How Many Steel Players In The State Of New York?

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 1 Sep 2010 7:42 am

Larry Larrows,

Thanks for writing about Ray Lamoureux. I last saw Ray in Lee, MA, during one of our Steel guitar "BASHES. Bobbe Seymour created much excitement the day Ray was in Lee, MA. He is a kind man and I have a few different Pictures of Ray packed away, also a group picture with many participants, including Ray. Smiley Roberts attended a "Home Club" meeting, (Ray was there) as well as "Troy" Phillips and many others. Bobby Reynolds and his dad played at one of the "Home Club" "Bashes" about 20 years ago. Nancy, the clubowner and manager Doug Carver, for many years assisted me 100% in making all attendees feel at home once a year. The "BASHES" featured an excellent variety of steel guitar performances. Both Nancy, and Doug have passed on. Popular Paul Manning, made one of his last performances there. He played his homemade steel that was chain driven at the pedals. He tried to maintain his health that was failing, but lost the battle under special care. Many sad and happy moments were experienced for a period of 25 years.

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 1 Sep 2010 9:37 am

Ebb,Gotcha!

Larry Robbins · Post by **Larry Robbins** » 1 Sep 2010 10:03 am

Ray Lamourex lives in Hartford,NY these days. Right around the corner from Brad Higgens!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 1 Sep 2010 11:29 am

Larry Robbins,

Two steel guitarists from N.Y. State are wondrously adept at building musical instruments, as well as having the ability to turn out 1st class steel guitar performances. Brad Higgins and Randy Rollman are two of the most gifted musicians to be found. I am very indebted to both gentlemen for providing some of the best steel playing that I've ever heard. Thanks for the latest word on Brad and Ray.

Fooch Fischetti · Post by **Fooch Fischetti** » 1 Sep 2010 4:48 pm

I live in Woodstock, NY and play steel, though some steel players think of me as the fiddle player at the PSGA shows in Norwalk.

I know of at least 4 others in the area.

Fooch

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 1 Sep 2010 4:56 pm

Fooch,I heard you play when I was a young boy!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 1 Sep 2010 5:13 pm

The steel guitar is a classy musical instrument that can be taken anywhere in musical circles without fear of being outshone by other instruments. Many very clever steel guitarists live in New York State. They are very innovative, and can prove to be helpful by offering many new ideas that promote better approaches to advanced studies. Their ability to appreciate the talent of others stands out in a large gathering of steel guitarists.

Fooch Fischetti · Post by **Fooch Fischetti** » 1 Sep 2010 5:14 pm

Stu... I smile every time I see a post from you thinking of those times back in the 70's around New Paltz.

Fooch

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 1 Sep 2010 5:16 pm

Here's a couple...Seattle great Chris Middaugh is a homeboy originally form the Bronx? The great Bob Brocious a Hudson Valley guy,Chris "Tiny" Olson can tell you all about Bob,Chris Middaugh took me to see him one time he played like Lloyd Green and sang "15 Years Ago" and sang like Conway,me and Fooch took a few lessons from him and he used to sell us strings.there was a guy in Woodstock named John McLeash played an old Fender I went to his house for a lesson once he sat there a drank a 5th of Jack,I learned about whiskey that day,fast foward about 10 years I'm in a little hardware store on Lankersham Blvd. in N. Hollywood buying an allen wrench for my ZB and on the way to play at the Palomino and a guy comes up to me in the store and asks if I'm still playing the steel guitar...Low and behold it was McLeash the last time I'd ever seen him,he played just like Pete Drake.

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 1 Sep 2010 5:19 pm

Fooch is one of my dearest friends in the whole world and an absolute monster on fiddle and steel.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 1 Sep 2010 11:29 pm

Stu Shulman,

Those are wonderful accounts that you gave of players who may not be known to others. I'm thinking to myself, don't stop now, we find great comfort in hearing about how music brought together these friendly exchanges. These acquaintances reminds me of a windswept plateau, where only the well-defined "rootholds" keep musicians on a course of entertainment. Once reaching a desired plateau, maintaining the skills to remain there at that level, becomes the next challenge.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 2 Sep 2010 11:27 am

The most difficult part is trying to move a thread on to points of interest, that relate to the subject chosen for discussions. I have been watching the water table in the well of well-wishers closely in this thread. Everyone who has taken the time to assist in providing names and places are looked upon with appreciation. With the P.S.G.A. INC., soon to be presented on Nov. 7th, and Scotty's Labor day weekend celebration this weekend coming up, it's easy to understand the decline of reports at his time.

