My Thoughts on the Az Show

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 27 Jan 2010 7:34 am

This show has the best "Out of the Box Players' Anywhere.When I say out of the box, I mean guys playing more than Swing & Country.and they were all from Ca, and one from Washington..
1. Dan Tyack: Plays a very good Blues feel, and I know he can go in the box to play what we all hear today..Just a Great Job of playing.
2.Al Vescovo, He played some Great things, Big band, Jazz, and he is one of if not the Happiest player around, Big smile all the time, I truly enjoyed hearing and watching him..
3.Rick Schmidt:.. Hummm. where do I start, well, he has more talent in his little finger that most, sings like a bird, plays Bass, steel, guitar, and God knows what else,I just wish he would level out that ol guitar!

He had a great set, just a pleasure to sit and watch..
4.Earnest Bovine: Where to start with this Guy

he has credits that run from L.A to New York... Doug is by far the Biggest "Out Of The Box" player there, you never know what he's going to play.I'm with out words about this guy, Truly a master musician from every aspect..again, Great Job...

In no way am I forgetting the other truly Great player that were there, I sat next to Doug J at the Justice guitars and just watched him play, WOW

. he had a crowed in a matter of seconds!..
All in all it was a Great show, but these 4 players brought something new to the table, and I liked it, thanks to Billy and the rest for having these O.O.T.B. players on the show, like to see them in other shows as well...
Till next year,,,,,,

Billy will leave a light on for you that missed this fabulous Show..

Joe Naylor · Post by **Joe Naylor** » 27 Jan 2010 9:04 am

David I want to thank you for being a big part of the show too. Closing is usually never fun but you made it that way - especially since you did not pick on me. (Since I did not start anything)

You too are a monster player and I enjoyed your Friday night closer even though it went in to Saturday - when I left after that -- I simple said to Billy --- see ya in a little bit (and the next thing I knew I was driving back across town for the opener on Saturday AM

C-ya in Dallas - steelseat.com has a booth and all the reservations are made

Joe Naylor
steelseat.com

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 27 Jan 2010 9:55 am

Joe,
Thanks, BUT, this is all about the 4 guys up above

and what I feel how they added something special to the show.. leave me out !!

Jim Palenscar · Post by **Jim Palenscar** » 27 Jan 2010 10:01 am

I am in agreement with David's assessment. I generally attend the shows in St.Louis, Texas, and
Phoenix and find the varation and acceptance in what is played by the artists is the greatest at the show in Phoenix. While I appreciate all of the players' abilities and delivery of the songs, I doubt that there is much new to be said for songs like "Way to Survive" and "Steel Guitar Rag" and the presentation of new material comes as a welcome respite for me.

Doug Childress · Post by **Doug Childress** » 27 Jan 2010 10:12 am

I agree with David regarding O.O.T.B.players. That aspect has been evident from day one of this show. You don't see people get up and leave the room when someone plays blues, jazz, or take other musical adventures....I like what the west coast has done with the steel guitar.

Ray Harrison · Post by **Ray Harrison** » 27 Jan 2010 8:14 pm

Doug's set, especially the Les Paul stuff was outrageous. I'm well aware of the classical abilities that the has cultivated, but I really enjoyed the Les Paul Tribute.
Thanks Doug.

Billy Easton · Post by **Billy Easton** » 27 Jan 2010 8:18 pm

Thanks, David. Your assessment is right on. I have always believed that there is so much more to steel guitar music than what is generally accepted. This instrument is still in its infancy, and people like Dan, Doug, Al, Rick and others, including yourself will elevate it to levels we have not yet realized.

It is a pleasure to produce this show when we have such a pool of talent. Thanks to all who participated and I will see you in Dallas.

Billy Easton
Las Vegas, NV

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 28 Jan 2010 7:33 am

Hey David....thanks for including my name in that club, but I gotta say since it was all new to me, I think your cutting edge kick a** playing must definitely make you a card carrying member.

I sure did learn a lot last weekend, but it mostly confirmed to me that the steel guitar really is an instrument still in it's infancy with a wide open future. Guys like Jonathan Candler and Austin Stewart are definitely gonna take it into the future.

