The Common Speeder

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Rest assured, there are at least a few speeders on the highways at any given time. The majority are those who race about and usually don't get picked up by the highway patrollers. When someone calls in to complain, the offenders are elsewhere, and radar guns are satisfied by moving in on others who are late for work, and pass through speed traps at reasonable speeds. It reminds me of the common speeder playing steel guitar. A quick check of original tempos of popular instrumentals will show that songs like "The Orange Blossom Special" is played with the pedal to the metal. Apparently, it has been established with that particular melody, that faster is better. Not so common are the drivers who slow down in heavy traffic, just as some steel guitarists play noticeably slower. More often than not, steel guitarists are trending to the fast lane, much like the "common speeder" on the open highways.

Bill Waskiewicz · From: Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA

Blh. Blh, Blh. Sad

Bo Legg · Posted 14 Jul 2008 8:04 am

Bill Hankey:

Scott Henderson · From: Camdenton, Missouri, USA

Andy Greatrix · From: Edmonton Alberta

I think most steel players play OBS as fast as they can, to get it over with, as fast as they can.

(That gives them more time to play "Way To Survive" again and again and again etc!) 8<)

Wasn't it Jimmy day who said "I wish I could play that fast, then I wouldn't."?

Stephen Silver · From: Asheville, NC

I play in a club routinely that has a clearly posted sign (I am certain one of you can make one of these)

MAX SPEED LIMIT
120 bpm
VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED

SS

Roger Edgington · From: San Antonio, Texas USA

Do you know why Doug J plays OBS so fast? Because he can. I like it all. I mostly enjoy clean and simple pretty shuffles and stuff but once in a while I like to see one really ripped. I enjoy people pushing steel to the max with heavy jazz chords or speed picking or just different ways to play the same old songs. How else would we really know what can be done on a psg?

Andy Greatrix · From: Edmonton Alberta

Doug Jernigan can definitely play fast, clean, and with smart note choice, but he is so much more than just that. He can also play slow with feel and intelligence.

If all you can do or want to do is play fast, something is missing.

In any case, do what you want and have fun.
I wonder if any players have ever taken steroids to increase their speed? 8<)

Pete Finney · From: Nashville Tn.

Sounds like you might have to resort to a "citizens arrest" of the offending steel player you catch "speeding"! Smile

This sounds like a case for Barney Fife to me... who else could possibly be up to the challenge?!?

richard burton · From: Britain

Instead of putting a 'stinger' in the steelers path, a correctly thrown 'vicious triangle', with just the right amount of spin, would have three times more probability of slowing him down Very Happy

Roger Edgington · From: San Antonio, Texas USA

Maybe instead of spike strips you could throw a chart in front of him. Sure slows me down.

Bo Legg · Posted 14 Jul 2008 4:37 pm

Blh, Blh, Blh, ditto, Blh, ditty boo
On this forum that's what we do. So ***** you.

Please don't take this personally it is only intended to be a general statement and a sample of my song writting.

Bo Legg · Posted 14 Jul 2008 4:42 pm

***** = thank

Roual Ranes · From: Atlanta, Texas, USA

I would love to play fast........trouble is .......I can't.
I tried all twisted up like a pretzel....like to have never got them untangled.
Jimmy Day said he would like to be able to do that......probably wouldn't but would like to be able to. I think I will join that club.
Hey come to think of it..........I would just like to be able to play .......period.

Steve Norman · From: Seattle Washington, USA

Bo post a picture of that girl again!

I play fast songs fast and slow songs slow.
_________________
GFI D10, Fender Steel King, Hilton Vpedal,BoBro, National D dobro, Marrs RGS

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

There is a need to place the mighty category of licks that are heard throughout performances, including those of every steel guitarist in the round-up of skillful players, in a sequence of enumerated listings. The best of Hughey or Emmons as examples would require a lot of work. It is beyond words, that such a book containing the technical approaches would slow down the fastest of readers, just as the veritable low-keyed alarm of the flashing blue light, will automatically place your foot on the braking pedal. Listings in alphabetical order, introduced in the prologue, would direct the reader to a preferred artist, and his/her accomplishments, complete with the best of creative achievements. Sorting out, and placing the most outstanding arrangement of note patterns, may very well serve to re-enact a confidence level, that would assure important advancements in the realm of the quickest picks.

