| Author |
Topic: Deliberate Upstaging Of Prominent Steel Guitarists |
Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 12:51 pm |
|
How many forum members have noticed how most prominent steel players seem to be content with the act of upstaging. I remember when Jay Andrews was back against the wall, backing "Kelly Pickler" in New York, and innumerable others over time have been obscured from view by whomever is responsible. It's not a pretty sight.  |
|
|
|
Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 1:11 pm
|
|
Bill....
Steel players or other sidemen and ladies get paid to look at the backside of the stars. Been that way for a long time. On occasion they might get the recognition of the leader. You don't have to like it but.....
If you want to be out front go to the steel shows.
As an addendum, most local groups who have a steel usually get to be seen and recognized.
Not always a pretty picture. |
|
|
|
Allan Munro
From:
Pennsylvania, USA and Scotland
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 1:20 pm
|
|
I spent most of my time playing bass when I was making a living in the music biz. It's never bothered me to be at the back. I think any sideman/woman who wants to be up front needs to re-think the jobs they apply for. It's a fact of life that most of the paying public are there for the singer and if you ain't the singer you are 'at the back' even if you are 'at the front'.
Interesting thread.
Allan.....
_________________
Only nuts eat squirrels.
Television is the REAL opiate of the masses! |
|
|
|
Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 1:31 pm
|
|
Jack,
Visit The COUNTY LINE BAND every 3rd week on Sunday evenings from 7:00 - 11:00 P.M.,in Pittsfield, MA., at the ITAM LODGE. Their steel players are in the front where the attendants can enjoy the music. The band features strong lead players, featuring steel and lead guitar. (All traditional country music.) The bottom line is NOT concealing a top steel guitarist behind a set of drums, or a baker's dozen of screaming rock-oriented guitarists.
Thanks for your insight. It's interesting to read how others have viewed the insurmountable upstaging of artistic musicians.
Last edited by Bill Hankey on 1 Mar 2010 3:00 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
Randy Wade
From:
Batesville, Arkansas, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 2:36 pm
|
|
| It is nothing new. People who hire backup musicians tend to want them to put all their efforts into making the star sound good. Many musicians are happy in this kind of role but some want more. There was an old black and white movie called Young Man With A Horn in which the character played by Kirk Douglas was a fabulous trumpet player and was striving to be successful but band leaders would dog him about playing what was on the sheet music and wouldn't give him much of a chance to be in the spotlight. He kept searching for a note no one else could hit, thinking that would make him famous but it drove him to insanity in the process. The movie had a nice ending though after he picked himself up by the bootstraps and made things happen for himself. |
|
|
|
Allan Munro
From:
Pennsylvania, USA and Scotland
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 3:09 pm
|
|
It's right there in the name - BACKup...
_________________
Only nuts eat squirrels.
Television is the REAL opiate of the masses! |
|
|
|
Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 3:40 pm
|
|
Randy,
If only we could make things return the way they were before Jerry Byrd seemingly took Faron Young's advice by moving to Hawaii. As it turned out, Jerry's stage presence should have been traditionalized. What were they thinking of? If word was out among the Nashville players, that Jerry was acting on a singer's advice to leave the country, somebody should have pulled Jerry aside to offer encouragement to remain in the good ole U.S.A. He was a national treasure, and those who knew of his plans, let him slip away. I know that Hawaii is part of the U.S.A., but they play songs of the Islands there, so I'm told. This upstaging that is as common as "punch", and is another area that has changed traditional country music to serve the interest of diversionists. They succeed by gradually introducing rock-guitar inducements. It may be wise to accept certain changes. None of us are able to start over, with a fresh start, to carry the effort to preserve a good thing from getting swept away.
Last edited by Bill Hankey on 1 Mar 2010 4:59 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
|
|
Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 3:53 pm
|
|
| Quote: |
| As an addendum, most local groups who have a steel usually get to be seen and recognized |
.