I do think however that the steel has a huge untapped repertoire in this big ol' music world that we should all draw more from. I can't imagine not having classical, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, pop and folk music from other eras and countries, or even Bulgarian folk tunes to inspire me. Lord knows, country steel music is still a huge source of musical joy for me.

But after playing bass on Doug's "Washington Pest March" I can see that I still can stand to expand my horizons by quite a bit.

Thanks again to the SWSGA!

Chuck S. Lettes · Post by **Chuck S. Lettes** » 28 Jan 2010 7:36 am

I agree with the above statements. The SWSGA's annual show definitely has that California "vibe." Be sure to add John McClung and Ken Bedes to the list of California steelers who play outside the box. They performed a great version of Blackbird that captured the Sneaky Pete sound, and then John added a killer version of a Crusaders tune. It was a great weekend of all kinds of steel guitar music.
Chuck

Jerry Hayes R.I.P. · Post by **Jerry Hayes R.I.P.** » 28 Jan 2010 9:06 am

Did Johnny Davis do a set on steel this year? I used to enjoy his playing when we were both living in SoCal. Also, does anyone have any pictures of the show they could share?....JH in Va.

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 28 Jan 2010 7:04 pm

Man I wish I could have been there, maybe the economy will improve enough that I can make it next year. This is the second year I've had to miss it.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 29 Jan 2010 5:07 am

Johnny wasn't there...

DeWitt Scott · Post by **DeWitt Scott** » 30 Jan 2010 1:00 am

David was correct...there was a wide varity of songs and styles played in Phoenix. Doug Jernigan seems never to slow down with his fast pickin' and his range of styles is unequaled by any player. And I'm doing my part by playing the 1940's traditioal country to the shows.

I enjoyed playing the duet with Margie Mays and having Ray Harrison sing the tune, Bouquet Of Roses. And being invited to play the tune Farewell Party with Johnny Bush was a special treat for me. I did play a tune that was requested by the Bull Dog lady, (she is responsible to check for badges), GOLDEN EARRINGS. I must add it to my list. I know many such songs but never gave it a thought that the audience would accept tunes other than country. I think that I will change my playing schedule around and put more tunes like Golden Earrings in it. Chuck Lettes and I plan to play the tune Among My Souvenirs at the show in Dallas this year. He has his own version and I have the Jerry Byrd version. We have played a lot duets together as our touch and tone is so much different. I want to thank all the people that complimented me on the sound of my Rickenbacker steel guitar. See you in Dallas and again in St. Louis. Scotty

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 30 Jan 2010 8:24 am

It was great to finally hear you in person Scotty! You sounded great with Johnny Bush! You are so right about Doug J.!!! I was feeling like I was in the presence of true greatness.

Chuck Lettes...You're right about John McClung and Ken Beddes! They played some really nice OOTB stuff. So did you and Jim Stalhut!

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 30 Jan 2010 8:32 am

F.YI. I only commented on the Guy's I heard, and did not intentionally slight anyone...

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 30 Jan 2010 8:53 am

We knew that David.

That's the one thing about something like a show like this, it's hard to hear everybody.

Joe Naylor · Post by **Joe Naylor** » 30 Jan 2010 12:07 pm

Your are right David about those 4 guys - and I did not intend to hijack your post.

Since I get to see every act and talk to most all the players some I hear from several that say those 4 and more are making them think differently about playing on the show. Many said that they were going to try a song or 2 that they would not think about playing after hearing people play different songs.

We all know ------ Paul and Roy for sure that there are some songs played several times a show. Some are done in different versions but these guys simply take a different approach and it is refreshing.

See everyone in Dallas

Joe Naylor
steelseat.com

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 30 Jan 2010 12:24 pm

David,great pics thanks for posting them.I could see what I missed this year.

Ray Harrison · Post by **Ray Harrison** » 30 Jan 2010 9:27 pm

Stu, you were missed also.

David Rupert · Post by **David Rupert** » 3 Feb 2010 6:39 am

Excellent Show!!

My wife & I, had a great time!!

Thanks to all of the Great Players...& to the SWSGA!! Every player was EXCELLENT, & no one failed to impress.

Great pictures, David!!

Looking forward to next years show!!

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My Thoughts on the Az Show

My Thoughts on the Az Show

Re: My Thoughts on the Az Show

Phoenux

Excellent Show!!