How Many Steel Players In The State Of New York?

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 27 Aug 2010 3:32 pm

Barry,

Wild animals in N.Y. can rob you of wheels in about 2 seconds flat. Any of the large animals can be in front of your automobile in one giant leap out of the brush along the roadside. I keep the beams up to catch a glimpse of the telltale eyes when possible, and ease off on the speed. A 300 lb. Virginia whitetail buck can cause considerable damage to a 1000 lb. vehicle.

Jack Dougherty · Post by **Jack Dougherty** » 27 Aug 2010 4:53 pm

Bill.....
Yes, I am familiar with the afore mentioned mountain top.... I have in fact flown over its snow capped peak on numerous occasions in my career. Not with standing having grown up in what I now call a harsh environment, my move to the south was both financial as well as for mental health. Having suffered through seventeen snow storms one year, it was a move guided by destiny.
As to the often wind and rain blown shores of Florida, usual for this time of year , I have discovered one undeniable fact.......when it rains....I don't have to shovel it

JD

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 27 Aug 2010 11:56 pm

Jack Dougherty,

Were you ever aware of the presence of Chris Olson, who after leaving Gene Watson's band, settled for quite some time in Red Hook, N.Y., not far from the Hudson River, and The Catskill Mountains? My friend, and steel player Les Ogden, who lives in Claverack, N.Y., was in contact with Chris, and a forum member (Greg ?) Cutshaw. They were featuring lessons and the basics of pedal steel for a few years. I think G. Cutshaw moved to Pennsylvania, and "Tiny" Olson is settled in upstate N.Y. When Chris lived in Red Hook, he must have taken in most of the great views of the Catskill Mountains. There are 30 peaks at 3500' above sea level with the highest in Ulster County at 4,180'. The range is said to be a continuation of the Allegheny Plateau. I suspect the Hudson River, and Catskills offer a great view when flying over the area. I've met some fine musicians on
occasion, who live along the base of the Catskill Mountains.

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 28 Aug 2010 12:53 am

Hey, i'm from New York
Washington Heights - 187th st

Jack Dougherty · Post by **Jack Dougherty** » 28 Aug 2010 3:43 am

Bill...

Cris and I do know each other. We have a history.(a good one)
The views you describe about the Hudson Valley are at at times a breath taking site. There will always be a piece of me there. But not the picce thats in a hurry to move back.

J

Archie Nicol · Post by **Archie Nicol** » 28 Aug 2010 5:23 am

Does Staten Island count? I believe this chap came from there:

Hank Devito

Arch.

John De Maille · Post by **John De Maille** » 28 Aug 2010 5:31 am

Bill,
I'll be playing at the RISGA show, on Sept 19th and at the PSGA show on Nov 6th-7th. It would be great to see you at either one.

Joe Miraglia · Post by **Joe Miraglia** » 28 Aug 2010 5:33 am

From the best part of New York State,Western NY.

. Go Buffalo Bills! Uncle Doug, Bobbie,Kevin H,and others. Joe

www.willowcreekband.com

Duncan Hodge · Post by **Duncan Hodge** » 28 Aug 2010 7:42 am

Hello Bill. Greetings from hot and humid Florida.
I used to live on East 13th Street in NYC (Between 1st and 2nd Ave.) I'm glad I didn't play steel at the time on account of I lived on the fifth floor of a five story walkup. I bought my first steel soon after moving to a more steel-friendly two story house in NJ. I suppose that made me a neighbor of Bill M. In any event, I could walk to the Rodeo Bar and see the Flying Neutrinos. So I guess I was a steel guitar wannabe living in NY.
Duncan

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 28 Aug 2010 7:56 am

New York' Capital District, known as the Capital Region, or Capital land, refers to the four counties surrounding Albany, the Capital.

Goodness knows, there are heavy concentrations of steel players in each of those counties. I became acquainted with many of the players over the years. Unfortunately not enough to be made aware of the multitudes who prefer keeping behind the curtain.

New York's Capital district has featured many excellent musicians. Singers, instrumentalists, speakers, songwriters, that without question could hold their own anywhere in the land. "Chuck" Morehouse from the Albany, N.Y. district stands out in my mind. I met him back in the 80's, at the former J.W.'s on Pontoosuc Lake.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 28 Aug 2010 8:13 am

I just learned that super picker BUCK REID has a CD out called; "A Work In Progress", with an arrangement of "Alabama Jubilee" included. I am wondering if the CD is available for purchasing. I'll check the web.

