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Topic: FOR NEWBIES......only! |
Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 28 Sep 2003 8:17 am |
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The vast majority of Forumites have long understood the happenings in Nashville and elsewhere regarding the steel players being used by name artists. So this post is merely to bring one or two of the very newest non-Nashville beginners up to speed.
Isolated out here on the West Coast, I lacked that "inside" info'. I labored for decades in the mistaken belief that when a steel player was heard on so-and-so's hottest new record, that that steel guitarist was going to play on everything that vocalist ever recorded. Boy, was I dumb. How many years did this set me back?
Weeks or months later, the vocalist would release another new tune and boy what a change his steel player displayed. Different tone and a completely different style. How confusing this was for a truly committed student of steel guitar.
Elsewhere today Carl Dixon has inquired regarding "Tennessee Saturday Night" and asked if it was Jerry Byrd or Billy Robinson.
We, not active in the music industry were never told that there were "official" band members who did lots with the vocalist. Then there were the busy and talented recording "session players". Of course, the road or traveling bands with this same artist often had even another steel player.
To each of them, it all made good sense, but to us wanting to know all the questions of how he did this or that, it was most confusing.
My point is this: BEFORE you waste a lot of your precious time trying to figure things out about this record you heard or that one, jump on the Forum here and ask the more knowledgeable experts "who is playing what?".
You'll see these kinds of posts from time to time. So, don't just sit there in silence. Got a question.......ask the Forum.
You'll be glad you did and in less time than you think, you too, can become an expert thro' this valuable education that is warmly and freely given to those of us that have less knowledge or experience in the music industry. ENJOY the Forum and your steel guitar! Scotty's STEELRADIO.COM is another great place to start your education. |
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James Morehead
From:
Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.
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Posted 3 Oct 2003 6:52 pm
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Ray, Thanx for the encouragement!! I have about 8 months since December 15th under my belt now on E9th. (Sent my guitar out to get it set up right, and missed 6 weeks.) I'm not very good, yet, and don't know if I'm where I should be or not. BUT, I can tell you this, This forum is incredible!! I know I have fast tracked myself just by checking out all these great topics. In other words, I now have a clue. I just need to figure out what to do with it now!!! HA! I'm working on my sound now. I am starting to see how bad tone affects a persons playing desire/ability. Bad tone sure can be uninspiring!  As far as who done what on whose album, that doesn't bother me so much. I follow that a little. I'm more interested in "How'd he do dat?" right in this stage of the game. |
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Bill Llewellyn
From:
San Jose, CA
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Posted 3 Oct 2003 8:20 pm
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It may be worth taking up pedal steel guitar, one of this planet's most difficult instruments, just to get onto the Forum  (though being a steel player is not an absolute requirement to be a member here). This is one of the best places in cyberspace.
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Bill, steelin' since '99 | Steel page | My music | Steelers' birthdays | Over 50?
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Wayne Morgan
From:
Rutledge, TN, USA
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Posted 3 Oct 2003 8:23 pm
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The forum is a wealth of information,,most of my questions are answered before I ask them and a lot of answers are given before I figure out the question.
Thanks to all the pro's for the knowledge they share with us rookie steelers.
Thanks
Wayne
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 4 Oct 2003 5:21 am
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I grew up trying to learn this incredible instrument when there was NO where I could go to get info. What little was available, many were so afraid of telling their "secrets"; that they were more evasive than not.
I am glad the ones trying to learn now, have a mountain of avenues that will aid them in every facet of the steel guitar. The advent of TV, computers and the internet; as well as the steel shows; are just overflowing with easily obtained information.
Oh if we had only had even a little of this 50 yrs ago, how nice it would have been. But we won't cry over spilt milk.
The great part is, we have it NOW. And any aspiring player who does not take advantage of it has NO one to blame but himself.
May Jesus bring you much joy and pleasure in your journey into the world's most beautiful musical instrument.
carl
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 4 Oct 2003 10:13 am
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HAS ANYONE ever heard of an international gathering/JAM of participating "HARPISTS";
"TRIANGLE PLAYERS";"GLOCKANSCHPEILPLAYERS"??
I think not. There must be a reason for this.
People who enjoy playing "Chamber Music"....violins, viola, cello, and bass violin (without lead rock drummers!! or banjer players!!)when seen, are usually playing for bucks.
Blue Grass Festivals have performers and also a alot for amateuers and a fee to get in, or at least the ones I've seen, do.
WE ARE FORTUNATE.........to have our many regional/international steel jams. Not only are many new friends made, but another aspect of learning is available to we steel players. Scotty's big show and the lesser sized programs around the country and NOW, with STEELRADIO.com.........are all learning tracks for each of, regardless of whether we're beginners or professionals.
Just heard some fabulous playing that I would have bet money on....that it was Mr. L.Green only to be surprised that it was Tom Brumley playing "Nicole". When you listen to Sarah Jory....you hear much of this same L.Geen influence. WHAT A TEACHER this innovative musician has been to so many of us, if nothing else, than to provide us with that inspiration that makes each of us continue in our
search for that elusive "something" to which we all seem to have become hopelessly addicted. |
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Calvin Walley
From:
colorado city colorado, USA
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Posted 4 Oct 2003 8:30 pm
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the folks on here are just great. i should know... i have asked a lot of what many may think are dumb questions and these great folks have taken their time to answer each and every one of them . i for one am truly greatful that they are here and willing to help players on all levels .
thank you all |
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James Morehead
From:
Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.
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Posted 4 Oct 2003 8:50 pm
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| Carl D. I would be very lost trying to learn steel 40--50 years ago. Now days, whip out the catalog, check out which course suits your interest, order it, and when it comes to your front door holler yea haw, and head to the woodshed!!! If you don't accomplish very much, it ain't 'cause you can't get any help!!!. My hats off to this wonderful forum, and the positive, upbeat people who monitor/run it, and the great fold of positive upbeat members. |
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