99% Of Music Is Played To The Walls

Bo Legg · Post by **Bo Legg** » 9 Apr 2009 3:50 pm

I agree

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 9 Apr 2009 3:59 pm

And another great comment when dealing with small crowds from Elvin Bishop..."I look around here tonite and I don't see a whole lot of people. You don't need a whole lot of people to have a good time. In fact the best time I ever had in my life, there weren't nothin' but two of us!"

Josh Yenne · Post by **Josh Yenne** » 9 Apr 2009 4:36 pm

well... at least if they are clapping they are recognizing you are not the Juke Box!!!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 9 Apr 2009 5:07 pm

I'm hoping that we could be in agreement on the subject of spontaneity. The determinative values of receptive audiences are unpredictable. Friends returning from concerts held in and around New York State give no clues of a failing sellout crowds show. If there is a status quo of audience participation, rest assured, it's a good bet that they are into something other than country music in California and Texas. I find that information very hard to believe. It shouldn't be that difficult to get at the root of the problem.

Josh Yenne · Post by **Josh Yenne** » 9 Apr 2009 5:12 pm

The Apathy Sandwich gig was not even remotely country.... there was no steel involved...

I have played damn near every stlye (save metal) and I have noticed a bunch of these reactions from all segments of the populous... I would actually venture that the 'country' crowd is a much more receptive and appreciative than most.... but it tends to be an older crowd...

I defintely notice it most in the "younger" generation of 20 somethings (of which i am basically a part of!)

Robert Harper · Post by **Robert Harper** » 9 Apr 2009 11:07 pm

For those of us, speaking for myself only, the steel has given me precious hours distracting me from work. I try not to think about work at home. I am not paid to think about work at home. The guitar and a motorcycle or three has saved me from sove very poor TV and it continues to get worse. Lastly it has gotten me away from a nagging sometimes angry wife. So wheres the down side. I had to give up drinkin, cigarettes, and sex so at least I have the pleasure of a few, very few good licks and I do love, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. Oh yes the people here on the forum have filled some of the voids in life

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 10 Apr 2009 2:06 am

Robert H.,

I personally would label your response as drollery. Men are simply not positioned as such, that is, to deny a working man his rights to explore creativity. It is my understanding that music and compatibility can be linked together for a lifetime. You must have heard the quote made sometime ago; "Music soothes the savage beast." I wouldn't use the term, as it is much too harsh to label anyone as bestial. It's a silly quote, but nevertheless, it has survived much longer than many similar quotations. This "wave" of complacency that you've desribed, signifies a determined fellow steel guitarist, who has suggested having tasted some of the frustrations of maintaining another look at the same walls; walls that echoed your progress; one lick at a time. I had hopes that some of the forum members would volunteer pertinent information concerning the moment they decided to meet the challenge, in hopes of becoming a steel guitarist worthy of the title. I'd wager that your very start in this confused transition of wishing to actually playing, would be informative, and useful for comparing one's starting point with others with similar interests.

Robert Harper · Post by **Robert Harper** » 10 Apr 2009 2:32 am

Yes Bill, I just should have come out and said fr me it is just another form of escapism. A very frustrating, challanging, enjoyable form of escapism. Drool yes. I am at work, although I enjoy my work and I am glad to have a job that hasn't be outsourced to God knows where. It has been a long week and a even longer night. Very preceptive Bill

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 10 Apr 2009 3:53 am

Robert H.,

Thanks for the friendly response. Please keep in touch when there is a break in your busy schedule. I'll be here hopefully addressing the proverbial gradual closing in of the 4 walls. Memories can be a great source of restoring a dwindling interest, by maintaining thoughts of special days, when special things happened in the past to boost one's morale.

Roual Ranes · Post by **Roual Ranes** » 10 Apr 2009 5:48 am

My wall have nothing to say................

Stephen Silver · Post by **Stephen Silver** » 10 Apr 2009 6:32 am

My walls need painting. What brand of paint has everyone had success with?

