Ghosts in the room

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 14 Mar 2011 3:01 pm

It is such an honor to be a part of the Non-Pedal Room at the TSGA. The room has been named in honor of Rick Alexander, but the spirits and memories of all the departed greats of the steel guitar inhabit the room for the weekend that we are there.

The non-pedal room is almost an altar to the great history of the instrument, where players lovingly pay tribute to those who created such great music. Players of all levels participate and support one another. Regardless of where you are in your own personal quest, the recognition and respect for the past is very deep and moving. Some of the most beautiful and poignant music I heard all weekend came from that room.

It's not a matter of perfection--many of us struggled from nervousness or even just from a little bit of rust--but it is when you are playing from the heart that you really can touch people. I wanted to impress people with slick playing and could not find it, but instead I surrendered myself to the music and felt genuine emotion as I played. That was a very important lesson for me.

I heard many players in the Non-pedal room whom I'd never had a chance to hear before, and I was impressed by all of them because of the amount of love and respect they showed to the instrument and the music. We can all go back to where we came from and to the music we make, however diverse it may be, knowing that we were all kindred spirits and were playing to the ghosts in the room with great respect and admiration.

Raymond Jones · Post by **Raymond Jones** » 14 Mar 2011 4:03 pm

Mike- the feeling and feelings of all came through the broadcast on my computer so clearly. I had it on all day as I worked at my bench. When I heard the sounds of steel playing I would run to see who and with whom. Totally enjoyed all. Your talent and skill showed through all you did. Many thanks for all everybody did.
Cheers to all - Ray

James Nottage · Post by **James Nottage** » 14 Mar 2011 5:18 pm

OK, Mike. Now I feel really bad about not being able to go. The fact is that I have never been to any of the shows and hope to go to St. Louis this year. Can I expect as strong a set up for non-pedal there as you describe in Dallas?

James

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 14 Mar 2011 6:42 pm

James, I cannot answer your question, as I've never been to the St. Louis show (but it's next on my list). Brad would know better.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 14 Mar 2011 8:20 pm

I haven't been to the International Steel Guitar Convention in St. Louis, MO in quite a few years, but my understanding is that they have more focus on nonpedal steel than in the past. They still are primarily focused on the pedal steel (as much as the TSGA is). I understand that Stacy Phillips was supposed to give a dobro seminar last year in St. Louis, but missed it due to a cracked rib.

I know DeWitt Scott is a big proponent of the non-pedal steel, given his own participation here this year. You should suggest a greater non-pedal focus to him and see what he and his team can do in that regard.

The attention and focus that Jeff Strouse and Howard R. put into making this nonpedal series happen is what attracted me to this particular convention this year. If it weren't for Rick Alexander, Jeff and Howard, it would be far less attractive to me.

I agree with Mike - we are all standing on the shoulders of giants.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 14 Mar 2011 8:39 pm

I sure missed Herb Remington this year, but we were graced with the presence of plenty of great players and fantastic people. Billy Robinson is a remarkable player and gentleman with great stories from the Opry. He also is one very talented man, as he displayed prints of his oil paintings. Cindy Cashdollar came in and tore it up 2 days in a row. She's a great player and a beauty. Carco Clave also played a lot of great music. One of the highlights for me was his solo version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" on 10-string steel.

Rich Sullivan brought it with some fine Western Swing playing and so did Rose Sinclair (the New England contingent). Everyone loved Rose--even David Wright and bunch of pedal players came to check her out. Tony Locke, a good pal of mine, came and displayed his prowess for 2 fine sets of swing tunes. Mark Roeder played a set with his wife Kristy on his Clinesmith and hit it out the ballpark. The real surprise for me, though, was Mark's fine fiddle playing which appeared in several sets, including my second set.

I enjoyed meeting and playing with Ivan Reddington and Don Kona Woods, two players who have so much devotion to the Hawaiian steel guitar. It is really infectious and added to the warm feeling we all felt.

George Piburn and his lovely wife handled the transmission of the streaming video. George is a very interesting and talented guy. He showed his prize guitar, with its 200 coats of laqcuer! Sounded sweet, too. His wife is a lovely woman. I enjoyed playing and hanging with Steve Alcott and his wife, Mary. Steve is a fine, versatile musician (and a native Texan living in NYC).

