The Steel Guitar Forum

Yeah, if you can stand to listen to their records, but you won't see any steel behind them "live!"

Theresa, and I thought you were such an advocate for steel guitar!


Dave

Dave,
You can't stand to listen to any of their records? They use steel, so are you questioning me about being an advocate for steel? Maybe you aren't? I've given my review early on in this post. Maybe you need to reread. Theresa

Mike.
You hit the nail right on the proverbial head! That is exactly what is going on in the country music field these days!

Nashville and Big Radio relieving themselves on our legs and calling it warm rain doesn't make it precipitation.

Theresa,
as I said before, that don't make 'em country! I will say that congratulations are in order to their "producers" who at least had the "smarts" to recognize that if they were going to market that stuff in "country music" they were going to have to have "steel guitar" on their recordings. The lack of any steel "on stage" is more of a reflection of how the artist feels.

As for steel itself, if it's good I listen.

As I previously posted, Manhatton Transfer, Neil Diamond, and even "Dire Straits" used steel, but that still didn't make 'em country!

I often like to listen to "Jazz" and my wife likes to listen to "oldies," but we don't expect to hear "country" on the jazz or oldies radio stations, out of "repect" for the identities of each form of music. I feel the same way about "country". When I listen to country radio I expect to hear "country" not something that sounds more akin to "rock or pop" respectively, even if it does have steel with it, (unless of course the steel work "really" knocks me out). But, if I do happen to want to listen to "pop or rock" there are plenty of stations that play it!

I will say this though, I think Trisha is one of best "female" singers out there. That still don't make her country, though!

As for "Phil", maybe if he stood still long enough I would be able to tell if he really could sing or not! Running all over the stage is better suited to a rock concert (or maybe wrestling), not the Grand Ol' Opry! Of course, that still wouldn't make him "country!"

Given a choice, I would still rather hear Connie Smith over Trisha! And whatta ya know, Connie has steel too! A great "country" singer and "steel guitar" too. It don't get no better than that. Now that's country!

Dave

"Fill" is nothing more than a flash in the pan. Who were some of the artists that had hit songs two years ago? Better still, WHERE are they now? Theresa, you need to find the definitive answer to WHAT country music really is. Here's a hint, it's not subjective!!!!!

This thread is old. Subjective sounds good to me. Sorry you guys can't control, tame, subdue country today.
I'll take Trisha over Connie anyday. So we'll just disagree. I hope you guys have a great new day
Theresa

Subdue, tame, control? Looks like the market is pretty well taking care of that. As for subdue, tame, control?... whose trying? I doubt this forum will have any influence. But, it does look like YOU (Therersa) would subdue, tame, or control if you could. As for me? I'm just supporting a true form of American music and an instrument (steel guitar) that has made it's place there.
I look at it this way...I like mash potatoes, corn, green beans and steak. I place them all neatly on my plate and eat them indivdually. I don't mix them all up into one big pile on my plate. I like my music the same way. I don't like it all mixed up and turned into something that is unpalatible. Today's one "size fits all," rock-n-roll wanna-be ("new country?") music is just too unpalatible for me.
If "real" country music is too embarrassing for you, go listen to something else on some other radio station that will make you feel real "cool" in case someone accidently hears what you're listening to.
Country Music's past is tainted with those who have tried to turn it into something other than what it is. Today, it is still no different. There are still those who are trying to turn it into something else (I beleive they like to look at it as "expanding it's horizon into other markets and listeners"). It is still just as unsuccessful. Trying to make it palatible to those who wouldn't listen to it otherwise is futule! Today's country music is split between those who either like it or hate it and that certainly is not good for the industry, which is becoming more and more obvious everyday. The turmoil starts at the bottom and works it's way up gradually. Eventually it reaches the top where those who have made the most money from it will began to feel the "crunch" too. Then we'll really see some "whining!"

I'm out'a here,
Dave

Dave,
I told you to go back and reread my very first post. It was simply my review of the opry last Saturday.
Please don't tell me I'm not an advocate for Steel.
I'm as country as cornbread. I happen to like rolls for a change.
Like I said, we disagree! You have a great new day! Theresa

Yes Theresa, I did read your review. I also noticed your leaving us out of it, too. Of course, I realize I don't play a "Franklin" steel. You being such a big "advocate" of steel guitar, I shouldn't think that would make any difference. So, I assume it was just personnal.
You have a great day ,too.

Dave (Emmons LeGrande III)

I suggest that some of you read Buddy's answer to the question I asked him about his take on "Today's Country." http://www.buddyemmons.com/_board/00000068.htm I wonder how many of you should change your name to "Joe?"

Not Me .Have to change my name that is.Except I may be Joe "Scotch" if I did.

