When You Think Of Speed...

Doug Palmer · Post by **Doug Palmer** » 7 Feb 2009 7:14 pm

speed is just speed. meaningless in music unless you have feeling.

Kenny Martin · Post by **Kenny Martin** » 8 Feb 2009 3:33 am

Well said there Doug! I think i was trying to say that in the long version!

Thanks man!

km

Mike Sigler · Post by **Mike Sigler** » 8 Feb 2009 3:42 am

my wife keeps on telling me i am meaningless, now its been proven !

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Feb 2009 6:01 am

Kenny,

Speed pickers lead the way. The writing is on the wall. Without the ability to speed pick, it just isn't possible to fulfill a dream of having the ability to add something to a band, if they commonly rev up their repertoire. Imagine having a chance to sit in with a group of super pickers. I'd be thinking to myself; "what now, brown cow?" Some may be thinking, there's nothing to it, but to do it! It may be the right time to feature fiddles! I think we may agree that in country music, the steel guitar has a slight edge over most instruments. Funny things have happened in musical presentations of country music over the years. It wasn't always presented in the manner we hear today.
It started to take shape in the early thirties. Guitarists were swept away by Alvino Rey, "Little" Roy Wiggins, and dozens of lap steel players, as we moved into the forties. The "Opry" wouldn't allow drummers to participate during that period. The fifties became the decade of better musical instruments, songwriters galore, and incredible speed pickers. Many young steel guitarists were swarming about the Nashville area, and by the sixties, established country music personnel had worked out the who's who of studio musicians. Many stories printed concerning how C.M. was rescued during the sixties, perhaps, should be brought under scrutiny. Buddy Emmons, Lloyd Green, and Jimmy Day were names that appeared throughout the sixties as support steel guitarists on albums. Credits were at times excluded from liner notes. Dozens of steel guitarists have supported scores of artists at studio
engagements, although none have exceeded the credits of Emmons, Day, or Green. Stories would never end, should a group of steelies get together, and trade some of their earlier experiences while out in public view. Kenny, thanks for the exchanges. I'm sure of one thing! You can pick!!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Feb 2009 7:33 am

Mike S.,

I'm not a josher by force of habit. I must say that I've absorbed comments about the "silk purse and sow's ear, "beady brown eyes", and reminders that I wasn't born into royalty. There are those of the opposite sex who may regard certain individuals as piglets making their way in the country. Who cares? I really wanted to point out that I've never heard the term "meaningless" applied to a steel player, or his music. Espousing civility with a mate requires positive recognition of accomplishments. (IMO) What would we do without "healthy" criticism?

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Feb 2009 7:34 am

Voided same message..

Kenny Martin · Post by **Kenny Martin** » 8 Feb 2009 8:55 am

Here ya go Bill! A slow tune i did this morning with nothing but the steel!! One of my favorites!

I put it out there under STEEL ON THE WEB!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DMawa0Pq-Y

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Feb 2009 9:42 am

Kenny,

Thanks.. I enjoyed your rendition of Paul's dedicatory song called "Song For Sarah". When I first heard the melody, it reminded me of what a single knee lever can do, (E-F change) if used properly. By all means, please at some point, I have a request for you to play on video, a song that Buddy Emmons played called "The Other Woman". I believe that Johnny Coxx recorded it in one of his past performances; as well. If you haven't spent time on that song, any of the E9th songs by Ray Price would be nice to hear.

Bent Romnes · Post by **Bent Romnes** » 8 Feb 2009 10:37 am

Kenny I gave your song a listen and I want o say you did a fine job on it! Any song will do for an encore..Price, whatever. You seem to handle them all very good.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Feb 2009 2:14 pm

Kenny,

There are a bunch of noncountry tunes that offer good moments on the steel. A bunch of steelers have tackled that tune "Over The Rainbow", with good results. A while back in time, I "played" it at Frankie's East Coast Steel Show. However, the song that I haven't heard anyone focus on, is called "Who's Sorry Now". Connie Francis recorded the tune somewhere in the late 50's. My good buddy, Howie and I worked together on the arrangement, never thinking that the changes would produce so many happy moments. If I play at shows in the future, I'll feature the song as an opener.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 8 Feb 2009 6:33 pm

Bill Hankey wrote:The more advanced players, once in a blue moon.. (Chalker) would tease a bit by refusing to disclose a secret lever or pedal. Dozens of Nashville players were "encamped" around Curly's performances, trying to catch on to the "secret" change.

So, Bill, do you think that knowing some "secret change" would benefit you significantly? Do you feel that players need "gimmicks" to be original and creative? If you do, then I feel you're sadly mistaken. Playing music (that's what we do, after all) isn't about anything but learning the instrument, and having something to share. It doesn't require a special tuning, a special guitar, a special pedal, or a "special" anything! In the words of our dear departed friend, Tom Brumley, "You can either play the durn thing, or you can't". Sure, every player reaches a plateau once in awhile. But the good players go past it, and keep on climbing and learning. The others whine, moan, complain, wring their hands, shake their heads, and generally blame everyone and everything but themselves. So you can rattle on 'til the cows come home with all your "what ifs?" and "how comes?".

