B. Greg Jones
From:
Middleport, Ohio USA
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Posted 7 May 2004 9:48 am |
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I have been the staff steel player at Renfro Valley, Kentucky for the last 7 years. I have met alot of people, steel players, steel lovers, and those that didn't even know what a steel was!!!
Last nite was a little different. We had a guest vocalist on our show. He also just happened to be a steel player too. We talked before and after the show. His name is Donny Boggs, from Rio Grande, Ohio. He is 20 years old, loves country music and the steel guitar!!!
Well anyway, I had him check out the guitar that I was playing last nite, a Mullen SD-11, 4f & 7k. I had to help him get aquainted with it a little as far as what changes do what. He has been totally BLIND since birth. He sat down and proceeded to play. His intonation was great!! He played me the intro for " Look at Us" and "Above and Beyond". This totally amazed me, his sense of pitch was right on. He jumped from the 10th fret to the 15th fret without a hitch. Usually the VISUAL effect of having and extra string will throw alot of people off. He has been playing a Sho~Bud Maverick, but had no problem getting around on my guitar, tuning and all.
Donny also knows his steel history and can tell alot of times who is playing just by listening. His hearing has made up for his loss of sight.
Watching him play, and listining to his enthusiasm of the instrument, makes me appreciate what I have and realize that sometimes we take things for granted. Here is a young man that has only been playing about 2 years, plays well, overcome his handicap, just for the pure love of the steel guitar!!!!
I also met his Mother and Grandfather last nite. They are all very nice people to be around. Donny also mentioned a D-10 that he has. He likes Western Swing and wants to work on the C6 tuning. I know he will get it. He has THAT much drive to learn.
By the way, he brought the house down last nite with his singing. I know that Renfro Valley is wanting him to come back.
Just something I wanted to share with you all.
Greg |
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