| Author |
Topic: Road steeler vrs. session steeler |
Ernie Renn
From:
Brainerd, Minnesota USA
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 2:14 pm |
|
I heard that! 
------------------
My best,
Ernie
The Official Buddy Emmons Website
www.buddyemmons.com
|
|
|
|
Theresa Galbraith
From:
Goodlettsville,Tn. USA
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 3:19 pm
|
|
I agree it's a talent with hard work and it's never handed to anyone  |
|
|
|
Mike Cass
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 3:25 pm
|
|
| typical Emmons...says so much with so little ya gotta love that !! [This message was edited by Mike Cass on 02 July 2001 at 04:35 PM.] |
|
|
|
Earl Erb
From:
Old Hickory Tenn
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 3:32 pm
|
|
I GOT MY FOOT IN THE DOOR ONCE AND IT GOT SLAMMED SHUT...BROKE ALL MY TOES.FAR AS I'M CONCERNED TALENT IS SECONDARY.I NORMALLY WOULDN'T SPEAK OUT LIKE THIS BUT I'M IN A VERY BAD MOOD TODAY.  |
|
|
|
Mike Cass
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 3:45 pm
|
|
| well.....other than that, how did you enjoy the theater Mr.Lincoln?? |
|
|
|
Theresa Galbraith
From:
Goodlettsville,Tn. USA
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 3:55 pm
|
|
Sorry Earl,
It's hard to believe! |
|
|
|
Earl Erb
From:
Old Hickory Tenn
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 4:25 pm
|
|
Thanks Theresa,I had to take a deep breath.The session thing has always cut to the bone with me.
My perspective on this matter after knocking around this town for the last 33 yrs.is...producers don't pay any attention to road or club players.That means when a guy gets a break it is usually a result of a already established session player,preferably a leader to recommend or put in a good word for that person.Like the old saying goes,"Out of sight out of mind", if they're not talkin' about ya',you ain't gettin'in, I don't care how good you are.
I played accoustic guitar on Jim Ed Brown's sessions for the last 4 of the 6 yrs I worked for him.(1970-76)Bob Ferguson could have cared less,but Jim Ed was trying to help me break in. For those of you who don't know, Bob Ferguson was a top dog producer for RCA for many years.
I'll tell you that half of the guys that were hired by Bob Ferguson played golf with him a couple of time a week. Now if that ain't politican I'll kiss your a$$.
I enjoyed the show very much Mrs. Lincoln but now I have this freakin' headache!
|
|
|
|
Tom Mortensen
From:
Nashville TN
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 4:37 pm
|
|
Mike,
I have not heard you play except for a few demos here and there.
You are an exceptional player.
But I also enjoy Dan Dugmore's style, whether he can play a Ray Price shuffle or not.
In a serious music town I think that diversity should be welcome.
I don't think your beef should be with other pickers. (and maybe I read your post the wrong way)
------------------
Visit My Website |
|
|
|
Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 5:18 pm
|
|
It's pretty obvious that politics runs big business, as well as government, and the entertainment industry (along with every other facet of our lives). But, I would just like to jump in now, and thank the well-known players here for their honesty and candor. It certainly helps all the "unknowns" (like myself) to have our long-standing suspicions validated.
|
|
|
|
Theresa Galbraith
From:
Goodlettsville,Tn. USA
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 5:41 pm
|
|
People think what they want regardless.
The producers have a Union Book and they call the players. They call who they want! |
|
|
|
Dave Robbins
From:
Cottontown, Tnn. USA (deceased)
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 6:24 pm
|
|
Yeah, and how many sessions have you done Theresa?
Granted, it does take hard work, but that doesn't mean you aren't working hard if you're not successful!
I don't know of any "self repecting" musician in this town who isn't working hard at their profession, but that still don't get the door opened, huh uh, no way! It's the old saying "who you know and who you......" well, I think you know what I mean.
If all it took was "hard work" there wouldn't be the same pickers on every record you pickup! Every record would have different players and more of the "variety" the "new music" is supposed to claim.