------------------
CJC

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Joe Casey on 08 March 2002 at 09:41 AM.]</p></FONT>

You guys are never going to get anywhere with someone who prefers Trisha over Connie! & I thought this was a steel forum, not a favorite singer, "country or not" forum?

Theresa G.

Are you aware that Connie Smith didn't have a host of heavyweights pushing her to stardom, when her recording of Bill Anderson's "Once A Day" held the #1 position on the charts for 8 weeks? It was on the Country chart for a 7 month period.
Connie's song, "I'll Come Running", was, and still is one of the most difficult challenges to advanced steel guitarists. The great Weldon Myrick helped to arrange the steel guitar back-up, and it can be enjoyed today as it was when first recorded.

Bill H. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 09 March 2002 at 12:06 AM.]</p></FONT>

Hi! Bill,
I'm aware of Connie's "Once A Day" and "I'll Come Running" hits, because I would sing along while Paul was learning Weldon's great licks! Connie was my favorite female singer back then. I still listen to those great records and I have her Boxset.
I meant to say Trisha is my favorite female singer today. She uses Paul and what he does on those records are great also! To me Trisha is country, others disagree. Fine!<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Theresa Galbraith on 08 March 2002 at 08:59 PM.]</p></FONT>

Theresa, If what Paul played on Trisha's records is so important to the song, than how come Trisha is able to perform live without a steel guitar? How come Joe Diffie, Phil Vasser, Tracy Lawrence, and a host of others don't have steel guitar in their live bands any more? The un-importance of steel in 'Modern' Country has put me out of work! Unless, I want to be a 'token' steel player in a Pop band! That's not what I spent my life preparing for. That's not why I moved to Nashville. I'd rather dig a ditch!

Dave, You sounded GREAT on TV! You had a phenominal tone! (You played nice too) Were you playing your LeGrande III? You get a wonderful tone on the radio too. I heard you tonight on the Friday night Opry and you get such an incredible sound! I loved the solo you took tonight. Your playing always impresses me, but that ride shocked me! (but in a good way) Keep up the good work. See you tomorrow night at the Texas Troubador Theater!

Loren N.
original LeGrande loafer 6X5

Theresa G.


Trisha Yearwood is pure uptown country, having been the daughter of a banker dad, which is miles apart from a coal miner's daughter.
Influences from the situations that we are placed in, determines our thoughts and pleasures. Some of the entertainers who have experienced hardships, remain totally faithful
to their country roots, regardless of fame and fortune. There is plenty of room for "pour out your heart" country in today's world of transitory vocalizing, and thunderous over-dubbing of sounds not related to heartfelt music.
Thank you for your responses.

Bill H.

Loren,
I think what Paul played on all those hit records helped sell their records!
The artists make the decision to carry whom they want for whatever reason? I'm sorry you lost your gig with Tracy. The business is tough now. The reason you came to town is the same reason Paul and others came too! It's changed, it's life!
These threads change too, no one ever stays on the original topic
Theresa

Theresa,
your response about the artist making the decision to carry whom ever they want for whatever the reason is exactly the point I made way earlier in this topic! I think the reason she doesn't carry steel is obvious.
If Paul's work (respectfully) on the album played such an important part in selling it, why wouldn't she want the steel there on stage once again to help sell? Especially if it is such an integral part of the sound. Like I said, I think the reason is obvious. I once again repeat, my compliments to her producer for having the smarts to recognize the use of steel if they plan on marketing in a country market place. To bad she doesn't see it that way. (as you said,"her decision for whatever reason. I think it is obvious).
I respect her as a "singer" but not as a "country" singer. To that point I really don't think she cares. With her TV roles on TV (JAG), movies etc, I don't think having the finances to employ a steel player is a problem. Maybe she is afraid a steel will make her too "country?" Pop singer yes, country singer no.
It is funny you are such an advocate of steel guitar until it boils down to whether it is "new country" or not. Then you turn coat! As for your being an advocate of steel guitar? It looks like that is only the case when it is "convenient" for you.
Even Dottie West (whom I also worked for at one time) had steel guitar "live."
Even Pointer Sisters used steel guitar when they wanted to cut a "country" song (remember "Fairy Tale"?). You'd think even Trisha would see the connection. As for you...well, I'm supprised you don't!..
I mean.. you being such an advocate of steel guitar and all!

Long live Connie Smith (with Dumplin on steel).

Dave

Dave,
You need to stop worrying about what I think. I'm disappointed in the artists' decision not to carry steel. I'm not a turn coat just because I didn't say it earlier. You sure like calling names! Like who you like and I'll do the same.
Theresa

Nows whose whining!

Dave

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!

Dave - 3
Theresa - 0