The simple fact is that Tiger Woods doesn't play that well because of his clubs. And if you're smart, you'll draw some kind of parrallel between that and what we all do.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 9 Feb 2009 4:33 am

Donny,

I'm in the mood to go over your comments with a fine-tooth comb. The last comment you made concerning the great golfer, may very well be misleading. I've tried my luck at scrutinizing the slender phenom, including every stitch of his apparel. You'll find that he is obviously meticulous about choosing his clubs, footwear, clothing, caps, etc. He even studies each blade of grass on the greens. When he drops that ball near the flag, he does so by an intuition that allows for such accuracy and control. It would be interesting to learn if his talents go beyond the game of golf. As the saying goes, "He was meant to play the game." Naturally, I'm curious about lifestyles, musicianships, doters of C.M.,and associations, with regard to projecting this faultless image of oneself. Contrary to the pigeonholing from your angle of vision, I enjoy not experiencing the problems that you do in tuning, and a general lack of stability at the changer end of your steel guitar. As for quoting comments by leading players, I'd wager that at least half of the quotes have come back to haunting the sayer. Moody, and irascible members of society, who refuse to listen, by turning a deaf ear on original ideas, are best avoided. Please refrain from drawing conclusions until all the facts are presented in their entirety.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 9 Feb 2009 4:52 am

"The time for talk is over, the time for action is now". I know I heard that somewhere this past week.

anyway, here is the action, a premier example of how to apply speed and stay within the confines of the song. ( this is not me, wish it was )

www.tprior.com/video0007.avi

Ulric Utsi-Åhlin · Post by **Ulric Utsi-Åhlin** » 9 Feb 2009 5:24 am

A lot of classical players can do lightning-fast
runs,but nobody pats them on the back...the ability
to be extraordinarily dexterous is just one of the
basic skills common to good players...when the
musical score dictates "fast" You play "fast"...it´s
not too complicated,really,but among guitarists,the
"speed" issue has been allowed to take on the
qualities of a viral infection.McUtsi

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 9 Feb 2009 8:57 am

Tony,

It's doubtful if Connie could ever create a similar chaotic rush to try to emulate Weldon Myrick's original rush. When he managed to bring the intro and break of "I'll Come Runnin'" together, steel players by the dozens were dumbstruck. Trying to find fault with the young lady from Elkhart, Indiana is not about to happen. She has taught thousands how a big voice can move things along in the field of entertainment.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 9 Feb 2009 9:03 am

Bill Hankey wrote:Donny,

I enjoy not experiencing the problems that you do in tuning...

Bill, upon what do you draw that conclusion??? I've been a member here for 10 years, and made over 12,000 posts, and not once have I asked advice about tuning, or hinted that it gave me any sort of problem. You're grabbing at straws, and there ain't a haystack in sight!

...and a general lack of instability at the changer end of your steel guitar.

One of the best assets for a steel guitar (or a player, for that matter) is a "lack of instability". In the words of Whitey Ford (the ol' Duke Of Paducah), "I think you got your tongue twisted around your eye teeth, and couldn't see what you were saying".

Talk in more simple terms, and you won't make those mistakes!

You might also want to keep this in mind...

The ability to speak eloquently does not signify having anything meaningful to say.

I'm done with your rigmarole.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 9 Feb 2009 9:26 am

Ulric Utsi-Ahlin,

Speed may not be the ultimate entertainment. If I had to choose between speed picking and harmonies, speed would be second best in desirous ambitions.
Check out The Wilburn Brothers singing; "You Can't Break The Chains Of Love", or The Louvin Brothers singing; "How's The World Treating You?" IMO, their harmonies are the ultimate blendings of two voices.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 9 Feb 2009 9:48 am

Donny,

Chalk up an error on my part. Now here is the rest of the story. I originally had printed stability.. honest.. for unknown reasons I erred by adding the (in). It's annoying to realize that you would abandon me for a simple typographical error. I chanced bringing your changer system into the discussion, hoping for a few happy moments, whilst you proceed to tell me that you've never experienced tuning problems with your changer. If so, there has been much talk of oceanfront properties of late.

Rick Collins · Post by **Rick Collins** » 9 Feb 2009 10:21 am

I'm done with your rigmarole.

"Rigmarole" __ that's it.
I was looking for a good synonym for "hankey-pankey".

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 9 Feb 2009 10:33 am

Bill Hankey wrote:Tony,

It's doubtful if Connie could ever create a similar chaotic rush to try to emulate Weldon Myrick's original rush. When he managed to bring the intro and break of "I'll Come Runnin'" together, steel players by the dozens were dumbstruck. Trying to find fault with the young lady from Elkhart, Indiana is not about to happen. She has taught thousands how a big voice can move things along in the field of entertainment.

Well Bill, my post above with the video link was not to create any new fad or style, but rather to show that a great player like Gary Carter can take a great song and apply some speed flash dazzle and make it even better! Thats all.

I'm not really qualified to comment on all the other stuff being discussed in this thread.

t

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 9 Feb 2009 11:03 am

Rick,

The correct spelling is not rigmarole as Donny originally stated. The correction would require the letter (a) after the (g). Correct me, if I'm in incorrect. and BTW, check out his spelling of parallel. (I don't like egg fights!)

Rick Collins · Post by **Rick Collins** » 9 Feb 2009 11:07 am

...not familiar with the word Bill __ and just kidding, of course.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 9 Feb 2009 11:09 am

Tony,

The steel is fantastic in the recording, but there is too much clutter interfering with his great sound. Excessive clutter trying to get a piece of the action.

Gary Lee Gimble · Post by **Gary Lee Gimble** » 9 Feb 2009 11:16 am

Bill Hankey wrote:Rick,

The correct spelling is not rigmarole as Donny originally stated. The correction would require the letter (a) after the (g). Correct me, if I'm in incorrect. and BTW, check out his spelling of parallel. (I don't like egg fights!)

Donny's spelling skills doesn't diminish the merit of any of his comments, they are all right on. So, we're still waiting for a B H steel vid, which would certify beyond a reasonable doubt whether you are full of .... or running at full speed ahead on an empty tank.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 9 Feb 2009 11:42 am

Please refrain from drawing conclusions until all the facts are presented in their entirety.

Bill, we're on page ten now, shouldn't we have reached at least the threshold of entirety by now??