Those Who Bay, Oughtn't Forget To Play

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Have steel guitarists resorted to more talkathons, rather than physically engaging themselves in actively practicing their music?

P Gleespen · From: Toledo, OH USA

It depends on which steel guitarists you mean.
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Patrick

Colm Chomicky · From: Kansas, (Prairie Village)

I think the key is balance, one needs to take a little time between practice for the brain to catch-up. The act of refreshing and recalling a practice passage after an break interval can be powerful medicine. However, I tend to have to force myself to spend less time surfing the forum and more time behind the steel.

Brian LeBlanc · From: Falls Church, Virginia, USA

for me:

Talkathon'n is easier...

and pay is about the same as playing out!
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'Frenchy' LeBlanc...
ShoBud & Twins

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

I'm reading "Nuts Bolts Magazine".

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

I think one can learn from playing, listening, and sometimes, even talking or writing.

Some ideas are better learned or communicated through musical example. Others are better learned or communicated using words - that is, if they are clearly and accurately written or spoken.

All my opinions, of course.

Barry Scott · From: San Diego, California, USA

Being a new steel player I can't seem to stay off the forum looking for info. Just want to say hello to everyone.

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

it seems that certain forum members might!

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Hi Barry,

Thanks for checking in on this thread. I'll be checking too as you explore the helpful information on this forum.

Sam White R.I.P. · From: Coventry, RI 02816

Hey Bill Hankey how are you doing ?? I have not seen you on here in awhile. I'm still banging my brain out try to play this Steel. Now I went and got invovled in playing around with a lap Steel and having a ball.Got a Dobro and don't have time for it any more but maybe later.
Sam White

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Sam,

Thanks for checking on me. I hope you are keeping pace with your new endeavors. As we age, our ambitions never lessen, but neither you or I are spring chickens. Even so, I've been at the top of my game (musically) for quite some time. I too am looking for new adventures. There are many things to look forward to, as we never know what tomorrow will bring.

Charles Davidson · From: Phenix City Alabama, USA

Welcome Barry from Alabama,you WILL have fun here,DYKBC.
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Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC !

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Gort, Clatu, barada, nicto. Clatu, barada, nicto.

Doug Beaumier · From: Northampton, MA

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Doug,

Please clue me in before I get zapped! Flunking a Star Wars questionnaire would be assured, should I be tested to determine my knowledge of the subject. The universe is 100% mind-boggling. There isn't a single person standing, who is willing to offer possible clues that make good sense, as we search for explanations that hint of solutions. Just as the steel guitar is tied into evolution, and man's development of increased pleasures in hearing harmonic sounds, it wouldn't be difficult to pursue where it all came about. Intellectuals who profess their peerless expertise of the subject matter, haven't to my knowledge, begun to explain the significance of developmental progressions. In terms of beauty, man has spared nothing, however, shifting to uniform agreements in worldly thoughts of creation, creates inexplicable challenges to imaginations far and wide.

David Nugent · From: Gum Spring, Va.

Bill...Not certain if you are refering to the photo of the robot Doug posted. That is "Gort" from the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" starring Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal and Sam Jaffe. (All previous information from memory so as you see, I am well over 40 myself). The phrase Kevin posted was spoken by Miss Neal to prevent the robot from destroying the Earth.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Thanks Dave, for the information. That is one of the best features of this forum. Considering the widespread membership, and their diversified fields of study, much can be learned through inquiry. For those who may be plotting to dismantle the secrets of how to master the steel guitar, the forum is a fertile field with limitless boundaries. Musicianship as a whole, is interrelated with virtually all human endeavors.

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

And don't forget a young Billy Gray as Bobby Benson who later went on to play Bud on Father Knows Best.

Ok...back on topic Very Happy

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Dave Mudg.,

I wanted to respond to your apparent inherited wisdom. It's difficult to disprove your somewhat uncanny approaches, that tend to subdue senseless biddings for more expansive platforms in musical studies. Suggestions, or experimental observations need futher studies, lest they roll away, and fall near the curbstones of ignorance. There is keen aptitude to be found within the bounds of each paragraph that you've presented, and each response is indicative of restraints that I interpret as a reserve of intrepidity. Ascertaining the correct levels of accumulated knowledge of our instruments would be an excellent starting point to focus upon.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Dropping the ball, or more specifically defined; (subject matter) was, and is, a frequent trait of post goers. Enthusiasm for responses becomes mushy, and jells, just as more talk and less action brings about a stagnated system of practicing. The lack of systematic programming of regular practice, points to a lack of vigor, and belies the true essence of a structured framework of determination; coupled with a desire to succeed.

Bo Legg · Posted 14 Jan 2008 12:54 am

It would be a shame to waste any practice time on something trivial like your family or anything you might enjoy. How else are you going to win a pssing contest at your local association jam.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Bo Legg,

When you allow anyone to deny you the rights to go on living, breathing, and most of all, tending to musical accomplishments, you have failed in standing up for what matters a great deal. It can be a bossy boss, a family member, a passerby, or whomever; it really doesn't matter how that person relates to your lifestyle. I suspect that across the board, many hours were spent "keeping quiet" to avoid disturbing another who has no interest in listening to a steel guitar. You mention "family" or "contest" as a means of swaying the mannerisms of thoughtless musicians. That little dig is precisely what I'm referring to. Just the other day, a relative commented to me; "So and so were trying to outdo one another on guitars." That single comment is fraught with a deep-seated desire, to manage another's desirability to engage in a normal activity. Lifestyle's that are complicated by some controlling system of commitments, gradually eradicate the freedom to study when the mood strikes. Basically, losing the will to maintain an independent structuring of regular practice sessions, is a failed commitment. The greats of mastering the steel guitar, are "fiercely" independent, as evidenced in these forum exchanges. What is the name of the song that ends each lyrical line with; "And follow?" Observing with a keen interpretation, and breaking down the step by step achievements realized by the greats of steel, is a dream to fulfill.

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