The RIGHT "vehicle"..??

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Many of us steelers are used to "whoring" ourselves musically [please don't take offense, its a COMMON term among working musicians]..working gigs that don't suit us at all for a little bread.. We've ALL done it.. NO problem..

I was listening to some stuff our friend Dave Van Allen plays on his recordings with Last Train Home... I have told him several times his band is world class IMHO, and that he was a pretty lucky steel player to have a band that suited his various playing styles so well. I have heard his west coast leanings with these guys, as well as some straight country steel even some interesting jazzy/pop/ stylings and even a bit of swingy C6.. a REAL nice match for his considerable ability.. he has the "right vehicle" in my opinion.

It got me wondering about other guys that say they are real happy with the musical situatios they are in.. b0b seems to be a good fit with some of the stuff I have heard him play on in his various California situations, and I have personally heard our forum friends Dave Mudgett and George Redmon say they really enjoy how they fit with the alt country and pop situations they respectively reside in..

I wish I had that kind of fit.. Right now I'm a secend guitarist in a ROCK band and play VERY little steel.. Its a good classic rock band and I love the guys, but I feel like a square peg in a round hole.. The guys lately are coming up with more steel stuff, so it may be a brighter future for me as a STEEL guitarist..I long for that perfect fit, where I can use the west coast "bounce" I came up as a youngster, along with my rock, country and cheap pseudo swing chops...>> Its been awhile since I've felt REALLY at home as a steel guitarist.. many years ago I did, but no more... I would like the thoughts of those that DO fit perfectly, as well as the thoughts of the "square pegs" among us.. I know there are a bunch.. i would like you all to discuss if your vehicle suits you well.. or not... bob

Roger Rettig · From: Naples, FL

Since coming to live and work in the USA in '98, I've played in countless 'Always - Patsy Cline' shows, several 'Best Little Whorehouses(!)', as well as a couple of other less well-known touring shows. I've always been very pleased to get the work and, as a result, keep the wolf from the door, but it has, I must admit, sometimes seemed a bit of a chore.

This last summer, I was asked to play for a Gospel group at the Christian Retreat near Bradenton, FL. They'd heard me play a 'Patsy' in a Bradenton theatre, and offered me a once-a-month spot until their regular guy came back from the north-east. They appreciated that I'd have to drive up from Naples and they made it worth my while, so I said yes.

They turned out to be very good indeed, with special credit going to their leader and pianist, Tim Pritchard (he's a monster player!) I've since played just three times with them (I couldn't do one of the shows), and I have to say that it's the most fun I've had sitting at my steel since I moved here from London. The last gig in particular (early October) was a joyous experience - everything I played seemed to come off as I'd intended, and I had my most fulfilling night of music-making since I don't know when....

I should stress here that I don't share their beliefs, so this was not any kind of religious emotion but, as I sat and played behind them, I felt a music-related warmth inside me that I hadn't experienced in too many years.

I'm always grateful to be working - whatever it is - but that was very special, and I found myself wishing that they could have been a regular source of income for me. I hope they ask me again next Summer!

RR

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

yes yes yes..
I couldn't ask for a better Steel gig..

I get to play behind two very fine up front singers and an up and coming Tele ace who loves to share the "music" with me and understands Steel as well as anyone one of us Steely guys or gals...

The song list is deep, old traditional Country to modern era post Skaggs Country..

but

NO Chesney, no McGraw etc..No Big Hat dude songs...

If it's got a kicking Tele and a Steel ..aka Brad, AJ, GS, Merle..Skaggs..etc..we are playin' it..also Eagels, some old Rock, etc....very versatile song list...

This is the MUSIC that fits me like a glove..

I am very lucky..
oh wait..
make that.. they are very lucky to have ME...

see how it works !

t

[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 18 November 2005 at 03:06 AM.]

David Mason · From: Cambridge, MD, USA

Bob- what do YOU like to play? If you play guitar also, it seems like you could work up some arrangements and try to subvert your bandmates... everybody likes "Route 66", "Truckin'" swings like crazy, "Every Breathe You Take" was made for steel guitar, the mid-tempo Stones rockers lay out well on steel. There are some songs like "Johnny B. Goode" that sound tired to me on guitar, but still fresh on steel. I think it was Jeff Newman that said, "Play the melody." Man's got a point...

Bob Martin · From: Madison Tn

Well guys I have played in bands since 1970 and it seems that you have to take a little of the bad along with the good. For instances I played with a band that did a lot of southern rock in the late 70's and at the time I thought yuckkkk I want to play Merle and so on but after 2 yrs with them I realized something I had added another genre of music capabilities to my playing repertoire. and I also learned that instead of hating southern rock now that I actually love it and come to think of it as country on steroids Smile

.

So after that gig I can now play southern rock gigs now I wouldn't want to play 5 sets of it but it has been a plus over the years being sufficent at it.