Dee Price · Post by **Dee Price** » 28 Aug 2010 11:48 am

How many steel players are in the Sacramento region, cuz I only need "one".

Larry Robbins · Post by **Larry Robbins** » 28 Aug 2010 1:17 pm

so...in my little corner of the world..from what has been posted here to what I know to be true from where I live....there are about 30 players of the steel guitar in my neighborhood!!say...a 30 mile radius... not bad..plus a few who are NOT Forum members...probably about 6!!......soon we shall cover the Earth like moss......

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 28 Aug 2010 3:20 pm

Duncan Hodge,

Thanks for the belated itinerary as it were. As I recall Buck Owens sang a song about city streets in and about New York City. It was intended to be comical rather than serious. I'd have to do a search to find it. My wife visited a Broadway show some time ago. The "Naked" Cowboy was plunking his guitar on the streets on that particular day. A friend of ours invited her to ride the bus with several others. No problem! She loved the show. I'm confident that you would have acquainted yourself with entertainment centers while living there. I am told that there has been increased interests in the steel guitar within New York City environs.

Charley Wilder · Post by **Charley Wilder** » 28 Aug 2010 3:37 pm

Bill, I'm also a "used to be". I was born and raised up in Jefferson County but didn't take up the steel until I settled in Michigan in the mid 60's. Still visit often. I'll be taking my annual Fall color tour in a month or so.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 28 Aug 2010 3:47 pm

Larry Robbins,

It appears as though you have some good contacts in your neighborhood. Your ability to play most stringed instruments foretells your dedicated achievements. Thanks for the estimates.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 29 Aug 2010 9:14 am

Could someone give me a rundown, summarizing where Dave Denny, and Anna Marie Thomas are today? Channel 6 television (WRGB) in Schenectady, featured them as regular country entertainers back in the 60's. I'll never get the whole story of how a small acoustic guitar belonging to Dave, was given to a family member, and passed on to me. I'm curious about what became of the two entertainers. I think that a steel guitarist would appear on their show occasionally.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 29 Aug 2010 9:25 am

Born in NYC, raised on L.I.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 29 Aug 2010 9:49 am

Jim Cohen,

I sure miss your expertise on that pedal steel guitar. I haven't seen you for a groundhogs life span! My transportation to where you may be appearing in the future will be better, by upgrading reliability in a later model vehicle. I thought that Pennsylvania was your birthplace.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 29 Aug 2010 9:53 am

Thanks Bill. I'll be playing this Nov at PSGA. Hope to see you there!

Michael J Pfeifer · Post by **Michael J Pfeifer** » 29 Aug 2010 1:35 pm

I play in NYC. I've met a few NY players,and they weren't very friendly. So, now I would rather not know them. That's Show biz!

Buck Reid · Post by **Buck Reid** » 29 Aug 2010 1:40 pm

Hi Larry, I hope the rumor about Johnny Dugan isn't true... any info would be appreciated.

Hi Bill, I do see Smiley on occasion and will be sure to say hello for you next time I see him. Also... my CD, "A Work In Progress" is still available at the web link below. Thanks for asking!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 29 Aug 2010 1:47 pm

Michael,

It would be most difficult to respond to a situation such as that. My immediate response would be to get at the bottom of the problem. I would rather hear that the city dwellers welcomed your participation, by showing the appreciation that is expressed in so many different ways by others who gather for jam sessions. Michael, have you ever participated in those friendly all day jam sessions held in Hillsdale, N.J.? I'm not sure if they are still jamming. It's been a while since they invited me to attend. I know that Lee Moore The "Coffee Drinkin' nighthawk" traveled there from Upstate N.Y.

Michael J Pfeifer · Post by **Michael J Pfeifer** » 29 Aug 2010 2:13 pm

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the comeback.I'm not familiar with the jam in Hillsdale. The Indie music scene in the "Naked City," and surrounding area is hideous. There is no getting to the bottom of the problem. Many of the musicians I've come in contact with, over the last seven years are scum bags.The Indie music scene here sucks,period! Have a nice day.

Bernie Gonyea · Post by **Bernie Gonyea** » 29 Aug 2010 3:03 pm

Bill : If you like great steel guitar music; you are destined to hear one of our finest steel pickers in our country ; if you buy buck's " Work In Progress ". Why do you think Buck has been working with Lyle Lovet for close to 18 years. He will not find any better; anywhere.. And a finer man you will not find anywhere on the planet..Cheers.. Bernie

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How Many Steel Players In The State Of New York?

Buck Reid's " Work In Progress "