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Topic: Another nail in the coffin of steel guitar. |
Rick Campbell
From: Sneedville, TN, USA
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 7:57 am
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The Renfro Valley Barn Dance at Renfro Valley, KY was established in 1939. I played there for three years in the 80's. Doug Jernigan played there last year with some other guys filling in when he took off to do steel shows. I saw one of the guys last week and he told me they have cut steel guitar out of the show this year. So, they had the most versatile pro player in the business and still aren't convinced that steel guitar is important to the show? Another sad day as steel guitar gets closer to its commercial grave. Unfortunately, it seems I hear more and more of these stories all the time.
RC |
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Tom Quinn
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 8:12 am
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Have no fear Rick. According to some folks here, the steel is rapidly being accepted as a go-to instrument in many styles.
Despite the fact that Country is no more and Western only lives in a few joints in Texas and three clubs in Nashville, the need for pedal steel guitar is blossoming in such popular genres as Barber Shop Quartet, Dixieland Jazz and Bossa Nova.
I look forward to the day when we see our brave pickers onstage with rappers and such. Just last night I saw a gentleman playing a vintage Fender Custom triple eight on Molly B's Polka Show on the popular RFD Channel. Surely a similar instrument equipped with pedals is on the horizon.
12-String Woo Woo! _________________ I need an Emmons! |
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Rick Schacter
From: Portland, Or.
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 9:38 am
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Tom Quinn wrote: |
I look forward to the day when we see our brave pickers onstage with rappers and such.
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Why the heck not?
You should never completely rule anything out.
It's a fantastic way to become irrelevant.
Rick |
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Ian Rae
From: Redditch, England
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 10:06 am
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That Country and/or Western is so strongly associated with PSG draws attention from all the other music it can produce. It will continue to be welcome elsewhere and it will break new ground.
If the only music you knew was rock'n'roll then you would believe that the saxophone became extinct in the early 1960's, but a broader view tells us that this is not so. _________________ Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs |
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B. Greg Jones
From: Middleport, Ohio USA
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 10:10 am
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This is really a shame. I was the staff steeler at Renfro Valley for 12 years and loved every minute of it. I got to work with a great band and made some good friends there. At that time, the steel was VERY important to the show and I got to play a lot. All but 2 or 3 of the cast members have left since I was there. Renfro was one of the last places you could go and hear classic country music then. Steel, fiddle, piano, mandolin, banjo etc. This really breaks my heart. |
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Barry Blackwood
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 1:01 pm
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Quote: |
Tom Quinn wrote:
I look forward to the day when we see our brave pickers onstage with rappers and such.
Why the heck not?
You should never completely rule anything out.
It's a fantastic way to become irrelevant.
Rick |
Apparently the sarcasm of Tom's post has been overlooked here...? |
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John Billings
From: Ohio, USA
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 1:14 pm
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I occasionally record with melodic metal guitarist Neil Zaza. I don't get many solos, cuz that's his business, but he really likes the way I can play String Trio parts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Zaza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puov93SDltM
Lapsteel on this one;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAY1WKouT18 _________________ Dr. Z Surgical Steel amp, amazing!
"74 Bud S-10 3&6
'73 Bud S-10 3&5(under construction)
'63 Fingertip S-10, at James awaiting 6 knees
'57 Strat, LP Blue
'91 Tele with 60's Maple neck
Dozen more guitars!
Dozens of amps, but SF Quad reverb, Rick Johnson cabs. JBL 15, '64 Vibroverb for at home.
'52 and '56 Pro Amps |
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Charlie McDonald
From: out of the blue
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 1:33 pm
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Gorgeous string section on Every Thought of You. |
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Les Cargill
From: Oklahoma City, Ok, USA
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 1:38 pm
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We must have had five people compliment us on the steel at last nights gig. Clubowner included. 'Course,the clubowner is dern near family in this case. He plays guitar and loves steel in general.
It's a significant challenge to keep a business operating from 1943 to the present. I know nothing of the Renfro Valley venue, but I can see how an expected repertoire might shift away from it.