Then in 1981 I found another band that needed a guitarist and they did 80 pop ie new current pop music. Well I really hated that job until one night someone yelled up to the bandstand that new me and said let Big bob sing some country so they asked me do you know some country tunes hee hee? Well the rest was history I started singing about 4 to 5 country songs a set and they were able to branch out and do a more versatile gig and hencew more work and more money in my pocket and I became very fond of modern pop/rock music and became pretty versatile at it and our crowds loved our mix of new music.

Well I could write 6 or 7 more long boring paragraphs about all the genres odf music that I've been forced to play over the last 35 yrs but that would bore you and give me hand cramps.

So in summing my point of view up all the while I was trying to make a living and playing music that I really didn't prefer to play I have learned to be very versatile and play about 15 to 20 different styles of music and I enjoy playing most of them. It has kept me working steady and I have had a ball learning all of the different ways of playing but in the end I am the one that has won just by learning :-)

By the way for those of you that don't know me or have never heard me play you only have to listen to about 4 bars of my playing to see where my true talent and true love lies COUNTRY!!!! LOL

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

I enjoy playing different sorts of music with different musicians. If I play the same sort of music over and over again I tend to stagnate no matter how great the music is or how "right" it is for my skills. I feel better about some situations than others but it seems to have more to do with the quality of the musicians/music rather than what style of music it is.

Bob

[This message was edited by Bob Hoffnar on 18 November 2005 at 07:43 AM.]

Robert Porri · From: Windsor, Connecticut, USA

Despite my newbie status, I'll bite at this one.

I'm going on 2 years playing PSG, 40 years guitar, mostly Rock, some Country, Classical at Music College. A few months ago I got an email from the nephew of one of my former bandmates (who passed away about 8 years ago). There's an original band he plays with and he'd heard I was playing PSG. The singer/songwriter of the band always wanted a PSG sound in his mostly alternative Rock music. Most of the guys are 20 years younger than me, and my PSG playing in not out of line with their playing style and abilities. They all seem to be very pleased with what I'm "adding". I get to write my own parts, play chords, a healthy does of leads and fills, nearly wherever I want to. Once in awhile I get to pick up my 6 string and wail a bit. I'm very happy with the situation. Crowd response has been great, it's been a rewarding experience, and I'm looking forward to it just getting better as we play more. This is basically a new start for the band also, because they hadn't done gigs in years and now we are starting to do that with this new sound. I remember seeing DVA on one of the late night shows and thought it interesting that there was a trumpet player with his band. We have basically the same instrumentation. There is an interesting sound developing between the trumpet player and myself. It's all a good fit as I see it and has been a blast. I'm learning all the time. Just what I needed. I love good old Country PSG also and work on that also in my own practice.

And Bob C., if you read this, did you end up getting to the PSGA? I was hoping you would and I'd be able to say hello.

Bob P.

[This message was edited by Robert Porri on 18 November 2005 at 08:03 AM.]

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

As Bob C. says, I've been very lucky to fit nicely in three Americana/alt-country/folk-rock bands since I started playing steel six years ago. We play a mix of those, plus a bit of honkytonk and some outright rock and blues. I play 90% of the night on steel - it could be 100%, but I still love to play guitar.

If Bob C. was here, I believe he could find a suitable gig. It's weird, because he only lives 3 hours away, and the local hubs are both large university towns - his Cornell, mine Penn State. There are at least a couple of other bands around here who could use a good pedal steel/guitar player, and I have time for one band, at most. Gram Parsons, Dylan, Byrds, Ryan Adams, and other folks in these styles are revered. We may never be the "flavor of the month", but there is no lack of interest in roots music here.

Big Bob's point about playing a lot of different styles is important. I think the key is finding musicians who are flexible and are willing to allow contribution from ALL the members, and don't insist on hogging ALL the spotlight themselves. I've played lots of other styles on guitar - blues, rockabilly, classic country, surf-punk, hard rock, southern rock, swing and modern jazz, acoustic country and bluegrass - and the bands that worked best always found a way to let me sneak in my own thing - vocal styles ranging from Howlin' Wolf to Robert Gordon to Dave Dudley - and let me be myself, within the context of the band. I think this is easier in a small-time band. The minute one starts playing with well established people, it tends to become all about them. Of course, this can be good, since it forces one to find a way to fit into their style. IMO, paying dues pays off in the long haul.

It is a lot of work, but one way out of this predicament is to start ones own band. I've done this a couple of times. It's a pain - one needs to deal with finding the right bandmates, booking and scheduling, dealing with complaints, and generally riding herd on things. But musical growth has resulted each time. I'll probably do this again sometime - but it is time consuming.

Pete Burak · From: Portland, OR USA

Bob, You might track down the Jam-Band scene in your area.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Not really my fault Donny.. just no working bands within a hundred miles that can use steel.. Unless I want to work for free, in which case I'd have ALL the interesting steel work I could handle in the Ithaca College/Cornell "kiddie" scene.... At 51 and with 29 years of steel under my ever expanding belt, I choose not to go the "play for free" route.. If thats what I have to do, I'll just sit in the computer room and play my steel for the guys in the chat room.. pretty tough crowd in there, but at least they don't tell me I stink!!