For this kind of venue it works well.
Steel for the sake of steel to me is not "cool"
"Eye Candy" steel players don't do a thing for me.
Now having said all that, I along with the other members of the various groups I work with get more than our fair share of accolades. I will also add that I would not classify myself as a prominent player. Maybe that makes a difference but somehow I don't think so. In any case I know my place in the pecking order as I'm sure the pros do.
Last edited by Jack Dougherty on 1 Mar 2010 4:01 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 3:59 pm
|
|
Allan,
I'll bet that you can play a "mean" bass guitar. I'm just curious about your interests in the steel guitar. I don't believe that you've commented on taking up the steel guitar. Could you fill me in on any steel guitar (past or present) activities? |
|
|
|
Archie Nicol R.I.P.
From:
Ayrshire, Scotland
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 4:27 pm
|
|
Allan played bass as `backup`. Some folks seek attention. 
Arch. |
|
|
|
Barry Blackwood
|
|
|
|
Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 4:34 pm
|
|
Jack,
Sentiments count when you look back to all the mistakes you've made in your life. I can count for the rest of my life, mistakes made throughout my life. It's a high-wire situation. Money-grubbers can make life difficult. Years ago, we worked for pennies, now there is more money circulating, but commodities feature the highest prices ever. A student steel guitarist trying to pay $1000.00 a month for a patched up apartment, heat and electricity (not incuded), has been living in a system gone bad. Hindsight is always 20/20. |
|
|
|
Kenny Martin
From:
Chapin, S.C. USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 4:41 pm
|
|
I don't sit in the back seat anymore Bill! When i got paid serious money i did but now when i show up to play i sit up front! I still get good money as this past weekend sittin in!!! 
"I Get Paid To Steel"  
_________________
www.youtube.com/krmsr59 |
|
|
|
Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 4:53 pm
|
|
Kenny,
Thanks for the view of you looking mighty fine. I don't think that I've seen the gentleman at the main mike. I'll bet he knows a bunch of country music. Does he play lead on that guitar leaning to his immediate left? I can see you busy on the E9th neck. How are you doing on the C6th neck? |
|
|
|
Bryan Daste
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 5:16 pm
|
|
If you want to sit up front, sing backing vocals! Works for me.  |
|
|
|
Kenny Martin
From:
Chapin, S.C. USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 5:28 pm
|
|
Yep he does some serious country and does some of that southern rock thing!
Yea, the E9TH neck is where the money is but i will say that i get to play about 6 tunes on C6 when i work with these guys! 
"Mustang Sally" in C is one that's fun to play back there! Mike Bagwell told me the men play on the back neck and the boys play on the front!
I will say that John Swain along with Gary Lee Gimble
 is teaching me what i play on C6! John and Gary know what i play when i play it! I bust off a run and then ask them to tell me all the notes and chords i played!
John Swain is especially smart and a great guy that helps me!
Ok, back to being out front! I like being out there alot cause the veiw is pretty good in the big clubs!!
_________________
www.youtube.com/krmsr59 |
|
|
|
Joe Miraglia
From:
Jamestown N.Y.
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 5:28 pm
|
|
Can you'll see me  |
|
|
|
Kenny Martin
From:
Chapin, S.C. USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 5:34 pm
|
|
Way to go Joe! You look marvelous out there man!
_________________
www.youtube.com/krmsr59 |
|
|
|
Mike Bagwell
From:
Greenville, SC, USA
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 7:30 pm
|
|
Kenny,
Ugh' I never said that. You ask my opinion about a swing tune you were playing E9,it sounded pretty thin, I said "man up and play it on C6". Knowing you don't play much on C6, I was trying to pull your leg a little. Sorry for the confusion.
Mike |
|
|
|
John Ed Kelly
From:
Victoria, Australia
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 8:56 pm
|
|
Kenny says ''I don't sit in the back seat anymore............""
