-pedal steel. More players and singers will be on future sessions. Thiis CD is vol. 16 of How The West Was Swung. More info to come.
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Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

Johnny: I read the post but was hard pressed to say anything that wouldn't appear foolish. I am looking forward to the release and would have commented then but right now I am at a loss to add anything pertinent. You have already mentioned the most important information and that would be about your playing on the endeavor. I compliment you on that but cannot add to it constructively.

It would seem that most of us are doing what you say the pros are doing...rather then add something off the cuff, they prefer to see and know and let it go !!

Regards, Paul Confused

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

This is gonna be a great CD. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy. A great tribute to Tommy, a true genius of steel guitar. Thank you for letting us know about it, Johnny.

Jimbeaux
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Steve Alcott · From: New York, New York, USA

There's not a whole lot to say, Johnny. I for one can't wait to hear the finished product and can't think of too many players I'd rather hear with this band.

Herb Steiner · From: Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064

JC
Morrell told me himself that he was mightily impressed with your playing, so I think it only appropriate that you be the man to carry on with the project. Denny also drank from the same well as Tom, so he's another candidate. Are there any live gigs planned in the near future?
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My rig: Infinity and Telonics.

Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg?

DeWitt Scott · From: St. Louis, Missouri, USA * R.I.P.

Johnny, I just now seen your posting and I am also looking forward to getting a copy of the CD. With you playing Tom's tuning I'm sure it will be as authenic as any steel player can do. Tom was a friend and I still miss him. Scotty

Lonnie Portwood · From: Jacksonville, fl. USA

Johnnie, Thanks for the update on the CD. You can bet I'll be ordering one as soon as available. I have several of the other volumes, and I know you have done a masterful job as always. I saw and heard your tribute to Curly in Knoxville a few years back, playing thru two "christmas trees" and you brought tears to my eyes. Maybe we don't tell you guys enough how much we admire and love you for what you do and what you stand for. Believe me, you have more fans and friends out here than you can even imagine. I've have stood and watched you, Ron Elliott, Buddy,Jimmy Day, Papa John, as well as all the other greats, at the various steel shows over the years with Big lumps in my throat as you played the most beautiful music on "God's green earth". You keep playin, brother, and we'll keep comin!! Love ya, Lonnie
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Music is probably the most "spiritual of mankinds emotions, and when practised with a pure heart, can lead one into the presence of God, who invented it. Lonnie Portwood

Johnny Cox · Posted 23 Feb 2010 2:52 pm

Thanks everone. I had no intention of bringing attention to me in this thread. This CD is all about Tommy and his legacy and The Time Warp Top Hands. It's truly a huge task for me and I'm very grateful to be a part of the project.
Herb, no live gigs planned as of now but I would certainly hope that someone would want to hear the band live again. The CD will not be ready for the TSGA show this year, but hopefully by ISGA. I'll keep you all posted on additional singers and players as we progress. BTW, this is all possible by the band's executive producer Bert Winston of WR Records.
More to come, Johnny
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Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.

David Wright · From: Pilot Point ,Tx USA.

Well, I for one am glade to hear Tom's music is being kept alive!! if anyone can play the part, It's Johnny, I know he'a a Hugh fan of Tom's.. and will do A Great Job on this project...

Bret Raper · From: Hoosier State

Mr. Cox,

This is my first post. I am not a steel player, so I try to leave the posting to the players. I am, however, a great fan of the instrument, and I am definitely a fan of yours and of western swing music in general.

I was absolutely delighted to hear that the TimeWarp TopHand project continues to press on, and I am very pleased that you will be lending your talents on steel. I can't think of a better choice to fill the vacancy left by the great Tom Morrell.

I look very forward to adding the next TopHand volume to my collection. Thanks so much for keeping us apprised.

Craig A Davidson · From: Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA

I just saw this and I had to click on it and see what it was all about. Knowing that Tom had left us a few years back peaked my curiosity. Then I see that you are playing on the session made me give out a cheer. That is where you belong my friend, behind a steel guitar and not a steering wheel. Just my two cents. I too am looking forward to the album.

Johnny Cox · Posted 24 Feb 2010 4:30 pm

Last night I got out my old Sho-Bud Maverick, put new strings tuned to E13th no pedals of coarse. So I decided to bring it to the studio for the TWTH sessions. This thing sounds great. Going to use it on the rest of the record.
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Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.

Dave Grothusen · From: Scott City, Ks

This is great. I will be looking forward to buying one. Johnny I am sure you will fill Tommy's shoes. Who will fill Leon Chamber's shoes? Badger is the gratest but Leon will be missed.

Hey Johnny you will remember someone, maybe Craig, taped the tribute birthday party we had for Tommy there at the stockyards. They talked about turning it into a CD. Do you know anything about that?

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

Don Drummer · From: West Virginia, USA

Johnny, thanks for the notice. The TWTH project was one of the most ambitious endeavors I've ever seen and heard. Always wondered how it got completed considering the amount of tunes recorded. Always liked Tom and the humor he conveyed. Got to have this one . Good picking to all involved. Don D.

Frank Parish · From: Nashville,Tn. USA

Tom Morrell was my most favorite non pedal player period and you've really got some big shoes to fill there Johnny but you will be up to this I'm sure. I heard him only once in St Louis and he was outstanding! I'd like to know how you've got that tuning strung up. Also are you going to use an amp and if so, what will it be? I've got some of this stuff on cassette but I'll want the whole collection.

Johnny Cox · Posted 26 Feb 2010 10:22 am

Bill, we did attempt to have Tom' Bigsby for the sessions but the logistics just didn't work out. I would have lived it.

Frank, there is no way that I can begin to fill Tom's shoe. He produced and arranged all of the 15 volumes. Tom was a musical genious. I'm simply playing the steel parts trying to maintain the spirit of Tom's steel playing.
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Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

I loved the sound of Tommy's CW guitar, too. I saw him playing it at the TSGA show. He was a genius, I agree.

Will the CD be available in time for TSGA this year, Johnny?
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Johnny Cox · Posted 26 Feb 2010 7:41 pm

Bob, I liked that guitar as well. The CD will not be ready till late spring/early summer. Still tracks to do, horns to be overdubed, mixing, mastering and everything else involved in the process. I will keep everyone posted.
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Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.

Bernie Gonyea · From: Sherman Tx. 75092 ,U.S.A. (deceased)

Johnny : Congratulations on your new endeavor, my friend.. I know it will be just fantastic, as you always do.. I love the material one does on a non-pedal guitar and I know you will do just great..I will surely like to have a copy of the CD when it is finished..Thanks for all you do to promote the Steel Guitar.. You deserve the very best..Bernie Whoa!

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Todd Clinesmith · From: Lone Rock Free State Oregon

This is great to hear. I am sure it will be an excellent recording and will be there with cash in hand when it is available.
Thanks for the update Johnny
Todd

Bill McCloskey · Posted 24 May 2010 6:20 am

Was this released?

Steve Spitz · From: New Orleans, LA, USA

Johnny, thanks for taking this on. I really think Tommy`s stuff is the best, and his legacy deserves greater recognition. Recently I worked with an engineer/producer(Misha Kachkachishvili) who recorded him a bit and had some great stories. He said he used Tommy as a "secret weapon" on some Celtic recordings.
I get the impression there were parts of Tommmy`s work that were lesser known, but likely brilliant.
When I started trying to play, I found a TWTH cassette, and brought i to my teacher, Johnny Bonvillian. I thought he would be impressed with what I found, and asked him if he ever heard of this Morrell guy.
The next week he brought in a letter, dated 1948,pen dipped in ink, a young Tommy asking Mr. Johnny about his gear and tunings,etc..Johnny was a staff steeler on WSMB radio, and Tommy could pick up the signal from New Orleans to Texas.
After his passing, Johnny offered the letter to me to give to Tommy`s family.I inquired about it at the Dallas show to some folks, but couldn`t make it happen.I imagine the offer still stands, if anyone knows any kin of Tommy`s. I`d be happy to try and help.
Johnny, your playing on that no pedal maverick knocked me out. If there`s a steel heaven, I bet Tommy`s mighty proud of you.

Johnny Cox · Posted 26 May 2010 8:21 pm

Guys the project has been delayed due to the death of executive producer Bert Winston. We got nine tracks almost complete. As soon as we get the green light again we will proceed.
b0b, I got to play the CW guitar this past weekend with the Texas Playboys. That was a thrill.
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Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.

Wayne Franco · From: silverdale, WA. USA

Sad to hear that passing of the producer. Hope you guys endure and get the project done. Geez, its like the building of Hoover Dam.

That line up is so great the project can't be anything but great. All favorite players of mine.

Wayne

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