I've been a couple of places that specialize in "bro country", Texas style and there wouldn't be much point in having steel there. These were a lot relatively medium profile regional acts, fulltimers; had the "retired metal guitar player" and the utterly risk averse backline. They all played like they were being stopped by the police. Nothing breathed.
Really nice folks and they're playing to more people than we are but I'd rather do what we do. |
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John Billings
From: Ohio, USA
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 1:58 pm
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Thanks Charlie!
I appreciate the kind words! It's an interesting mix, eh? Melodic metal and pedal steel. Hope to do so more. That was my Kline Uni through a highly modified Delta Blues.
JB _________________ Dr. Z Surgical Steel amp, amazing!
"74 Bud S-10 3&6
'73 Bud S-10 3&5(under construction)
'63 Fingertip S-10, at James awaiting 6 knees
'57 Strat, LP Blue
'91 Tele with 60's Maple neck
Dozen more guitars!
Dozens of amps, but SF Quad reverb, Rick Johnson cabs. JBL 15, '64 Vibroverb for at home.
'52 and '56 Pro Amps |
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James Sission
From: Sugar Land,Texas USA
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 2:34 pm
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Charlie McDonald wrote: |
Gorgeous string section on Every Thought of You. |
I totally agree. Very well done. |
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Karol Wainscott
From: Kokomo , Indiana
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 3:48 pm
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I totally agree with Rick and Greg. I been to Renfro Valley every Christmas Show for the last 21 years. Listened to Greg many,many times. A wonderful steel player. Would also go in the summer. It is 260 miles one way for me, but was well worth the trip. With the deaths of the Evans , the new management has run it in the ground. I made reservations there last Christmas for one of the cabins. Reservation made in June. When we arrived we learned the cabins had been winterized and were not availiable. There we stood no reservations nowhere. We were able to get a room up the road. This surprised me as this place was also always booked. When talking to the desk clerk she said you will see why there are a lot of availiable rooms, just look around. We soon saw why , the restraint was closed, the village shops were closed , no tour buses came , and the first hour of the Christmas program was put on by some voice imitator . It was plum pitiful. And I did not recognize but one original cast member . We will not go back toll something changes for sure. |
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Chris Templeton
From: The Green Mountain State
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 5:38 pm
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I might have said this before, but one time Jerry Byrd said to me: "Music is a reflection of society", and I'm sure, many of you have seen many things fading away. Hobbies, businesses, clubs (not just drinking clubs), and many other things.
That's great you were able to play such a classic show, Rick. If they're not doing "bro' country", they've got to have a steel. _________________ Excel 3/4 Pedal With An 8 String Hawaiian Neck, Tapper (10 string with a raised fretboard to fret with fingers), Single neck Fessenden 3/5
"The Tapper" : https://christophertempleton.bandcamp.com/album/the-tapper
Soundcloud Playlist: https://soundcloud.com/bluespruce8: |
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Mike Neer
From: NJ
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 6:09 pm
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John Billings wrote: |
Thanks Charlie!
I appreciate the kind words! It's an interesting mix, eh? Melodic metal and pedal steel. Hope to do so more. That was my Kline Uni through a highly modified Delta Blues.
JB |
That's really cool, John, nice playing!
It's funny because I was thinking about this Vinnie Vincent track today with pedal steel. I am trying to find out who played it (maybe Vinnie?). Apparently Vinnie was raised in a C&W household in NY and his father played pedal steel. The audio quality is terrible, but you can hear the steel throughout:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHnYBZMTOI4 _________________ http://www.steelinstruction.com/
http://mikeneer.com |
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Jim Hinds
From: Gallatin, TN USA
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 7:04 pm
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John,
That's some great stuff you did with Neil.
Jim |
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Jim Hinds
From: Gallatin, TN USA
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 7:09 pm
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Vinnie Vincent - a name from the past.
I never thought he would have had steel on his music. |
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Rich Upright
From: Florida, USA
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Posted 10 Apr 2016 8:31 pm
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"I look forward to the day when we see our brave pickers onstage with rappers and such."
NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll set fire & take an ax to it first! _________________ A couple D-10s,some vintage guitars & amps, & lotsa junk in the gig bag. |
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Tony Prior
From: Charlotte NC
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Posted 11 Apr 2016 2:03 am
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Mike Neer wrote: |
It's funny because I was thinking about this Vinnie Vincent track today with pedal steel. I am trying to find out who played it (maybe Vinnie?). Apparently Vinnie was raised in a C&W household in NY and his father played pedal steel. The audio quality is terrible, but you can hear the steel throughout:
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Actually Vinnie was from Bridgeport Ct, he was Vinnie Cusano before he was Vinne Vincent. He was playing the local circuit a few towns over from where I lived, although we never knew each other but I knew who he was.
at the time it was said he was a killer player even in his early days.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinnie_Vincent _________________ Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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Mike Neer
From: NJ
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Posted 11 Apr 2016 3:50 am
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Tony Prior wrote: |
Actually Vinnie was from Bridgeport Ct, he was Vinnie Cusano before he was Vinne Vincent. He was playing the local circuit a few towns over from where I lived, although we never knew each other but I knew who he was.
at the time it was said he was a killer player even in his early days.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinnie_Vincent |
I used to have some of the records he did as Vinnie Cusano, like Treasure with Felix Cavaliere. I also saw him with Edgar Winter and he was fantastic.
I've emailed the singer on that heavy metal track to find out who played pedal steel. I'm guessing it was VV. _________________ http://www.steelinstruction.com/
http://mikeneer.com |
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Tony Prior
From: Charlotte NC
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Posted 11 Apr 2016 3:53 am
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sounds like they have bigger problems than the Steel Guitar... _________________ Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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Jim Hinds
From: Gallatin, TN USA
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Posted 11 Apr 2016 6:57 am
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Tony Prior wrote: |
Mike Neer wrote: |
It's funny because I was thinking about this Vinnie Vincent track today with pedal steel. I am trying to find out who played it (maybe Vinnie?). Apparently Vinnie was raised in a C&W household in NY and his father played pedal steel. The audio quality is terrible, but you can hear the steel throughout:
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Actually Vinnie was from Bridgeport Ct, he was Vinnie Cusano before he was Vinne Vincent. He was playing the local circuit a few towns over from where I lived, although we never knew each other but I knew who he was.
at the time it was said he was a killer player even in his early days.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinnie_Vincent |
Hi Tony,
I knew Vinnie from my CT days when I was in Westport. What city were you in?
Thanks,
Jim |
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Tony Prior
From: Charlotte NC
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Posted 12 Apr 2016 6:31 am
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Ha Jim ! , I was raised and lived in Westport !
Staples High 1966 Grad...
How 'bout that !
My Fairfield and Bridgeport friends new Vinnie well... _________________ Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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George Kimery
From: Limestone, TN, USA
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Posted 12 Apr 2016 6:56 am Another nail in the coffin of steel guitar
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I have a good friend that owns 3 theaters in Pigeon Forge. I have been after him for years trying to convince him that he should hire a steel player. Well, he finally did, only to have to let the guy go because he had a BAD ATTITUDE. He is not interested in hiring another steel player. I hope this is a very isolated case and that we are not are own worst enemies. |
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Joachim Kettner
From: Germany
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Posted 12 Apr 2016 6:57 am
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Mike Neer wrote: |
It's funny because I was thinking about this Vinnie Vincent track today with pedal steel. I am trying to find out who played it (maybe Vinnie?). Apparently Vinnie was raised in a C&W household in NY and his father played pedal steel. The audio quality is terrible, but you can hear the steel throughout:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHnYBZMTOI4 |
Since you made the Felix Cavaliere connection Mike. Hank DeVito played on the track that comes around 6:52
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HOGgf5MTnU _________________ Fender Kingman, Sierra Crown D-10, Evans Amplifier, Soup Cube. |
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Jerry Overstreet
From: Louisville Ky
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Posted 12 Apr 2016 8:30 am
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Back to topic, Rick who was the last steel Player at Renfro? I think Kevin was there after Greg left.
This is a sad note. Renfro Valley Barn Dance has such a long and rich history with country music and has had some of the most well known steel players pass through there including the great Jerry Byrd. |
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