Your drummer does, I see, but he has a whole room to himself. Which prompts a couple of questions:
1/ Does he drag the walls around from job to job or is it part of the club setup?
2/ Is it really necessary anyway? |
|
|
|
Eric West
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA, R.I.P.
|
Posted 1 Mar 2010 10:54 pm
|
|
Well Bill.
I'm surprised at how many prominent "Steel Guitar Artists" make such a big thing about which "God" from SHania to CLay Aiken or whatever "Real Housewife of.." they are "backing up".
It's like "Hey", I'm just a "Boy", but I serve on the biggest plantation...
That's why there aren't more than a coupe that weren't/aren't just "Sidemen".
It has to do more with the "Artist", like say ET. HE ALWAYS put the guys OUT THERE.
Brad Paisley lately is probably the best at doing it to. I think I've heard "Here's Randle Curry" on about every album.
Anyhow...
Sometimes I'd rather be behind a PA stack, but that's just the jobs I play...
EJL |
|
|
|
Ernest Cawby
From:
Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.
|
Posted 2 Mar 2010 2:49 am Hi
|
|
A lot of the older great stars put the band out front. Ernest Tubb comes to mind, Ray Price always introduced the band and made comments as their worth. Hank Tompson, Eddie Arnold took the front row all to himself. If I had know how badlyu he treeted Roy, he would not been so great in my eyes. I think Roys steel playing had a lot to do with his success. 70 million $????
The whole time I played at the Hayride no steel solos were heard till my last night, Sammy had me play steel Guitar stomp, 3 standing ovations, I really think the crowd that night loved steel guitar more than the crew that run the show would have believed.
ernie |
|
|
|
Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
|
Posted 2 Mar 2010 4:25 am
|
|
Joe,
I think you'd agree that the other responders have contributed largely in this column in the interest of our favorite musical instrument. I'm happy to read generous feedback from Eric West, Kenny Martin, and those who offer interesting thoughts about current events. That picture of you shows your lead player crowding in on you, resulting in obliterating part of your steel. The packed attendees offer a very impressive view of the packed seating arrangement. WOW! What an opportunity to spread the word of the foremost country sound made by one instrument. The turnout was an entertainer's dream. Joe, I never expose my steel to the hot sun. I have a beach umbrella that I place over my steel, which offers double duty protection from the sun. They hold a beach party at a lake front annually, in North Egremont, MA., I've played there twice. The camp director saw my umbrella, and immediately commented about a definite 1st in his encounter with a noncompliant musician. OH! said he! Ambiance! I thought to myself, call it as you wish, my performance is contingent upon the use of the beach umbrella in the broiling sunshine.
Last edited by Bill Hankey on 2 Mar 2010 5:33 am; edited 3 times in total |
|
|
|
David Wright
From:
Pilot Point ,Tx USA.
|
Posted 2 Mar 2010 4:35 am
|
|
Play a Flamed Guitar, you'll always stand out,
Funny, I was subing for Maurice at the Johnny High show, and the M.C during the show pointed out how Country my Guitar was to the crowd..  at that point, I said , "get a job and buy some friends" , ....he put a dollar on my guitar, and I told him he now has 1 friend ...
Kenny M.
Play a S-12 , you'll always be Man up..
Nice to see Mike B he's a great player... |
|
|
|
Kenny Martin
From:
Chapin, S.C. USA
|
Posted 2 Mar 2010 5:14 am
|
|
Thanks Mike B.! Just picken at ya man!
John Swain and you are suppose to help me "Man up" on C6! When ya comin down? I learned "Secret Love" from John and now workin on "Wave"! I don't have a clue what i'm playin but its alot of fun!
You are right David! Mike is a killer player and a good dude! Just can't get him to come to the jam!!!
I'm gonna go up to Greenville and drag him out!!
Maybe Boyd Burdette can get r done!
_________________
www.youtube.com/krmsr59 |
|
|
|
