The Steel Guitar Forum

I just returned from Mike Dowling's Greater Yellowstone Music Camp, and was fortunate to spend a week in Orville Johnson's "Blues for Dobro" class. Orville is an awesome teacher, very clear in his explanations, and able to answer any/all questions that came up. We got a good mix of useful theory, technique enhancers, licks, songs, scales, etc. I even had an opportunty to put some of my new skills to use in a Friday night jam (thanks O.J. for the minor chord substitutions!). If you want to take your playing to another level, and expand the repitoire beyond bluegrass (although I know O.J. is equally talented in that genre), I'd recommend getting with Orville. I'll also give a plug for his "Slide and Joy" CD, which eased the drive home from WY. And, hearing him live....well that's another story...avant garde jazz on a Dobro tuned to open G?
Thanks Orville,
Dana

when i first moved to seattle in 1981, i went to the folklife festival and saw a swing band with an amazing mandolin player. when i spoke to him after the show, he said "well, i'm really not a mandolin player, i'm a guitar player." then i saw him at the oregon country fair, playing jazz dobro and scatting along with his playing. when i complimented him on his playing, i got the same "i'm really a guitar player" responce. when i was playing in "the swingin' swamis", we had orville sub for our steel player a few times, and not only did he tear it up on steel, he brought his electric fiddle and wowwed us with that to. when the lead singer/guitarist quit the band, orville came in and sang and played lead guitar. he's also an amazing banjo player, and one of the nicest guys around.
i know i'm probably making him blush, but orville deserves all the praise he can get, and it's nice to see him getting mentioned here.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by John Rosett on 04 July 2005 at 09:49 AM.]</p></FONT>

I'd say some nice things too, but you guys covered it pretty well. His singing sends chills down your spine. When OJ lets loose, you stop and listen. I recommend listening to his 'Blueprint For the Blues', and 'Freehand' cd's also.

I'll second the notion. I had a private lesson from Orville last year, and it was amazing. Worth every penny. Plus it was really fun since he's such a great guy.
I'm still learning stuff from the tape and the notes I took.
-Paul

(edited for speling)<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Paul Arntson on 04 July 2005 at 12:28 PM.]</p></FONT>

thanx everyone. dana was an excellent student at GYMC and had, without a doubt, the best moustache there. johnR, i hope missoula is treating you well and glad you're slidin' away on the steel now. jason, i just want to say again, as i have on some of the other reso chat boards, that i am loving my Rayco guitar that you and Mark built, i've been using it in all my travels so far this year and everyone who hears it is impressed. and it's so cool that jerryD is playing one in his new Allison Krause video on CMT. paul, i'm glad the lesson was good for you and you certainly have a beautiful collection of steels. i enjoyed seeing and hearing them.
by the way, dan tyack and i sat in with the campbell bros. last night and dang! those guys lay it down! that was some fun!

I'd rather hear Orville Johnson play the dobro than anybody else. I don't know if that makes him the best, but he sure goes down easy to my ears.

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www.tyack.com

I took a week long music camp course (bluegrass Dobro 101) from Orville several years ago on Vashon Island up here in WA. I learned more from him in a week than I had learned in eight years on my own!

Dan, I agree totally. There are many other good players, but Orville has a signature style and feel that just shines. Experiencing his playing live is nothing short of amazing in my books. He is without a doubt my favorite reso player.