Branson show-Mike Magee ang Buck Grantham

Keith Hilton · From: 248 Laurel Road Ozark, Missouri 65721

I had a great time at the Saturday night jam in Springfield before the show on Sunday. We all need to thank Rev. Hanley and his wife Vinda for having the big jam sessions at their home. On Sunday Mike Magee played an absolute PERFECT show. Mike you are lucky to have a friend like Max King. I think Buck Grantham played the best I have ever heard him. I don't know anyone who comes to the steel shows who plays Cajun steel better than Buck. In my opinion, it was the best backup band I have seen on any show. I may be prejudice, because the band is the same band I used on my CD.

[This message was edited by Keith Hilton on 31 July 2006 at 09:40 AM.]

Jerry Lee Newberry · From: Prim, AR USA

I agree. Mike played very well. I didn't know he could sing though. Buck's set was VERY GOOD. His Cajun stuff with the fiddle player was GREAT!!!!!!!!! Donna

Dana Stewart · From: Kansas, USA

I LOVE Cajun music and we all love Buck on steel guitar. When he and Wade played the Cajun, it was all I could do to keep my seat. That was some of the best Cajun music I have ever heard. We want more of that.

Doug Earnest · From: Branson, MO USA

Yep, it was mighty good when Buck and Wade did "Diggy Liggy Lo"! I always say when Wade gets wound up he fiddles all over. You would just have to see it to understand. He and Bruce Hoffman make it look easy to play "on the fly" twin fiddle parts, I bet it isn't.....Other observations...

Mike McGee played better than I have ever seen him and had FINE tone! Practice pays.

Terry Bethel had his usual awesome tone and technique, he is without a doubt one of the true masters.

Bobby Hempker was just great as the opening performance. He played some really nice C6 tunes on his Emmons. Great sound, Bobby!

Dean Holman proved once again that he is a monster dobro (and steel) player.

Roy Ayres put on a good show with some tunes and style not usually heard these days.

Mr. Sweeney seems to have a wonderful touch.

Scotty had a new frypan type of guitar that had a heck of a good tone!

Good ole Russ Hicks sounded very good on his new MSA, we missed Laney and hope she is feeling better.

I didn't get to see Jerry Newberry & Austin Stewart or Joe Wright, darnit.

All in all, it was a very good performance by all the players and the Baldknobbers theater was nice and cool! And yes, that is an exceptional backup band. R.P. Harrell was a new addition on the piano and did a great job, he even acted like it was fun!

Thanks to all the players and the audience, it was a pretty good crowd for a 100 degree day.

(Edited to correct R.P. Harrell's name...)

[This message was edited by Doug Earnest on 31 July 2006 at 05:38 PM.]

Gary Atkinson · From: Arkansas, USA

I have to agree with everyone on the steel players,they are top of the heap.I don't think you could go anywhere and find a better back-up band.I was glad to see Brian Sterling on lead guitar back in action.I like his style and the fact that he doesn't play a lot of distortion.Mike breid,who played guitar with Mike Magee,did a fantastic job.I hadn't heard him play in many years.I like to visit with old and new friends and there were a lot of them there. What a ''GREAT''day of entertainment.Thanks to everyone who bought our new cd''STARIN AT THE MOON.Gary Atkinson

Lana Rosselli · From: St. Louis, Missouri, USA

I will 'ditto' all that has been said. But of course, ya'll know I have to throw in a few words...

Doug - the piano player was R.P. Harrell and boy he was fabulous. I may add, he does a great solo in the Clay Cooper show too.

Jerry & Austin were fantastic. I really thought it was funny when Jerry ran off and then Austin walked over and played his guitar - showin' grandpa - Ha!

Of course, Joe rocked the folks there at then end. He was really kickin' it up and the band was lettin' loose. Ol' Chuck Landry back there on drums was having a ball as was Brian (guitar), R.P. (piano), and Wade (fiddle). Now, Joe and the bass player (Randy O'Connell) were pickin on each other something terrible!

