The Steel Guitar Forum

Tonight at 8pm central time on RFD tv is the Crook & Chase show. Gene Watson is one of the guest performers tonight. I watched last week's show and was wondering who the house band's steeler is. I don't know who he is, but he plays a beautiful shiny red MSA.
Just thought I would give a "heads up" for this show.

Was it Tommy White?

Brett

I don't know for sure who it was, most of the camera shots were "shoulder down", but there was a lot of good camera coverage of his playing

It Was Tommy White. SONNY.

It was a great show last night. I bought both Rhonda and Gene's CDs today as a relult of tuning in. I also kept it on my DVR so I can watch it again.

I don't have RFD TV,but I can tell you the new Gene Watson album is wonderful.Sonny Garrish plays steel on it. He has several artists singing back-up for him. The CD is called "In A Perfect World" Cut #3 and the last one are my favorites.

Anybody here remember when Gene performed in St. Louis? WHAT A SHOW!

I remember when Gene performed in St. Louis. Great show, BUT... it was a steel guitar convention and not only did Gene NOT give his steel player a feature, he didn't even introduce him to the audience.

So I will do that now. His steel player at that show was the very excellent BILL DEARMORE from Belton, Texas. Bill's a good friend of mine and an amazing player, another who can play jazz on E9. He generally works each Sunday at the Cotton Club in Granger TX.

I have mixed emotions about the whole RFD thing. I'm glad there's a place for all the stuff we've loved and missed; but from what I understand, they refuse to make any AFM agreements, so even though the guys get paid, they're getting screwed out of pension and reuse and everything else. I could be wrong, and some guys may not give a whit, but it isn't fair if that's what's happening.

MD this is not a rebutt of your post. use to be one couldn't work the Live YV shows unless they were a member.. I know people who lived and worked in Nashville,on the road and TV and stage shows who as life long AF of M members got screwed out of pensions...Being a member of the AF of M sure works wonders for all those musicians who if they carry cards, working down on Lower broad for if lucky 20 bucks or Tips a night.....RFD is the closest thing to the old Nash network..

Joe, that's true, to an extent. Nobody makes that little down there, though. The ever present and passed tip jar brings it up considerably. I've heard guys say they've made as much as $300 a piece on some nights; not the norm, but it shows what's possible.

Joe, your post changed since I replied above... believe me, I am in no way defending the AFM. As unions go, it's one of the "better" ones... I've been a member since 1974, and it hasn't been a cakewalk, but it's all I have. Now, if the PMG gets a foothold (which is scaring the AFM badly), there might be another place to turn... but what happens to 34 years of accumulated benefits for me if the AFM folds?

Yes Mike I felt that I was answering your post wrongly..I as many others respect you and your postings,after I read mine posted I knew I worded it wrong..

Joe, no big deal.

To clarify, I now have it on excellent authority that RFD is taking care of business properly, and the guys are being taken care of with proper agreements and pension deals in place. Kudos to RFD!

Micheal,I was wondering about RFD because of the C&C show..I know the staff band members are all in the book......Glad they are doing the right thing..By the way I seen an old Billy walker show from Sandstone Mn and the steel player played a mean Harp as well as steel.. Hope you got Double scale

Joe, c'mon... we're talking BW here. More like double scab... I loved him and Bettie, I'll tell ya.

(Wonder if I can snag a reuse for them airing that? Hmmm...)