The Steel Guitar Forum

Bob/John De..
I have been following the converstation with Merle Record.
Don't let this guy fool either one of you..I have heard him play..and leave there no mistake,,he is one hot steel player..trust me...I've heard him play...just ask Dana Flood. If getting Merle's steel up on the stage at next year's show..is a problem..Big HOSS will be glad to handle it for you.

Bump!

I don't want to wear out my welcome on this topic but I've been thinking about this backup band lately. Of course, the tremendous amount of steel playing talent is obvious by just reading the list of players and I don't know what I could add to that.

As Bob mentioned, unfortunately but for good reason, Van can't make it this year, HOWEVER, Don Cerce jr. is also an excellent guitar player that can play it all, but if anyone likes good country music as much as I do YOU'VE GOT TO HEAR THIS GUY. Playing steel along with Don would be any steel players dream come true. While chatting with him a couple of years ago, he told me he was a plumber by trade on Long Island. I relayed this info to a friend of mine while we were sitting in the front row waiting for the show to start. After it started and Don was just weaving in and out of those smooth,tastfull,clean, two note harmony fills, all my friend and I could do was look at each other with our mouths hanging open. After about three songs my friend looked at me with a very perplexed look on his face and asked "are you sure he's a plumber?"

John: I'm glad you've put Rocky Top aside for now. You've really got to start taking better care of your fingers than that. Being a carpenter and all, you need them things.

Dick Lee: Thanks a bunch for the compliment but let's not get anyones expectations of me too high. If any of these folks ever heard me play where would I be then?
Merle

Merle:

What a nice reply to Dick Lee's message. I agree with you entirely. Don Cerce Jr. follows in his dad's footsteps as an excellent lead guitarist. BTW Don Sr. is not only a fine lead player but he also plays pedal steel and is regularly booked doing so.

Merle, unfortunately for us, we have never heard you play steel, but apparently you have a fan club. If you don't tell us you'd like to be part of our show, we'll never know. Since this year's show has gotten so much publicity, we have received many inquiries from name players and local and regional players who would like to be part of next year's PSGA show.(hint)

Don't let the big names intimidate you. We respect everyone who can contribute to our commitment to promote the steel guitar and those who play it!

Steel players come from many backgrounds: I was a Broadcast Engineer for CBS Radio & TV for 28 years, we've had PSGA members from every walk of life - Ordained Ministers, Lawyers, Doctors, Dentists, Police Officers, Tool and Dye Makers Full Time Musicians etc. So the fact that Don Cerce Jr. has his own plumbing business is a fact of life... but he is an excellent musician and he loves to play guitar. We are pleased that he enjoys being part of our show.

Donny has been the guitar player in my band, for the last several years.It's really great to work with him, because, he plays so tastefully. And, he can handle any kind of tune,plus, it gives me a chance to lay back and enjoy the music we're creating.

Merle- I'm working on a new one. It's the "1812 Overture" !!!!

John: I didn't know Don played in your band. So YOU'RE the lucky steel player. Have you ever given any thought to twin steels in your band?

Now let's see, what can we say about Bruce Chappelle? (one of the favorite bass players of the Northeast who also plays steel)
I really like to watch him when Herby Wallace is cutting up on the C6 neck on some good swing tune. His left hand will just be in a constant fluid motion while he's hammering out those never ending scales. He makes it look so easy I don't think his pulse rate even changes. And talk about tone! He sure can dig it out of that stick bass. The first time I heard him I was so impressed that I talked about him up here in Maine for a year.

And that's the other thing, the fun doesn't end when the show is over. More than likely you will have learned something, met some new friends and certainly have something to think about for a long time.

John, will you please ask Darlene to send me your song list with the keys. And don't tell us that Bruce playes in your band too.
Merle

Oh and Bob: Thanks for the consideration. Maybe someday.

Merle:

You said it all! The side men don't get the recognition they deserve. Bruce Chappelle is the man in charge of the back up musicians. He is an accomplished Bass, Lead, Acoustic and Steel Guitarist. A retired high school teacher (Chemistry) who has attained a musicians degree of excellence by all musicians with which he has played. He may have taught Chemistry in school, but for the PSGA Bruce has been the chemistry that keeps the show above all other previously set standards. That's why we chose him for our musicial director.

Bruce has been a PSGA member for more than 25 years. He is a very active member of the organization. Bruce has helped us at the ISGC in St. Louis, for many years, helping to recruit new PSGA members.

I agree with Bob's comment about the backup musicians. To me, one of the many highlights of last year's PSGA Convention was getting to work with the fine backup band. All of the musicians were inspiring, especially Jim and Bruce on the bass guitars. They really know how to establish a groove that helped me to relax and just play the music. Being a high school teacher, it was fun to talk with Bruce at the St. Louis Convention and discuss some of our experiences in the "trenches." To Bob and company, best of luck with this year's PSGA Convention. I know that it will be a blast!
Chuck

Bob, Hoss called me a few minutes ago..and thanks for asking..but he said he explained the circumstance surrounding, why I can't make the show this year. Hoss is a great guy..and spends a lot of time, teaching me steel, when he feels up to it...I appreciate it so much.
Sorry I'll miss it this year, its always a fantastic show you folkes put together. P.S. Try and find something for Merle to do this year...can you? Hoss and Merle, "Together Again"(Mutt and Jeff)..your wining team.

Dick Lee: I'm sorry you can't be with us. I realize you have another commitment. But Mutt & Jeff won't do. Laurel and Hardy maybe, or perhaps Olson & Johnson or Abbott & Costello. They are all dear to our hearts as are Hoss and Merle. That's what makes it continue to happen. Without all of you, there would be no show here. God Bless and thanks for being there to support our efforts!

Although Jimmy Roule is only scheduled to play his steel, Y'all got to hear him play Guitar. He is one of the best.trust me.

BUMP!!

BUMP!!

Hey John
Are you gonna shave for the 30th Anniversary?

Hey, all you NYC steelers.....you gonna make it to this show , or what? Huh?

Jon, Bob, Gerald, Lawrence, Drew, and everyone else who owns a bar and at least two finger picks should make it a point to attend. Whatta ya say? Hear some steel and let's have a couple a' beers.

Come on up. When I drink, EVERBODY drinks!!!
And when I pay, EVERYBODY pays!!!!

Yeah Right

Howard is like Crime..He Dont Pay..

Not only do I own a bar, I can often be found in one. The one similarity between the two is that neither situation ends up pretty.
I'll be there. Maybe I'll learn something. As of now I am a steel show virgin. I must be saving it for marriage or something.

Jody, the last time John shaved his beard, there were a family of homeless sparrows hanging around the Doubletree. (he's gonna ring my neck at the show for this)

BTW, the DT has a swimming pool. Those who are bringing their less than enthusiastic significant others, can always drop them off in the pool.

Lawrence, I look forward to meeting you.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by HowardR on 22 October 2003 at 06:13 PM.]</p></FONT>

Listen guys, honestly. I've been trying to grow my beard long enough to comb it over my head, but, my glasses keep falling off every time I sneeze.

The last time John shaved his beard, none of us here in the bunker noticed any difference. (I believe he was somewhat disturbed by our reaction or lack of same).

That's because we respect John for the person he is, the way he plays steel and his dedication to making our annual show a success.

John is Vice President of the PSGA and he continues to carry on the tradition of the organization. I could care less how hairy he is on the chin it's what he's done that counts. I believe that both he and I would much prefer to have the hair on top of our head but it ain't about to happen.

Miracles do happen.

"The Hair Club For Men"

I'M NOT ONLY THE PRESIDENT.I"M ALSO A CLIENT

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 22 October 2003 at 08:07 PM.]</p></FONT>

I think The Hair Club For Men has a booth this year at the PSGA SHOW, next to Joe Wright. Just think, you can sit down to a Fessenden, get Joe Wright's instructional videos, and get a weave at the same time. By the end of the weekend, you'll be ready to gig at your local gin mill. Sign me up!

This will be a great show <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 24 October 2003 at 08:22 PM.]</p></FONT>

Bump for Big Bob & Little John D.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 23 October 2003 at 02:48 PM.]</p></FONT>