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 2 Sep 2010 5:19 pm

Cindy Cashdollar is from Woodstock also I believe, Mark Emerick who plays with Commander Cody lives up by Albany also plays some steel.

Hey Buck Reid, saw you a few weeks ago at the Wellmont Theatre in Monclair,NJ with my wife, what a great show and you did a great job, what a talented bunch of musicians in your band. It was funn y hearing Lyle talk about all the Jersey guys moving to Texas back when he was in high school and taking all the Texas girls. I went to college at Texas Tech, but moved back here to marry my Jersey Girl.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 3 Sep 2010 4:48 am

Craig,

It's nice to hear from players in New Jersey. I'm still regretting not making the trip down to Hillsdale, N.J. when I received invitations to attend those musicals that were held in that township. I still have a VCR tape of a show held some time ago. It's packed away at the present time. It may be dated. If so, it may help in making certain determinations that others could identify with. I plan to go to great lengths to ascertain if they are still active in that township in the promotion of country music, and who the principle planners are by names. Every now and then, I write about the past events, hoping that someone will come forward and provide information about the New Jersey activities. Attending and performing at Hillsdale, N.J., was the late "COFFEE DRINKIN' NIGHTHAWK", LEE MOORE, who could be heard for years (early forties) playing "They thought he was a goner, "BUT THE CAT CAME BACK",.. on 50,000 watts of power in Wheeling, West Virginia. WWVA Wheeling Radio Station featured great country music all through the middle of the of the 20th century. He traveled down to N.J. from New York State to play at those country music celebrations. If any forum members who may be reading this column are familiar with the participants, or other relevant information, that took place in Hillsdale, New Jersey, PLEASE let me know.

Buck Reid · Post by **Buck Reid** » 3 Sep 2010 5:41 am

Craig, thanks for coming out to see us... sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you. Next time we're in your area, please come up and say hello. Yeah... the band is fun and all great guys too!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 3 Sep 2010 6:27 am

Buck Reid,

Do you have anything played on the E9th neck on You Tube? I would enjoy honing in for a spell on your E9th deliveries, if I may. Thanks...

Buck Reid · Post by **Buck Reid** » 3 Sep 2010 8:39 am

Hi Bill, nothing on You Tube that I'm aware of.

However, I do have tab/transcriptions for all tunes on my CD using the E9th tuning... which you can find at my website. Thanks for the interest!

Ray McCarthy · Post by **Ray McCarthy** » 3 Sep 2010 1:53 pm

Dick Realander from mid Long Island. He used to have a band called Blue Mesa. That was years ago--don't know if he's still around. (I lived for 30 yrs in Eastern Long Island)

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 4 Sep 2010 3:30 am

Ray McCarthy,

Thanks for sharing information about Dick Realander. I've tried to recall if the band was mentioned in the "Country Music Record Newspaper" during a 5 year period in the 80's, from '81-'86. If the band circulated into Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Massachusetts, and advertised their bookings, they may have contacted Dick Larkin, the publisher of the monthly newspaper. I have the 60 copies for each month over a 5 year period. It becomes a problem trying to ascertain which is of the greatest importance, the past or the future. Please advise...

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 4 Sep 2010 8:04 am

Bill,Since you mentioned Paul Manning and Smiley Roberts I thought you might enjoy a photo of that very Mass Bash at the Home Club.

.This shows Smiley and Paul and Pauls old home made steel which I had for a while when he was too sick to play..Paul whose real name was Paul Dimauro was also the brother of Springfields Mayor and State Senator Teddy Dimauro..We were playing up in Vermont and spending a day at the Track (Hinsdale NH.) when he got sick with apendicitis and he asked me to take care of his guitar while he recovered..He never got to play out after that and it was almost two years before he called me for his steel..I lost contact with him until he showed up for your bash that day..He was a good friend..I had contacted Jimmy sampson one time while I was up there for a copy of some of the videos he had taken of your bashes..I believe his Music World store has since closed...Nice to see you Mentioned (Troy) Phillips also..He use to E-mail me Jokes under his real name..LOL

Also I had the pleasure of doing one of your shows with Randy Rollman..A great player indeed...PS..The other steel in the picture was that of Sammy Gibson who was part of the trio set up for that spot...Also another picture of Larry Boone when he played the Home Club..Notice his Steeler Randy Beavers..

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 4 Sep 2010 9:20 am

Joe,

How very thoughtful of you to remember Paul, and the others, including Smiley, Sammy, Troy among others. I must thank you without delay. Seriously, I wouldn't want to miss letting you know how appreciative I am for the great support you've given me and all those players who made the "Bashes" so enjoyable to attend. Your accounts given in past messages to members of this forum, are very accurate. For that, I'm grateful and it makes me realize how fortunate we all have been for your vocalizing, and becoming vocal in praising the efforts made by steel guitarists, club owners, as well as singers. Your respect for support musicians became one of the priorities among stage presence, that contributed to audience participation. Thanks Joe..

Gary C. Dygert · Post by **Gary C. Dygert** » 7 Sep 2010 6:30 pm

Bill, besides my feeble attempts at nonpedal steel & reso, there was pedal steeler Paul Reynolds, once of Ohio, NY, and late of Ilion, NY, just down the road from me. Sadly, he is no longer with us. He taught me a few things, and we had some good times.

I played with Eddie Edwards in the 70's, and he made the steel cry. Last I heard, he lives in the Lake Luzerne, NY area.

Johnny Duggan, if you're reading this, howdy from me. How do you do all that stuff?

The great Stan Fish, formerly of the Utica area, now lives in Oneonta, NY.
(Stan, thanks for that TV spot back in the 60s.)

And my friend Phil Husted, instrumentalist par excellance, lives in the Utica area. He picks a mean pedal, nonpedal, and reso. (And has been known to play the b@nj0.)

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Sep 2010 5:26 pm

Gary,

Much obliged for your helpful information. I'm coasting at the moment. My "egg" thread has failed to make the grade. BTW, Paul Reynolds played a Fender 400 at a MASSBASH, back in the late 80's at the Home Club. His son Robert is a highly talented steel guitarist, with a special touch. He plays all stringed instruments. He can make a Fender steel sing with a special touch.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 10 Sep 2010 4:14 am

It appears at least that while choosing to pursue a musical profession, it is doubtful that the thickness of the skin becomes a cause to create concerns. External influences become a part of the accomplished musicians experience. Blatant denyings that may occur, are merely attempts to express an air of confidence that is only skin-deep in the thin-skinned class of performers. Phenom finesse can become a demon under the watchful eye of the perseverant outgoing awestricken learner. Stepping on the stage at The P.S.G.A. INC. isn't much different than stepping on Scotty's stage in St. Louis, Missouri, I would imagine. I managed to make it through a performance in Armonk, N.Y., at The Ramada Inn, sponsored by The P.S.G.A. INC. in 1992. My selections were not pure country, which happens to be my forte'. It definitely was a costly experience. Bob Maickel's lineup of players that day blew me away. Hal Rugg, Herby Remington, Jeff Newman, (enough said) among others in their class of players shoveled on the coal, as though there would be no tomorrows. I was drenched in formalities. The most famous players in the world are sponsored by the P.S.G.A. Inc. The same players that are featured there, are featured at Scotty's International Shows, located in St Louis, Mo, on Labor Day Weekends. Two of a kind, I believe would be a true statement, if the subject is order of players. Everyone there that exciting day were extremely friendly. The most helpful and friendly were Mr. and Mrs. Richie Chiasson, before the show. After my attempt to entertain 300 attendees, Leonard Zinn approached me and said, "You could have used my amp". I was plugged into a Peavey. Leonard had an older model tube type Fender amp. If only, I had known. The big problem with either show is quite evident. You may feel as though you are under too much pressure, with so little time provided to settle down, and play more forcefully.

Gary C. Dygert · Post by **Gary C. Dygert** » 10 Sep 2010 7:15 pm

Bill, I accompanied Paul at one of the Mass Bashes. We had a great time. Yes, his son Rob is a talented musician.