THANKS to the NTSGA players

Mike Weirauch · From: Harrisburg, Illinois**The Hub of the Universe

I would like to personally thank each player for a great night of steel guitar last evening. First to John Fabian who traveled all the way from Mesquite, Tx., Frank Estes who came up from Huntsville to play, John Bechtel who jumped in at the eleventh hour to fill out the set, Malcolm Kirby for playing again so soon after his last performance, Mike Sweeney for his heart grabbing style of playing and Mike Jones for his great playing and style. Malcolm, Mike and Cookie SMOKED their set making it seem much too short! Finally, John Hughey, Hal Rugg and Randy Beavers for a finale' fit for royalty. These three seemed to just climb into the song they were playing and reach out and pull you into it with them. I can't say or brag enough on the entire show last night except to say that those who missed it missed out on one of the most enjoyable evenings one could find to spend. The attendance was great with a few greats in attendance such as Bobby Bowman, Bob Knight, Dan Dowd, Jimmie Crawford and a couple of guys named Lloyd and Buddy. Rob Parker sang on each set and did a great job with the players backing him up. Also the best backup musicians in Nashville, Hoot Hester, Rick Vanaugh & Dennis Crouch. A good time was had by all!

Dan Dowd · From: Paducah, KY, R.I.P.

Mike , the show was one of the best. All the pickers were great. I had not heard Randy Beavers before last night and was blown away by his playing and style. John and Hal were at their usual great playing. Malcolm played some fantastic stuff on his single MCI. Mike and Cookie played excellent also. The 1st set was also very good and I had not heard John Fabian play before last night. I was suprised to see some folks from my home town, Buffalo NY at the show, Gene Hilts and I go way back to the mid 50's, and it was nice to meet Kevin Hatton,who brought his refurbished ZB along and had it set up for all to see and Marvin Fluger who by the way, builds some of the finest looking Resonater Guitar's I have ever seen and the tone is as great. I even saw the Big E playing one last nite. It was a memorable show and I look forward to the next one.

Mike Sweeney · From: Nashville,TN,USA

I'd like to publicly say thanks for the invitation to play last night as it was one of the most enjoyable nights of my playing career. Getting to play with Malcomb Kirby and Cookie was a lot of fun. They really kept me on my toes.
I think all the players did a wonderfull job last night and I can't wait till the next one.
Mike Sweeney

MALCOLM KIRBY · From: Crofton, KY USA

Another great NTSGA Jam. Thanks Mike Weirauch and Jan Jones.
It was a pleasure to pick with Mike Sweeney and Mike Jones - and to pick with that great NTSGA Rhythm Section - Hoot Hester, Rick Vanaugh and Dennis Crouch.
A very enjoyable evening from beginning to end.
To add to Mikes list of greats in attendance:
Russ & Laney Hicks, Don Helms, Mike Johnson, Johnny & Joan Cox, Donna Hammitt.

BTW Dan, I play a JCH

Bobby Bowman · From: Cypress, Texas, USA, R.I.P.

Man,
I had a great time. It was goo, goo good!
BB

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If you play 'em, play 'em good!
If you build 'em, build 'em good!

Kim Tidrow · From: Imperial, Missouri, USA

Hey guys, One of the BEST superjams yet! I really enjoyed every set. I was really disapointed to hear that Mike Weirauch wasn't playing. Guess you can't have it all!!!! GREAT JOB!! Great to see you BB!

Kim

[This message was edited by Kim Tidrow on 02 April 2003 at 09:36 PM.]

John Bechtel · From: Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.

This was my 3rd time to participate in a Super Jam since becoming a member, and I have been to all the events. Super Jam XIII must have been the largest, attendence wise of all I've seen! Wall to wall! I was honored to be allowed to be part of it! Thanks,"Big John" http://community.webtv.net/KeoniNui/BigJohnBechtels

Frank Estes · From: Huntsville, AL

Mike, thank you for asking me to play. You were a first class host. Too bad Karen was not there to see you on your best behavior!

I must say that this American Legion is a great little place to play. It was cool how one of the side rooms could be opened up for vendor displays. The stage and seating is much better than the Bell Cove. Hopefully, the air conditioning will be as well!

For me, playing such events helps to give focus to practice and experiencing such high pressure environments make it easier to perform when you get back to your regular music jobs. There is no tougher group for a steel guitarist to play for than other steel guitarists!

I enjoyed playing beside two fine gentlemen--no one stomped on the other's solos, etc. I got a chuckle when right before we started playing, Big John said to me, "I won't play when you play, if you won't play when I play."

Big John must have had some bad experiences with the others with whom he was scheduled in the past!

He soon found out that he was teamed up with gentlemen (Mr. Fabian and even me!) who do not have an ego problem! It was very enjoyable.

Hoot, Dennis and Rick are simply superb first-class musicians. At first, I did not recognize Hoot because he was holding a guitar instead of a fiddle.

Mike Sweeney really knocked my socks off on his black Emmons push-pull. I had heard his E9 playing in Chattanooga before, but his C6 playing is equally awesome. Based on his playing, his boot camp instruction has to be first-class!