SS

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 10 Apr 2009 6:58 am

Stephen Silver,

Your name would be ideal as an author of The Old Wild West adventures depicted in an authentic manner. It would sell copies in the millions. Don't hold me to it though, just my thoughts of a pen name that would inspire a reader seeking adventures. Your message "My Walls Need Painting" likewise has incredible potential as a song title. Imagine B.E. or P.F. serving up a spanking new introduction to the song that would rival such great melodies as those heard in "City Lights", "Once A Day", "Password" etc. The title is perfect to fit the mood of 2009.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 10 Apr 2009 8:14 am

Herb S.

Thanks for relating some of the experiences in the state of Texas. I've always wished for a chance to bring my style of picking to your state. I do have a relative who owns a ranch in Texas. He had something to do with a radio station broadcasting country music down there. I'll be checking with my niece for more details.

Ronnie Boettcher · Post by **Ronnie Boettcher** » 10 Apr 2009 11:22 am

You guys really hit it on the head. After many years of stages, clubs, bars, and outside doings, we tend to all wind up in a box. My four walls,(with the door shut cause I make too much noise) is a bedroom, with stereo gear, amp, mic, and all the instruments to make country, and bluegrass sounds, along with a bed, is vogue. Mostly my audience is my black lab, laying in there with me, sometimes snoring. It is a retreat from the BS, whining, crabbing, and the phone, to just get lost, and enjoy the pleasures of good music. Country music is not dead in that room, but not too well liked outside of it, in the rest of the big box, that all the small boxes are a part of. Keep picking guys, and girls.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 10 Apr 2009 1:31 pm

Ronnie,

I remember reading about a big once a year gathering of musicians somewhere in Ohio. Have you ever attended those meetings of hundreds of Bluegrass and Country Musicians? Connie Smith was a contestant in another event there in the 60's. Bill Anderson was there and the rest is history. Were you involved in the shows back then in Ohio? Just curious....

Mike Schwartzman · Post by **Mike Schwartzman** » 10 Apr 2009 2:22 pm

I had hopes that some of the forum members would volunteer pertinent information concerning the moment they decided to meet the challenge, in hopes of becoming a steel guitarist worthy of the title.

Sure Bill...it wasn't so long ago. About a year and a half. I was playing some old country tunes on 4 string bass at the invitation of a friend/ music instuctor who wanted to devote one evening a week to this genre. He played mandolin, and there were two guitar players and a drummer. My friend had a particular fondness for Ernest Tubb tunes, and after a couple of enjoyable sessions, I asked,"Don't these tunes usually have pedal steel guitar?" The reply was, "Yes, and wouldn't it be nice to have one?" That was the moment that got me.

Well, one month later I had my first steel, and two months later I had my first lesson where the teacher warned me that it would take a year to get the basic rudiments of the instrument going. One month later I had the audacity to bring the steel to weekly practice sessions where I would play steel with others for half of the session. So for the past year and a couple of months I have played to 4 walls a lot. Yes indeed! It was just last week I thought for a brief moment...Keep it up kid, you're doing a little better.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 11 Apr 2009 4:40 am

Mike,

There is a message that I feel would be many times over, worth the effort involved in opening it up for discussion. This thing, (most important thing, I might add) called music appreciation is allied to staring at the walls, either at home or in venues. Enter one's attitude, on the subject of appreciation. The attitude embraced by some bands stands out "like a sore thumb". Getting paid is the main goal of many bands, and paying no mind to how well patrons sense the lack of appreciation for their patronage, is much too common. Musical geniuses become popularized through their appreciation for their supporters, as well as their performances. Treating attendees as though they are just so much decor spread about the halls, calls for necessary changes in band member's attitudes. I submit that each patron who wishes to be band friendly, should not be ignored by band members. There is a mixup of priorities in this band/patron relationship. Wouldn't it come as a surprise to learn that we should regard the fans as celebrities. They may appreciate the bands more than is realized. A few friendly exchanges would certainly prove that audience participation is indeed appreciated.

Roual Ranes · Post by **Roual Ranes** » 11 Apr 2009 4:48 am

I went to hear the alternating band where we play last night. Those guys are all friends of mine. They played to 10 paying customers and played their hearts out. The leader is like me......we had rather play that place than any other in the area. Good stage and you are appreciated.

Ronnie Boettcher · Post by **Ronnie Boettcher** » 11 Apr 2009 5:20 am

Bill, I cannot recall that particular event. The biggest one I know of, is a bluegrass jam every Friday evening. It is in a church, in Lafayette, just south of Medina, Ohio. It draws sometimes more than 300 people for a 4 hour session. They charge a donation of $2 per person, if you play or watch. Make up bands go on the stage in the main church, and every sunday school room is filled with music. I'm sorry I cannot help you with the one your talking about. Hope some other picker from the area can chime in.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 11 Apr 2009 7:09 am

You guys really hit it on the head. After many years of stages, clubs, bars, and outside doings, we tend to all wind up in a box. My four walls,(with the door shut cause I make too much noise) is a bedroom, with stereo gear, amp, mic, and all the instruments to make country, and bluegrass sounds, along with a bed, is vogue. Mostly my audience is my black lab, laying in there with me, sometimes snoring. It is a retreat from the BS, whining, crabbing, and the phone, to just get lost, and enjoy the pleasures of good music. Country music is not dead in that room, but not too well liked outside of it, in the rest of the big box, that all the small boxes are a part of.

Ronnie, sounds familiar - it's the way I started out way back when, and now it seems I'm ending up the same way I began - of course I'm playing much better now than then, but that part isn't making any difference...

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 11 Apr 2009 8:44 am

Ronnie,

Locating a bandleader who is spirited by showing the ultimate respect for patrons and band members isn't the easiest of tasks. It embraces the critical shuffling of those wishing to play the part of leading a band, while addressing the the delicate issues of acknowledging attendees who represent the support system. Back in the 80's there was a place somewhere in Ohio that celebrated country music for a number of days; once a year. That great opportunity for Connie Smith happened in Ohio, after Whispering Bill Anderson heard her beautiful voice. Her first song to be sung in Nashville, Tn., following her exciting offer to sing there, was "Walk Out Backwards." Sarah Evans just recently recorded the song that Connie sang circa 45 years ago.

Chuck Huffman · Post by **Chuck Huffman** » 11 Apr 2009 11:03 am

Well I just started playing PSG and I'm glad my walls don't talk. I might not like what they had to say

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 11 Apr 2009 12:01 pm

Chuck,

If some of the walls could talk, they might complain of surprize attacks. Hearsay must count for something. I've heard Rockers threaten to blow the walls out in New York State's White Stallion Ranch. The same night I was playing lead guitar, just filling in for my friend Norm, when a jackass walked through the doorway. You've no doubt heard of "Where The Buffalo Roam?" The White Stallion featured a roaming jackass that was served a glass of beer at the midnight hour, while standing at the bar. Steel players have been known to throw bars, picks, and needful things during practice. Famous pickers are not above throwing in the towel. According to Charlie Louvin, his brother would lose his temper when a mandolin developed tuning problems. He was known to stomp the instrument in pieces, so said Charlie in an interview. Rockers have smashed in public view, hundreds of cheap untunable guitars. They for the most part are very selective about what gets smashed.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 11 Apr 2009 12:10 pm

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL FORUM MEMBERS, AND THE STEEL GUITAR COMMUNITY...

Ronnie Boettcher · Post by **Ronnie Boettcher** » 11 Apr 2009 3:38 pm

Bill, The only one I can remember is the one in St. Clairsville, Ohio, that is across the Ohio river from Wheeling W Va. They have music for about 4-5 days there. That might be the one your thinking of. I think it was called "Jamboree in the Hills." Connie Smith came from a small town called Beverly Ohio, which was about 50 miles south of there, closer to Marietta, Ohio. Was a long time ago Bill. I did hear that someone was trying to, or did, start up the old Wheeling jamboree again, but haven't heard much of it. Maybe some steelers that live closer to that area could chime in.

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