All the players seemed on top of their game yesterday. The show went off without a hitch. Thanks to everyone who came to the show. It was a humdinger!

A big special thanks to Terry Bethel for pulling together an outstanding event. And for letting me share the stage with him.

Miss Lana

Keith Hilton · From: 248 Laurel Road Ozark, Missouri 65721

Austin Stewart played the Lloyd Green tune "Juet Box Charlie", and I am sure he scared Jerry Newberry with that song. Every head in the theater turned to look when Austin took off on that song. Jerry, if you are going to keep up with Austin, I suggest you add more hours to your practice schedule. It is wonderful to see Austin's great progress. Don't forget, Austin's brother told Beverly and I he wanted to be on stage playing piano. The best part of the whole day for me was seeing the recovery Brian Sterling has made after his terrible truck crash. Brian is playing better than every, and it made me so happy to see the recovery he has made.

[This message was edited by Keith Hilton on 31 July 2006 at 05:09 PM.]

Jerry Lee Newberry · From: Prim, AR USA

Keith, We were very proud of Austin on " Juke Box Charlie ". We didn't know he was working on it and at the last Ks. Club Meeting he played it for his Papa. He learned it all on his own. Austin had to teach it to Jerry so they could put it on their program. I don't think I have heard anyone play it on stage before. I think it will be a good add to their program. Austin is really making Jerry get on a stick. I really think Austin needs his own spot on a show, but he heard us talking about it and he said " but I am having fun playing with Papa. " Maybe some day he can have his own spot and then play with Jerry on Jerry's spot. Donna

Michael McGee · From: Everton, Missouri, USA

I am sincerely thankful to each of you for the kind words about me on this thread. As much as I love trying to play this crazy machine, I enjoy getting together and visiting with all of you more. The last note rings for a bit and fades away, but our friendship remains forever.

I was surrounded by some of the finest steel players in the world Sunday. Terry, you put me on AFTER AUSTIN. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Don't you like me anymore?

Seriously, Austin, don't ever stop, buddy. You are amazing us all. Jerry, have you given any thought to hiding his picks or his bar?

Keith, I just have to echo your comments above. There isn't a better pair of people on this earth than Jerry and Venda Hanley. Their warm hospitality to all of us is so appreciated, and it's a debt I don't know how to repay.

I want to thank Terry and Roger for all their hard work, plus Lana and the Scott family and steelradio.com for supporting the efforts of OSGA.

Special thanks to my best buddies, Max King and the ol' redhead, Mike Breid for some KILLER guitar work. Keith, you are right in what you said above - there's no one I'd rather have on bass than Max!

Thanks to R.P., Chuck, Wade, and Bruce for being, without question, the best backup support anyone could ever hope to have on a song!

If I manage to play a few notes that you like, then I am truly blessed. To steal (steel?) a recent quote from my hero, "We learn as we go"! ha,ha... I luv that!

Enough blabber... time to move on to the next song. By the way, does anyone know what key it's in?

Jerry Lee Newberry · From: Prim, AR USA

Mike, About once a week Jerry said he is selling all his stuff and quiting or cutting Ausitn's fingers off!!!!!!! Great job at Branson. Donna

L. A. Wunder · From: Lombard, Illinois, USA

The show was great, and I still can't believe I made it there.

Bob Hempker opened the show, and set the bar high for those who had to follow. He has a beautiful touch, and played a great set full of the kind of music that drew a lot of us to the steel in the first place. I could have heard just his set, and gone home happy. He's still the player I want to grow up to be.

Terry Bethel was excellent as both host and player. I hope to be able to listen to him for years to come.

Austin & Jerry??? I might as well just bury all my gear now.

As for the rest....there wasn't a single disappointment in the lot, and how many steel shows can you say that about? The band was great too. Good job everyone, and kudos for an outstanding steel show!

Bob Hempker · From: Goodlettsville, TN.

I had the best time I think I've had yet at the show. I got my set out of the way first, then had all day to visit with friends like Russ Hicks, Mike and Teresa Sweeney, and all the folks who came in from out of town. L.A., it was so good to see you. I hadn't seen you since 1982. Thanks for the pictures and the coins. Thanks so much for your encouragement. I've not heard you, but you're probably already a better player than I. The band is so good, they're scarey. I also enjoyed visiting with Roger, Keith Hilton, Gene Mulvaney, and the local guys from this area, who I don't see much because We all are running different directions. Thanks, Terry for making me a part of this.

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[This message was edited by Bob Hempker on 01 August 2006 at 08:44 PM.]

Michael Breid · From: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA

Thanks to Gary Atkinson and Mike McGee for all the kind words. I rarely get to play with such great musicians as these guys who made up the group on McGee's set. I wish I could have played some stuff behind Gary's singing. He needs to be on the show. What a talent. I love Max's upright bass sound. I'm a real upright bass fanatic. Of course McGee plays so fine, and always has had a special place in my heart since we worked sessions in Springfield thirty some-odd years ago. Sitting back stage and listening to all the "war stories" from the various players was a super treat. My head is still swollen. You people are the greatest. There needs to be a soundproof room where the guys can gather and jam and work out before they go on to get limbered up and after they perform. Some players are scared to jam before they go on, afraid it will mess up their performance, but some really dig it. Don't believe such a room exists close to the stage, but it was a thought. Thanks again for tolerating my pickin'. I appreciate you people more than you know. See you next year as a spectator or performer. Makes no difference. Lord willin' and the devil ain't a fiddlin'I'll be there.
Michael in the Ozarks

Terry Bethel · From: Hollister, Missouri (deceased)

Keith,
I agree with you they did play good, Buck has always been one of my favorites, but Mr Mike McGee, you haved moved to number one in my book. You play everything like you will never get to play another note and that is why I love your playing so much.
I still want to do a CD with you, so lets talk about it OK??????
Austin is indeed the future of our profession, and he will be the greatest, if he could just make up his mind which steel he wants to play on the fast tunes, his or grandpas.
Thanks everybody it was indeed one of the best shows yet,
Terry Bethel

Dana Stewart · From: Kansas, USA

Terry,

We were puzzled about why Austin switched guitars at first, but we finally figured out that he was showing that Papa's guitar could play fast tunes also. We asked him about it afterward and he confirmed that was what he was doing. We have him showing a bit of personality on stage. Now if we could just get him to have some expression on his face while he was making the joke or get him to talk about it to the crowd. I guess that step comes next. Ha.

Tom Sullinger · From: Texas, USA

I want to tell everyone that I was only a fly on the wall and listened to the best music I have heard in a long time. I made the trip from Houston and it was well worth every bit of the time.
Miss Lana, you told me three months ago to look you up and visit but you were so busy and involved with the show, I did not want to bother you.
Thank all of you for the hard work and Terry, you are pretty good at killing time talking between sets while the pickers were setting up.
ALSO, if I were in Jerry's shoes, and my grand daughter played like Austin, I would be pushing him to play BOTH of those Mullens and sit back and watch. Like Terry said, that boy will be the benchmark for all of the Steel Guitar Players to try to reach in the near future.
Thanks my friends. Tom

Michael McGee · From: Everton, Missouri, USA

Terry, thank you SO MUCH!

It's funny you should mention "play everything like you will never get to play another note", because I asked Roger Blevins if he had heard my last cd, and Roger replied, "Man, I sure hope so...".

(ok,ok... I admit it... I stole that joke from Joe Wright's set. I try to steal licks AND jokes. Or maybe my licks are jokes... or...)

I'll stop now... 2 more valium should just about do it.

Buck Grantham R.I.P. · From: Denham Springs, LA. USA

Mike ,You did a great job on the show and I liked it very much, however Terry has moved me to "second Tuba" in the band. I'm gonna have to go practice some more.

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