... bob

Billy Carr · From: Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)

I personally prefer to play VFW's & American Legions for this simple reason. The crowd is older folks that want to hear old country mostly that they can dance to. If I play a break on "When I Think About Cheatin' " or if I play Little Roy Wiggins style on an old Eddie Arnold song, it's ok. I play pretty much anything I want to including an instrumental each set. I'm very lucky. In the past, I've had to take a back seat and listen to screaming guitars all night. Be there, done that. Not going to do it anymore.

Jim Phelps · From: Mexico City, Mexico

You play what you can get. There've been a few bands I felt I fit right in, many more that I didn't but it was a gig and I did my best with it.

Talk about a square peg in a round hole, you should see me with my Saturday night band. I'm playing 99.8% rhythm, there are only 3 or 4 songs I do a lead in, everything else is either a cumbia or norteño song, I'm the only dishwater-blond head in the whole building every time (except for the ladies with blonde dye jobs), but hey... I'm just glad to have a gig. I enjoy it, and they all are great people and treat me very well. I do know what you're saying though, and I am looking forward to getting something going that better suits my own style and what I enjoy most and am best at playing.

[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 18 November 2005 at 01:57 PM.]

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I understand your feelings, Bob. I've been there myself. (Didn't stay long, though.) My point is, nobody forces us to take gigs, it's a conscious choice we just make. Sometimes, in choosing gigs, we have to make a choice of the least of two evils. In that respect, music is a lot like politics!

"The truest measure of a man's happiness is the number of things he can do without."

Len Amaral · From: Rehoboth,MA 02769

I am sitting back waiting for the right band to play with. I may sit a long time but for now it's OK.

Jim Phelps · From: Mexico City, Mexico

I get what you're saying Donny, but remember when music is your sole source of income, sometimes you don't have a choice, sometimes not even of "two evils", sometimes there's one gig available, you need to feed the family and you take it.

And, my favorite vehicle is anything with a convertible top, 4-wheel drive or with Harley Davidson on it.

(It was only a matter of time til someone said something like this.... Jimbeaux hasn't dropped by yet...

)

[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 18 November 2005 at 04:58 PM.]

Darvin Willhoite · From: Roxton, Tx. USA

I was impressed by Rogers post above. I play in a Praise Band in my church, and play mostly contemporary praise music. I use a lot of distortion, phase shift, and auto wah. I even used the Ebow on a song a couple of weeks ago. As all of you guys that play Gospel music already know, there is just a different spirit in the music. I have the privilege of playing with some great musicians and really like it. Heres part of the band.

------------------
Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Wayne Franco · From: silverdale, WA. USA

I've been doing basically my own thing for a little more than 2 years now. I played in lots of country bands from mostly old country to newer stuff (as least as of about 5 years ago. Working hard for about 3 years I musterd up enough nerve and songs to do a single gig. This has been going on for over 2 years now and I've never been happier. After a year and a half a good friend of mine with similar interest made it a duo. The last couple of weeks I've done a it by myself again because he was out of town. Really enjoyed going back to it. Take more rides per song, I get to stretch out more musically. It seems when I know I am going to do a single I can prepare musically for it much easier because I'm calling the songs. No singing, all instrumentals. That sure beats one a set!

I'm doing a lot of christmas partys this next month. One of them I'll be adding a stand up bass and small drum kit. They are brothers I met in a local college jazz band and they are really killer players. Funny how you can add and subtract players as you need them, at will, when you're the BOSS and its your gig.

Did I say I'm really enjoying this?

[This message was edited by W Franco on 18 November 2005 at 07:38 PM.]

John Ciano · Posted 18 Nov 2005 8:22 pm

Hi Bob, my old (I mean long time) friend. I always read your threads with much interest. I appreciate your humility and can relate to the fact that you will never be satisfied with your playing inspite of how many times your peers, like myself, will tell you how much we admire your playing. I do have a suggestion or challange for you from my perspective as someone who only plays steel. Tell the guys in your band that you have an ingrown fingernail on your left hand and can no longer play guitar and will have to play steel all night. Dust off your "RAT" (distortion), MXR Phase 90, any chorus and maybe a wah-wah pedal and just play pedal steel GUITAR. It is an awsome, powerfull, and vesitile instrument we play and it is a cryin' shame (and quite frankly an insult)that the norm is to play steel only when a song has a lyric about drinkin',driving a truck, or infidelity. I think this new perspective may help to re-energize you.

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

John.. I like the way your mind works!!!... Actually, the guys really seem to be going out of thier way to get more steel worked in and it IS appreciated,, I think they sensed my frustration.. I LIKE guitar, but I like steel better.. They are trying to add some... It'll work.. It's the best band in this area, and we are well liked, so quitting would be like shooting a hole through my shoe to air out my socks.. Is it gonna be the "right vehicle" for a steel guy??.. no, but its better than some VERY good steel players have.. and I am not ungrateful.. btw, John, I'll NEVER forget that green Rusler you played... Only one I EVER saw...... shoot me an email sometime, and tell me whats happening back in Jersey,, bands,gigs, players, etc... are you still with Tim???... bob

Forum Index > Steel Players		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic