The Steel Guitar Forum

Sorry I've been missing all the chatter. Been out of town for a few days. But, I'll be looking at you Saturday.

You are so right Bill about Ed Clark. I'll never forget tthe day in Gulfport, Ed and I played bass on the same set. He'd play a few bars and I'd play a few. What a great, Player, Singer, and all around "PERSON" Ed is. I look forward to seeing him each so. And you were right Bill,,,,,,,there's none better than Mr Ed.

In reference to J.J. helping me keep the bunch straight, I have to depend on someone to assist. When J.J. reaches his limit, I call on the big gun,,,,,,,,,,DARLENE. Gonna get her to help me keep ole Hal toward the end of the chow line till I get mine.

For the folks driving in,,,Have a safe trip. We want to see you all, and looking forward to a great time. Might have to put the bit to ole Wayne. Depends on how he acts between now and then.

See Ya'll at the show,,,,,,,,,,Ben O'Dell

Doc

There is some real fine hospitality in Gulfport Mississippi, I know 1st hand. I lived in that area for almost 4 years total. Its second to none.

Make sure you invite all those folks to come to The Saluda Steel Guitar Convention in May to Check out Buddy Walker's and the Saluda Shrine Club Hospitality.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by John Floyd on 05 February 2004 at 04:48 AM.]</p></FONT>

Thanks John. Sure wish you could be here. really enjoyed our times in the bands we had together in Key West and then again when you came to the Mississippi coast area. One of the best bass players around folks, and now you all in Saluda get to hear him on guitar. I am looking forward to that, expecially since you were exposed to the greatest steel player ever-Curly Chalker. Envied your friendship and talent sharing you had with Curly. Now, I just need to hear you on lead guitar. So come see us soon...
Dr. Bob is in Birmingham and on his way here today. Will be in later this afternoon to kick off our "Friday Night Frolics" we have here on the home front.

All are welcome.

Bill Stafford

Thanks for the kind words Bill.

Boy there has been some music played in that room you are having the Friday night frolics in, never knew when we were finishing it up in the 70's that it would ever see so many great pickers in it.

There have definitely been some Hot Licks floating around in that room for a while now. One day I am coming down there and steal all of them.

Bump it up!<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by John Floyd on 06 February 2004 at 11:00 PM.]</p></FONT>

Doc Strum must have Knocked em out,He has that ability, no report yet.

John

Yes John, Bob really gave us some great steel music with all those pretty classic songs everyone loves to hear played on a steel guitar. His selection ranged from :"At Last" , "Someday You'll Want Me To Want You", "Elmer's Tune", and others in this genre. Great job, and those big beautiful chords we hardly hear anymore on the steel guitar were really appreciated by everyone. (Especially me). Crowd pleaser here folks and if you get to hear Bob Strum, just sit down and enjoy the relaxin "PRETTY MUSIC". We all extend many thanks to Bob and Carol for driving all the way from SC to be with us. ((Mardi Gras parades outside during the afternoon added to the atmosphere and assisted DSSG&MA in providing our "typical" Southern Hospitality to Bob & Carol Strum).
And we are all anxiously awaiting the release of Bob's new cd which includes all the songs mentioned above.
DSSG&MA provided the musicians to back up Bob and when Ed Clark sang a few of those old standards, all eyes and ears were open and mouths shut. Great music!! Come again Bob and Carol.

Bill Stafford

Bob, It was indeed a pleasure to meet you and your wife at the show. Had a great time, enjoyed your playing and you come back anytime you can. Like Bill said, we'll treat you so many ways, you'll have to like one of them.

And,,,,,,,,,,,Ed Clark (OLE JOE CLARK) my friend did turn heads and had folks paying attention. He is for sure, one of a kind.

Ben O'Dell

We have say thanks to everyone at the Gulfport show. Bill, you make everyone special and still remain the humble fabulous player that seems to me to be a light in the wilderness! Our sincere thanks to your lovely wife, Betty. You have given us the opportunity to make friends with Mike and Ruth Brewer. Folks, you have to sit down and "one on one" watch what Mike can do with a MIDI steel. I'm not just talking about the sound, but the technique and phrasing. WOW!
Then there is this gentleman, Ed Clark! I would love to spend a day listening to him sing and play that big bass. Why cant this music of his be on the Hit Parade? Oh well, it was my privilege to back a couple of his songs.
Thanks to everyone,
God bless, Bob and Carol Strum

Bob....it was indeed an honor to have you and Carol with us this past weekend, What a great player.....Can't wait for that new CD to come out......I'll wear it out....To echo the sentiments of Bill & Ben, you have ahome here in Gulfport the first Saturday of every other month (next one in April) to come and join us.....we'd just love to have you anytime.....you are certainly welcome, and yes Mike Brewer really can mesmerize ya with his incredible playing on his "Carter". Ed Clark must know a million songs, and doesn't forget the words to em either. Til next time be blessed

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Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons LeGrande D-10,(8 & 6) Hilton Vol. Pedal, BJS Birthstone bar, Rack w/Evans Pre-amp, Lexicon MPX100; (2)1501-4 BW's in custom built cabs by T.A. Gibson, & a Peavey DPC 1000 Power Amp.

Bill, I would give anything to get to see and hear both of my favorite steel players on the same stage. Both of you guys are such nice people along with your playing. My wife feels the same way too. I am still nursing her back to health after she broke her hip .I have both yours and Bobs C.D. in my car,I can play some other steel tune and when I play one of yours she says who is that She knows real steel playing May'be I can come down in april Your pal Garland Nash

Thanks Bob Strum for the kind words. We had a wonderful time at the show and met some great people. Bob and his wife Carol spent some time with Ruth and I and we became friends instantly. Bob's playing takes you back to the good old days of western swing. After hearing him, I know why PeeWee Whitewing wants his old guitar back. You can't get a sweeter sound than that. Bill Stafford deserves a lot of credit for the success here. Without his effort, there wouldn't have been a club like this.



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Mike Brewer

Bill-Sounds like it was a great show. I wish I could have been there.

That Bob's tunes are right up my alley and I would have enjoyed his playing, as well as yours , of course.

You know how I like that smooth "pretty Muisc" with full chords.

I hope you will be in Grand Rapids this April and I will make every effort to be there and see you againl.......al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Thanks to all for their support and wonderful playing this past Saturday in Gulfport.
Al, I too hope to see you in Michigan this spring.
Bob S. did a great job and really gave us a lot of that "pretty music". I knew Bob would really appreciate the talents of Ed Clark and the guys we have here on the coast.
And in between songs, we had the pleasure of catching the Mardi-Gras parades outside on Dedeaux road. Good time was had by all. Next event on April 3rd.

Bill Stafford