By the way, the last time I looked at the "union book" there were lots of musicians listed in it! And a lot of them hardworking musicians and very capable (but not "politically correct?"), but not all of them are getting session calls. Check the album covers, not the union book, if you want to see who is getting all the work! How many of them got there by who they knew or by "politicing!" There are way more great players in this town than what the recording industry indicates.
Hard work? Yes! No politics? "Bull!"
Dave [This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 02 July 2001 at 07:26 PM.] [This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 02 July 2001 at 07:28 PM.] [This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 02 July 2001 at 07:30 PM.] |
|
|
|
Earl Erb
From:
Old Hickory Tenn
|
|
|
|
Dave Robbins
From:
Cottontown, Tnn. USA (deceased)
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 6:35 pm
|
|
Earl,
exactly my point. Union book? Nah, more than likely you'd find their adress/phone book with the same ol' names.
Chance are better with the "darts"!
Dave |
|
|
|
Billy Johnson
From:
Nashville, Tn, USA
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 7:05 pm
|
|
| Earl, with all due respect, your on page #65,and Dave is on page #177.Unless my 257 book is out dated. |
|
|
|
Theresa Galbraith
From:
Goodlettsville,Tn. USA
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 7:09 pm
|
|
Dave,
You know I don't play steel. MY dad builds and Paul and Brian plays.
Anyway, Point is they've worked hard to get to this point and I don't hear them dissing anyother player for doing what they do. Thanks, Theresa |
|
|
|
Dave Robbins
From:
Cottontown, Tnn. USA (deceased)
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 7:37 pm
|
|
Theresa,
like I said, there are "a lot" of hard working players in this town! That still doesn't get the door open to them! And I don't beleive I have "dissed" anyone by saying so (I didn't call anyone's name and I obviously am not the only one who feels this way from the number of "others" who replied to this posting. So don't try to single me out). The harder they work, the more power to them. Hard work is one thing, "politics" are another! Shmoozing? Just another word for politics!
Perhaps if you've not experienced the "political" downside you may have a different "opinion". Still doesn't change anything. I think you'll find a whole lot more "hard working pickers" in this town who will agree with me. There is a lot more of "us" than those who are on master sessions!
Your husband is one of the best in this town ( one of my favorites, too. Buddy and Step One sure used him a lot), but I don't see him on every record... How come? He certainly deserves to be. You mentioned Paul and Brian, you didn't mention him.
Dave[This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 02 July 2001 at 08:40 PM.] [This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 02 July 2001 at 08:50 PM.] |
|
|
|
Earl Erb
From:
Old Hickory Tenn
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 7:52 pm
|
|
| Now Billy,stop that now or I'm gonna have to put you in the corner for a time out. |
|
|
|
Theresa Galbraith
From:
Goodlettsville,Tn. USA
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 8:06 pm
|
|
Dave,
I didn't mention Gregg because I didn't feel a needed to.
He has contributed to country music and will continue to grow with the industry.
I know Jean is your boss, but her saying she never heard of Steve Holy on national TV made her look bad. The older opry stars need to be updated on the new country in my opinion. Thanks, Theresa |
|
|
|
Dave Robbins
From:
Cottontown, Tnn. USA (deceased)
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 8:44 pm
|
|
Theresa,
I don't really think Jean even gives a "cr*p" what you think. She has made her money, and is just as entitled to her opinion as you are yours, maybe more so. Afterall, she has been involved in the industry a long time. One thing is for sure, anybody who knows her, knows she is a straight shooter and the "real deal".Her career can back it up. Nothing fake about her. I don't have to defend her nor do I care to, she can take care of herself. I'm there to do my job the very best I can. If I don't, someone else will be. No politics envolved there, that's for sure! Maybe you should take it up with her personally. Besides, that has nothing to do with this thread.
Who is "dissing" who now?
Dave |
|
|
|
Mike Cass
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 8:51 pm
|
|
Most of the "Classic" country artists are still with us; most of them after 25- 40 year careers..most of the new breed will be gone with next years fashions... utterly forgettable & a dime a dozen...
