Isaac Russell seeking pedal steel guitarist

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 22 Jun 2009 9:27 am

A new singer/songwriter named Isaac Russell is seeking a pedal steel guitarist for extensive touring. They are looking for a youngish player (Isaac is 17 and the band currently ranges in age from 17 to 25). My friend Paul Santos is managing him and would like to hear from interested parties.
Please contact paul@melodicamusic.com for details.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/ruru
http://www.myspace.com/rurumusic

Tommy Auldridge · Post by **Tommy Auldridge** » 28 Jun 2009 8:02 am

I'm 66, but I don't look a day older than 90....
It has taken me the past 41 years to learn how to play steel. If you can find a 17 year old who can actually play well enough to fill the job, I'd certainly like to meet him. (or her) Good Luck!
Tommy................

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 28 Jun 2009 8:23 am

I know what you mean. It seems like steel players in general are older than most musicians. It's almost like you have to have some life experience to be able to appreciate how to play steel guitar.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 28 Jun 2009 8:32 am

My odometer says I'm only 17. Of course, it might have gone around once or twice first...

Hal Higgins · Post by **Hal Higgins** » 28 Jun 2009 8:45 am

I'm only 59 and have 40 years of experience....I still carry and setup my own equipment, too. I wonder if that would work? I don't drink and party all night either..........and don't go to bed or get up with the chickens (a real musician) I can sing, too. HAL

Chris Castle · Post by **Chris Castle** » 28 Jun 2009 8:33 pm

well, I am just 17 and I'm sure I could fill the bill, but I am in KY. I would love to play with out a doubt.

i dont know if there is a way or not>>? but where there is a will there is a way.

ki4boq@yahoo.com or pm on the forum.

-chris castle

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 28 Jun 2009 9:05 pm

Tommy Auldridge, I know of only one player in that age bracket that could handle the job. Austin Stewart age 15. Of coures Austin is an exception to the rule, but the boy can pick. Would be nice if we could get some young ones started early enough to be effective by age 17. Jody.

John Gould · Post by **John Gould** » 29 Jun 2009 5:33 am

I don't know any 17 year old's that can afford to buy a steel. I'm sure there are plenty of them out there that given a chance they could excel at playing the steel. I think that the steel guitar builders should have a program for young players to help them afford to get into steel as well some of the older players that are on fixed incomes. The instrument has gotten so expensive that is tough to afford a pro level guitar.

Ellis Miller · Post by **Ellis Miller** » 29 Jun 2009 6:43 am

When I was 17 I was pretty sure I was among the best guitar players in the world. 40+ years later I am very positive that is not the case. I must have forgotten a lot.

Bob Cox · Post by **Bob Cox** » 29 Jun 2009 7:04 am

I thought the singer was the attraction,not the steel man insn't that useally sop.I guess someone could play back stage and put a bag over there head.

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 29 Jun 2009 9:03 am

Even though I am over 60, I understand their problem. It's not just about looks on stage. For a group of young guys playing and touring, it's not just a business or entertainment decision, it's about lifestyle and personal compatibility. They want someone else who is young like they are to pal around with. They don't want a grandfather tagging along, theirs or anybody else's. Maybe it's their loss, but I understand the reasoning.

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 30 Jun 2009 8:33 pm

that is a weird request to say at least...? 17 year old steel player? for a pro band for extensive touring? I tought 17 year old kids were supposed to be in school, and on top of that I don`t think I ever met 17 year old steel player good enough to work with a full time road band... good luck with that search... $:\$

Db

ps

when I saw the Ru Ru`s picture on my space, it reminded me of my gig in Medora, ND. and I got flashbacks..LOL...even after all these years I still remember that 3 months long gig (torture) in badlands ... I don`t think I could do teenager gig`s again...

Eric Philippsen · Post by **Eric Philippsen** » 1 Jul 2009 9:49 am

I am of the opinion that having an older player in a band is a good thing marketing-wise. Many audiences have a wide range of ages and those who are older might feel more of a connection, liking or even respect for the band when they see someone their own age in it.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 1 Jul 2009 2:38 pm

He said he was looking for a "youngish" player, not a 17 year old player.

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 1 Jul 2009 4:19 pm

even "youngish" is pushin` it when it comes to steel players..

Db

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 1 Jul 2009 10:29 pm

All of the great players I know where good enough to play the road when they where 17.Just to name a few.

Emmons,Day, Chalker, Franklin,Jernigan,White, Whitwing,Murphy,Wallace, Crisp, West, Cox, Johnson.Many more.Bottom line. All of the great players were very good at a young age.

As for pedal steels not being affordable. Check out Terry Crisp playing a Carter Starter on You Tube.It's one of Bobbe's video's, but overlook him.

Anyway, Terry plays at the end of Bobbe's Carter Starter video. I would look up the link but it's 2:30 am local time.

Jerome Hawkes · Post by **Jerome Hawkes** » 16 Jul 2009 8:35 am

i went to his myspace - good stuff, esp for his age.
he doesnt even look 17 - more like 14, i cant even imagine touring with a teenage band, i can see their rational for a young steeler - great opportunity for someone young as i dont hear anything challenging in the parts a steel would need to provide.

that kid from KY needs to pack his bags and jump on this one, you aint gonna get tour experience staying in KY.

Brad Rigby · Post by **Brad Rigby** » 16 Jul 2009 6:48 pm

Jerome, I agree with you 120% . I've been following the posts of the young Chris Castle, and if he really wants to play, here's his chance !!!!

Chris Castle · Post by **Chris Castle** » 17 Jul 2009 4:12 pm

i know guys... I just have one problem. How can I afford it? My dad's been out of work for almost 3 months and my mom just had knee surgery. I have to try to make ends meet right now. We arent rich, but we arent exactly poor either.

I would love to play with this kid. I would rlly love it, but how can I? I know we cant all make the trip halfway across the country.

How could i afford it?

I would jump on it and be there right now if I could find a way and I'm not kidding.

any ideas??? i am open

Tom Higgins · Post by **Tom Higgins** » 19 Jul 2009 8:20 pm

Chris,they`re gonna pay you,you don`t have to pay them.Get in contact,sell yourself,they might pay your way out to audition.If you get the gig,I`m sure they`ll feed and put you up `til the tour starts.GO FOR IT!!!

Chris Castle · Post by **Chris Castle** » 20 Jul 2009 7:16 am

tom, it may be worth it. I might contact them. But at the same time if I do go, I'm giving up my senior year in high school.. along with that could be my opportunity to get into a good college and med school.

still, I might contact them.

Ellis Miller · Post by **Ellis Miller** » 20 Jul 2009 7:28 am

Chris Castle wrote:tom, it may be worth it. I might contact them. But at the same time if I do go, I'm giving up my senior year in high school.. along with that could be my opportunity to get into a good college and med school.

still, I might contact them.

Chris, this is a delima that talented young players are sometimes exposed to. Please be very,very careful. The music business will always be there in one form or another, but you may not get too many shots at your senior year and a medical degree.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 20 Jul 2009 12:47 pm

A player has been chosen, and my friend has asked me to close this topic. Thanks to everyone for the discussion and comments.

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Isaac Russell seeking pedal steel guitarist

Isaac Russell seeking pedal steel guitarist

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