So much more, but I'm out of gas right now.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 14 Mar 2011 10:10 pm

I was the last one out on Sunday.....after everyone was packed off and sent home with a gold star....I looked around at the empty room with the empty tables, some half empty water bottles....and had an empty feeling as I turned off the lights, said goodbye to Rick and closed the door for the last time.....

And as I walked down the hallway to the elevators, a smile came over my face as my mind was filled with plans for next year......

Don Kona Woods · Post by **Don Kona Woods** » 14 Mar 2011 10:58 pm

This was my first visit to the Texas Steel Guitar Jamboree and a very pleasant one.
I got to meet some new friends (some from the Forum) and see a few old friends. The whole gathering seemed very much like being with family friends.

I appreciated the opportunity to have Mike Neer play rhythm guitar in backing me on my all Hawaiian musical program, as well as Ivan R. and Scott.
It is very evident that Mike is a very accomplished musician and artist not only in playing the steel guitar but in his rhythm guitar playing. I really enjoyed having Scott play bass. He was terrific.

I might say that it was a little intimidating, to say the least, to follow the Hall of Fame artist Reece Anderson’s program.
Someone said, “That is part of your initiation ritual into the non-pedal club at Texas Steel Guitar Convention.”

While I am an amateur at the Hawaiian steel guitar, I do have a love and devotion for the instrument and the music of the Islands.
I want to do whatever I can to play it as beautifully as I can and then the next time play it more beautifully.

I want to express much appreciation for Jeff and Howard's work. They both did an incredible job.

Without their devotion to the Rick Alexander Non-pedal Steel Guitar Room and it's perpetuation, where would we be? Again I highly commend them.

Aloha,
Don

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 15 Mar 2011 1:02 am

Thanx to Georges & Pj, i like many others, were glued for hours catching the show
from where i was, the vibes came through & i'm sure Rick was choking w: emotion
if i take my hat off to Premod Howard, he'll probably tell me " that one came outta my shop !"

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 15 Mar 2011 5:04 am

Reece Anderson played masterfully to a packed room. It was so crowded that I had to listen from outside the door. He is a living legend.

There is an upside and downside to being one of the sidemen--you get to participate with others in making music (which is a big upside), but when you're finished it's inevitable that you will miss some performances. Regrettably, I missed a few that I wanted to see, like Chuck Lettes, who is such a warm, generous person.

I had the pleasure of playing with my friends Dan Tyack and Bob Hoffnar, and had a blast with both of them. Dan played 2 beautiful Benoit resonators and Bob brought his gorgeous D-10 Clinesmith. John Lang, whom I'd never met before, came in and played a great set of classics on his Stringmaster. Dewitt Scott (also known as Scotty) played a set on his trusty Fry Pan to a very appreciative crowd. Speaking of Fry Pans, Dave Kolars played a set on one of the most unique Fry Pans I've ever seen--a super short-scale yellow crinkle Pan (the scale is only 21 1/2"!). Had a nice tone, too. Ray Montee was a surprise appearance with his Rickenbacher B-6 and pleased the crowd with a real Jerry Byrd-like touch and sound.

Wade Pence played a nice set on his Rick B-6, which I believe was tuned to open E. Unfortunately, like I said, I missed a few of the sets, but hopefully someone else will chime in. Dick Meis was one of the sets I unfortunately missed, as well as Sharon Denny and Larry McFall (I'll catch you next year).

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 15 Mar 2011 8:25 am

Mike, I watched most of the webcast on Friday and I enjoyed your performance on both steel and guitar, as well as the many other players. I could see that you were having a great time... especially when you were backing Cindy Cashdollar on guitar. You had the biggest grin on your face, and I don't blame you!
I didn't see Reece on the webcast, but I have seen youtube clips of his past performances on his SuperSlide. Very inspirational. Thank you George, Howard, Jeff, and others for all the hard work you do!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 15 Mar 2011 8:56 am

Doug, I suffered from nerves on Friday which really put a major damper on my ability to play. I can't quite explain it--and yet, I don't really feel bad about it. I just chalk it up as part of the learning process. I've only ever fronted a group with steel the two times I've played in Dallas, so now my priority will be to put a little group together.

I spoke to Joe Wright about this phenomenon and he gave me some good advice about breathing. It's really funny to stand helpless as you completely lose all finesse in your right hand! Anyone else ever have this experience?