Heck I dont know who Steve Holly is, & dont care...I stopped listening to the radio about the time we were so starved for good steel that we wet ourselves over mediocre fills & occassional pads......as I said earlier, the bar has been lowered; you no longer need to be a capable musician (esp.in the steel arena) to work a session...in fact,the worse the better, it seems.
As far as my comments about Dan Dugmore,if you cant play country legitimately, you dont need to hang your hat on the monicker"Professional Steel Guitarist"in Nashville.That type of playing does nothing to advance the PSG, it only serves to hold it back & verify the suspicions of the "powers that be" that the PSG really isnt a valid instrument.
There are two types of players... those that contribute to the instrument by working hard to advance their technique, knowledge &
musical horizons....& then those who bought the old Sho-Bud steel course & maybe Winnie's book, leafed thru them, tried a few licks & then proceeded to hang out their shingle.
This latter type are usually heard to remark to the one who calls them for work: I guess I should bring my Electric Guitar, Lap Steel, Accoustic Guitar,Mandoin & Banjo too, huh?
Jack of all trades, master of none....yet, jack pays as well as master.Also,this latter type usually has no interest in contributing to that which pays their bills,ie; they see the guitar when cartage drops it at the studio & wouldnt consider sitting in a room full of other steel players & listening to the greats play; that wouldn't be politically correct, now ...cant be branded as "old school".... bad for business.!!!!!!
What we're really talking about is justice & accountabiity, ...but fat chance of that as long as folks are led around by their wallet.
How much $ does a person really need? When does legitimate work cross the line into prostitution??
Id say that when you comprimise your values for the almighty dollar without so much as a whimper, you've crossed the line.
I think the union should reinstate membership based on passing an audition... then we'd see who can cut it & who can't.The original purpose of that was to keep the "carpetbaggers"&"wagon jumpers" from taking work from those who deserved it & worked hard to keep it.
The steel list here in Nashville would most certainely be reduced...(since we were speaking of the union book,btw ).....heck, I might not make the cut, but if that helped bring some justice to our profession then Id happily retire back into my shop.... at least I might enjoy listening to the radio again while working on steels .
|
|
|
|
Dave Robbins
From:
Cottontown, Tnn. USA (deceased)
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 8:56 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mike Weirauch
From:
Harrisburg, Illinois**The Hub of the Universe
|
Posted 2 Jul 2001 11:26 pm
|
|
| Who in the hell is Steve Holy? Seriously! |
|
|
|
Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
|
Posted 3 Jul 2001 2:40 am
|
|
I've been away from Nashville for a long time. But, when I was there the only way to get your foot in the session door was to know someone. Once you got in, then you had to prove yourself or you were gone but it was "politics" to get the chance.
I never heard of anyone calling the local for a picker. Someone got into a road band because they were recommended by another picker.
Judging from what I'm seeing on here, it's no different today than it was in the early 70's. And sadly, Broadway wages seems to still be the same as it was in 1971!!! |
|
|
|
Tom Mortensen
From:
Nashville TN
|
Posted 3 Jul 2001 3:59 am
|
|
I don't believe that ones ability to play a
4 hour "real country gig" in a bar would necessesarily make him the best choice to create and play an original part on a recording.
Also, even though having "people skills" could be considered being political, I think it's a quality that might help a few of us.
I believe that many of the producers in Nashville should bear the guilt for being unskilled and lazy.
They simply hire players that can walk in and repeat their last performance. That way they can sit in the lounge and brag and tell jokes and posture themselves in front of their new artist.
Another note: How many of you, if in the shoes of the guys getting the master work, would say to a producer when he called, "Hey man, you know, I think people are getting tired of seeing my name on records and besides I think that some of the other guys should have a chance. So why don't you call someone else."
------------------
Visit My Website |
|
|
|
KEVIN OWENS
From:
OLD HICKORY TN USA
|
Posted 3 Jul 2001 5:48 am
|
|
Mike & Dave,
I applaud both of you. Tell it like it is.
Kevin |
|
|
|
