Leann Womack sans steel

Michael Breid · From: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA

I think it's a cryin' shame that Leann doesn't carry a steel or fiddle with her on the road, but the "stars" have no say-so in their career anymore. It's all controlled by the "big corps" in New Yawk and L.A. These agents who couldn't pour pee out of a boot if the directions were written on the heel, think they know what will make the star great, and they have no idea at all. What a shame to take a fine talent like Leann and eventually toss her career down the toilet. I remember when Rhonda Vincent tried to go country, and all her fans said, "Stay with bluegrass Rhonda. That's your niche". Thank God she did, and look where she is today. Top bluegrass female singer among other awards she has received. As Grandpa Jones used to say, "She's hotter than a depot stove". Listen to your fans people. They know what is best for you.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 4 Jun 2005 6:27 am

I don't know if Ms. Womack's career hinges upon having a steel or fiddle in (her) touring band, but I should think that she would have SOME influence on the powers-that-be, if only she would speak up. Maybe she doesn't care that much?

Mike Archer · From: church hill tn

well i cant speak for other folks
and when i say this i say it meaning
that i like the ladys singing very much
but i dont like the way singers or
or whoever is in charge as it varis from
case to case omit steel and fiddle players on road bands it says to me they
think we ( steel players) are not
needed or wanted
i have worked several artist gigs
and some do think this way
there are a lot of artist in nashville
that do this and i just dont like it!!
IMHO

Mike Weirauch · From: Harrisburg, Illinois**The Hub of the Universe

Aside from the micro world of steel guitarists and fiddle players, who goes to her shows just for the instruments she has backing her? I selfishly admit that when I go to a concert, I expect a full band backing who I go to see but the other 59,998 don't really give a damn if there playing jugs and a tub bass. In a real life situation, you might have anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 at a major concert with a big name. Out of that number there will be NO professional road musicians in the crowd because they have wormed their way backstage without paying. The other 26 weekend warriors are sitting in the audience complaining to themselves and their wives that there isn't a steel guitar or a fiddle on stage. They forget that they have already purchased and paid for a ticket so their job is essentially done as far as the promoters are concerned. It may suck but that's just the way it is and we're (steel guitar forum)not going to change a thing.

Jack Therrell · From: Conroe, Texas, USA

We might as well face it. What passes as copuntry music today has very little interest in the steel. I am sure there are others like me who like the steel so much we think certain types of songs should always have steel. We are in the minority. However I noticed some on forum saying how well they likes Travis Tritt's version of "Circus leaving town". To me that is a good country ballad but it won't be Travis's best seller, anyway an era has passed. Jack

Les Anderson · From: The Great White North

This past week end, I came across another wind band that had a steel as part of their band. They were playing a mix of older pop and dance music; however, it sounded not all that bad.

Maybe the steel guitar is finding a new niche in its evolution?

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(I am not right all of the time but I sure like to think I am!)

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I'm constantly amazed by the number of stars that can travel around the country in a fleet of half-million dollar Prevosts with an equal complement of semi tractor-trailers full of equipment and merchandise, only to notice they can't afford a employ full band.

Les Anderson · From: The Great White North

Maybe that's why they can afford these big luxury rigs. I think the proper word to use is, "frugal".

I suppose some would tend to use another word in the English language: “cheap”!

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(I am not right all of the time but I sure like to think I am!)

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

As hard as it is for us to understand, there are many people who outright dislike the steel guitar. I honestly have a hard time believing it's money in most cases. Carrying a steel player sounds like a very, very small portion of the overhead of a really big touring show these days.

Live music is really different than a recording. These days, people seem to want the throbbing bass and kick drum, screamin' lead guitar, and a high-energy show, which may be quite different than the expectations of a recording. While I think that absolutely does not exclude steel guitar, many have trouble visualizing steel in this context.

This is, of course, simply my analysis, not a statement of 'fact'.

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