I enjoyed playing rhythm guitar for everyone, especially Cindy. She's got a lot of driving energy and leads a group well.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 15 Mar 2011 9:34 am

It's really funny to stand helpless as you completely lose all finesse in your right hand! Anyone else ever have this experience?

Yes, when I first started playing steel shows in 1981 it was a frightening experience, but also a challenge and very exciting. It's nothing like playing a club gig. 1000 club gigs will not prepare or relax a steel player for the intense focus of a steel guitar show, where he is out front. It takes a while to get used to, but things do get smoother the more do it. Mike, I thought you sounded great on the show. I didn't notice any problem at all.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 15 Mar 2011 9:35 am

The Rick Alexander Non Pedal Sessions is a labor of love.......there is nothing more rewarding to both myself and Jeff than receiving the appreciation of those who attend and participate.....this makes it all worthwhile....

As most have experienced, and those who viewed the live stream, you can see that it's all a matter of participation in any manner......yes, it's like a family get together (except with friends and not real family

) and there is a certain bond and comradeship.....and we intend to not only keep this going, but to also build on it.....

Tom Pettingill · Post by **Tom Pettingill** » 15 Mar 2011 9:55 am

It was great catching some of the live webcast on Friday! A hell of a bunch of talent and a wonderful treat for sure!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 15 Mar 2011 10:03 am

Howard, any time you and Jeff are around, it's a good thing, my friend.

Anthony Locke · Post by **Anthony Locke** » 15 Mar 2011 1:33 pm

I definately felt honored to be there. There was a good vibe in that room. Thanks Howard and Jeff for keeping the non-pedal room going, you guys did a fantastic job.

Rose Sinclair · Post by **Rose Sinclair** » 15 Mar 2011 2:18 pm

Mike--you said it all, and eloquently.
What a weekend -- great people, great music, endless inspiration -- I'll be floating on this for quite a while...

Andrew Yanchick · Post by **Andrew Yanchick** » 15 Mar 2011 4:56 pm

As a newbie I really enjoyed the streaming broadcast.Wish I was there to see it all in person.A FINE job putting all that together.My hat is off to all who participated and to those of you that put that lovely program together.Andy

seldomfed · Post by **seldomfed** » 15 Mar 2011 5:26 pm

every one of these events is so special - I'm so sorry I missed it. Hopefully I won't next year.

ya mike - I always get nervous - playing for peers is really hard. but let me tell ya, I do
believe steel players are very supportive of each other in these situations - everyone
tells their own story with music, and it's all good. it is a great learning
experience to get up and share at these events.

Ralph Czitrom · Post by **Ralph Czitrom** » 16 Mar 2011 6:11 am

Mike - I was fortunate enough to be able to catch some of the wonderful performances last Friday. At 63, I thought there were no more heroes for me, but that is just not true. The passion you have for your music is apparent in your playing and your writing. Thanks so much for sharing it with the rest of us.

Don DeMaio · Post by **Don DeMaio** » 16 Mar 2011 10:32 pm

Are any of the sessions in video that we can watch? I watched a little live but then had to get back to work.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 17 Mar 2011 6:13 am

Yes, there will be video......I'll post that in a separate thread by the weekend.....

Mark Roeder · Post by **Mark Roeder** » 17 Mar 2011 10:28 am

Mike Neer said it all, so all I could say would echo that. It was a thrill to hear, meet, and play with such a talented group. Masters and masters to be. It was an honor to be part of the group! I will say more when I get some photos from Kristy to post.

Mark Moseley · Post by **Mark Moseley** » 17 Mar 2011 2:23 pm

I never had the chance to know Rick like many of you and I wish I had. However, he probably is grinning right now I would think looking at all the fun had at the non-pedal session. Lots of good music, many styles, each person bring a lot of talent to share. I enjoyed playing rhythum with several of you, especially Cindy, and hope to do so again sometime. The jams were such fun. Howard and Jeff are so unsung in this, thanks for all you did and for Mark to bring the sound...So much talent and artistry for the two days.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Ghosts in the room - the Non-Pedal Room at the TSGA Jamboree

Ghosts in the room - the Non-Pedal Room at the TSGA Jamboree

That says it all -

Steel Without Pedals