Joe Casey · From: Weeki Wachee .Springs FL (population.9)

I've heard the song played fast,faster and Jet speed...An audience of listeners might not be into it unless they are mostly musicians...For my take Its sort of a "Look at me see what I can do" thing...I was always more impressed by those that can play clean,smooth,and fast if necessary...I'm always impressed by DJ and the Greats..But John Hughey,B.E. AND LDG. now thats why I have a ton of their CD's..Also if you want fast clean and smooth pick up some Russ Hicks and Jimmy Crawford...Fast gets you there quicker but sometimes leaves you with too much time on your "Hands" with nothing left to do. Wink

Bo Legg · Posted 15 Jul 2008 12:12 pm

Steve Norman

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

I thought as bandstand musicians we were supposed to play whatever song the band leader calls . I think everyone can play at 50 bpm Way to Survive, I am not certain everyone can play OBS at 115 or 120 BPM. I don't think it's the fault of the song.. Crying or Very sad

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Hi Joe C.,

I talked to Tim K. on his lunch break today. He has a double-header in Canaan, Ct. on the 26th of this month. He's teaming with that awesome picker, Jim Roule Jr. No-one knows better than you, how he gets standing ovations while playing "The Orange Blossom Special". His incredible blocking technique is unsurpassed, not to mention the BPM. I'll be attending a show in Chicopee, MA on the 25th featuring Doug Beaumier on steel. The following night I'll catch the show in Canaan, Ct., featuring Donny Sawyer as lead vocalist. The fireworks after the show will top off Jim Roule's classic steel guitar technique.

Joe Casey · From: Weeki Wachee .Springs FL (population.9)

Bill sounds like theres still some great music up there..Yes Jimmy without a doubt is under exposed and underated. We still on occasion like Frankies show try to get together..Jimmy is equally great on the Tele and his mind carries a library of limitless songs...We still are great friends and he likes to call me "pepai"Which I found out is a french word for Grandpaw...Jimmy when he plays OBS his own version can be fast faster and holy cow and right on and yes there were many standing "O's"from musicians as well as the public....It was always hard to get drummers to keep up...I'd love to see him on some big shows where he deserves to be..That kid Now in his 40s could play for anyone ,Guitar or Steel..Doug Beaumier another player who has the respect of everyone and anyone who has ever heard him....I never could get Doug because he never was out of work but he did get me to work with him on occassion..A great teacher of the instrument also...

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Joe,

At times I'm reminded of the song by Vern Gosdin.. "That Just About Does It, Don't It". The subject of music appreciation must head the list in your field of expertise. You chose to remain faithful to country music throughout your career as a singer. You could relate to attendees at shows with the greatest of ease. Ray Price shuffles became your calling card, and you were always accompanied by tasty steel guitar back-up. That forlorn expression depicted on V. Gosdin's face while singing "That Just About Does It" reminds me of the inevitable closing of doors to a once proud country music scene. It's not simply difficult to find bands who have the capability of delivering a Ray Price shuffle, they no longer exist. Rock-oriented replacements at the present are splitting the cash 5 ways, and absorbing the bulk of monetary rewards handed out across the state. The repertoire of each band allows for a quick assessment of a chosen musical form of entertainment. You've mentioned Frankie, the steel guitarist in the greater Boston, MA area. He is a stickler at his shows, while playing a few of Price's shuffles. Moving to the east of Frankie's locale, and on to Western MA, there are several bands who play new country. They usually do not concern themselves with the sentiments of musical preferences of the past. Much time is spent testing newly written material on participating audiences. "Change" is the word for the day. We can always "Sweep Out The Ashes In The Morning".

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Passing over the double line on marked highways, may be likened to moving away from the threads intended message. Tons of paints are painted on hundreds of miles of highways to protect good drivers from the scampers who break the rules of highway travel on a regular basis. I can only surmise that steel guitarists would use caution for many reasons while driving on the roadways. Why? Because their musical contentment depends on very few (if any) disruptions connected with not returning safely home. Unlike the speed demon who comes roaring into the rear view mirror, and passes near a blind corner, the finesse of a S.G. player dictates better judgment to guide him safely out and away from such threats. All of this is relevant. A drive around the streets of any city will test your ability to remain out of harm's way.

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Jimmy Day once said of another player (who shall remain nameless) who was playing at a million miles per hour at the convention: "Boy, I really wish I could do that, and then i wouldn't."
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
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Bo Legg · Posted 17 Jul 2008 9:43 am

Bill I think you could carry your message in a less complicated vehicle and take a much shorter road.

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