"Cookie" (Mike Jones of Barbara Mandrell fame) gets incredible tone out of that basket-weave Emmons Legrande. If I could tone like that out of a Legrande, then I would get one! It really jumps out there clear and distinct. Mike never seems to be working that hard when he plays. This one guy who should definitely be playing at the steel shows!

It was a tough order, but Malcolm Kirby held his own with those two on his JCH. He needed to turn it up more.

What can be said that has not already been said about Hal Rugg and John Hughey? Wow! I must say that Randy Beavers really made that Emmons Legrande (setup by Jeff Peterson) really sing. He had a lot of fresh ideas and his execution was flawless. It is great to see him back in the circuit and he seems really energized. That's right, he is playing and Emmons Legrande and not his Zum!

The only regret is that I had to leave before 10:30 to make that 2-hour drive home.

Smiley is one of the best master of ceremonies. His humor gets me every time.

BTW, it is really not that hard to play in front of your heros, because at my level of playing, they do not pay attention. They are busy visiting with each other! See, there are some advantages to mediocrity after all!

The NTSGA is the place to belong!

Thanks again to all!

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Frank Estes - 1978 Emmons D-10 8+7 #2441D

Mike Jones · From: Goodlettsville,TN,USA

Mike, I would like to thank you for inviting me to play. I always have a good time at these shows and always enjoy the fellowship of the players both on and off the stage. The hour I was aloted to play passed way to quick. Malcolm Kirby and Mike Sweeney were both great to work with. Both of these guy play excellent, it was a pleasure just to sit and listen to them. The first set also had some fine picking with Frank Estes, way to play Frank, Big John Bechtel, good playing Big John, and John Fabian.
John, those Carters sure sound good and that wooden guitar sure is pretty.
The third set blew me away with John, Hal, and Randy Beavers playing theirs tales off. What players!!! All in all a night of great playing even if I was a small part of it. Cookie

Joey Ace · From: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

What brand of guitar is John Fabian playing these days?

Mike Jones · From: Goodlettsville,TN,USA

John was using a Black Carter but he also had a very pretty natural wood guitar set up and switched between the two. He did real good too, played and sounded great.
Cookie

Michael Holland · From: Nashville, Tennessee, USA

It was indeed a great night of steel guitar attended by many great players who enjoyed sets from seasoned pros and newcomers alike. The standout of the evening, though, was Mike Sweeney. His traditional style of touch and tone is just superb, and that push pull set the standard for how a steel guitar should sound.

Tim Johnson · From: Cadiz, KY, USA

Man what a great jam, that Malcolm Kirby played excellent on that SD-10 JCH, I couldn't tell he didn't have C6, great job Malcolm.

Mike Sweeney · From: Nashville,TN,USA

Thanks Michael, That's very nice of you. I think that Randy Beavers stole the show though.
I was in great company on my set with Malcomb and Cookie. Both of those guys play so great I just wanted to listen.
I can't wait till the next one so I can do just that.
Mike Sweeney

Randy Beavers · From: Lebanon,TN 37090

I want to thank everyone at the NTSGA for inviting me to play the Super Jam. I had a great time both on and off the stage. I feel very fortunate to have friends and opportunities like these. One thing kept going through my mind, there's not a steel player anywhere that wouldn't have wanted to be in my shoes Tuesday night. All of them would like to play a set with Hal and John. They may have been nervous, I know I was, but I'm truly grateful for the opportunity. I kind of feel like the weekend golfer that wins a drawing and gets to play a round of golf with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

Ann Fabian · From: Mesquite, Texas, USA

hey Joey ... to answer your question

John Fabian played 2 Carters

Actually John says that he brought 2 Carters so he would not have to change strings if he broke any

All kidding aside, John and I really enjoyed ourselves. It was great to see everyone and to listen to all the great players who played that evening and there were a bunch of them! We look forward to coming back again.

A special thanks to John's favorite singer, Rob Parker, without whom we don't think any steel show is complete. What a talent!

Also, many thanks to the house band ... they were phenomenal as advertised.

Thanks to the NTSGA for all the help and assistance in making it possible for us to be there.

A few photos John and I took at the NTSGA #13 Super Jam.

And, Mike Weirauch: just so you know, John still intends to do an all-Carter-SET one day with you and Smiley doing Ray Price shuffles in the Key of C for an hour (as was originally planned for this jam)!

MALCOLM KIRBY · From: Crofton, KY USA

Thanks Tim. Give me a call and let's pick sometime.

Nick Reed · From: Russellville, KY USA

Sounds like you guys had a great show. Way to go there Mike! NR

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

What a great show! It was a pleasure meeting you all. Very inspirational performances. We have an outstanding community.

Dan Dowd · From: Paducah, KY, R.I.P.

Malcolm just got back from LT's show in Michigan and sorry about getting the alphabet screwed up on your JCH. But I did get your great playing correctly stated.

MALCOLM KIRBY · From: Crofton, KY USA

Thanks Dan. I'z just ribbing you. (I was in the 4th grade before I learned to spell Malcolm).
I hardly ever get past Speedy's Studio in Benton when I come "across the waters". But, I do hope we can get hooked up sometime and do some picking.

Ron Page · From: Penn Yan, NY USA

Thanks for the pics, Ann.

I can tell Bobby and Smiley apart now that Bobby shaved his 'stache.

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HagFan

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