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Topic: if you were to audition a steel player...... |
Jerome Hawkes
From:
Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 11:35 am |
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if you were to audition a steel player, what one tune would you request that you feel would asses their abilities. not essentially an up-tempo burner, lets dismiss that, but a tune that if the player could navigate this one, they could handle about anything thrown at them.
oh, and lets say this would be limited to E9 tuning.
i know when i played a lot of bluegrass, we would call "Little Rock Getaway" as a jam "tester", as that was a tune that separated the lick-based players from the ones who could think their way thru a tune. we would usually play it with a medium tempo bounce so it wouldnt get out of hand - although you can certainly burn that one down too.
also, what would YOU look for in their playing/technique specifically. certainly tone, and all, but what detail do you look for in a player.
_________________
'65 Sho-Bud D-10 Permanent • '54 Fender Dual-8 • Clinesmith T-8 • '38 Ric Bakelite • '92 Emmons D-10 Legrande II |
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Ellis Miller
From:
Cortez, Colorado, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 12:19 pm
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First of all, I would assess their tone. There are some steel players who feel good tone consists of tube amp overdrive (I have run into a couple who do). These are usually not country oriented and I would probably reject them.
I might ask them if they knew the kick off to "Night Life". Players who have actually studied the instrument usually know this. If they didn't know it, I would run the chords by them and see how long it took them to catch on. This is not a deal breaker, but it would give me insight into where the player is coming from.
I would speak in numbers and see what kind of reaction I got. Most band-wise musicians these days know something about the number system. I auditioned a bass player recently who said something like: "I don't know numbers, I just know music". He didn't know either one.
I would run through some simple songs, some familiar and some not. From that I would be able to tell how he played the songs he new and how well the player is able to pick up simple chord changes on the fly.
I would raise the issue of trading fills and spliting solos; 1. to see if he knew what I was talking about and 2. to see if he felt this kind of structure was appropriate. This IS a deal breaker.
I would run some lightly advanced chord progressions by them in a song for example: 1 #1dim 2mi 5 or 4 #4dim 1(5) 6 2 5 1. This would give me an idea of whether I was dealing with a 3 chord player or a more advanced musician.
I would also put a lot of stock in how well the player fit in as a person. We only allow one A**H*** in our band and that would be me. 
I know I have stepped out of the E9 perimiter for many PSG players. I am not sure a player who was restricted to E9 would be a good fit for our band. We do a lot of Western Swing and that type of thing along with our straight ahead Country.
_________________
Ellis Miller
Don't believe everything you think.
http://www.ellismillermusic.com |
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Rick Campbell
From:
Sneedville, TN, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 12:40 pm
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First have a look at their car to see if it appears roadworthy, then make sure they're not behind on the payments. Look to see if they're wearing a watch, and that they know how to tell time. If they pass this, tell them to do a Ray Price 5511 intro, if that works, sign them up. You can't ask for much more than that.
Oh, one more thing: Do they recognize Buck Owens as a genius? It doesn't matter what the answer is.
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Ellis Miller
From:
Cortez, Colorado, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 12:43 pm
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| Rick Campbell wrote: |
First have a look at their car to see if it appears roadworthy, then make sure they're not behind on the payments. Look to see if they're wearing a watch, and that they know how to tell time. If they pass this, tell them to do a Ray Price 5511 intro, if that works, sign them up. You can't ask for much more than that.
Oh, one more thing: Do they recognize Buck Owens as a genius? It doesn't matter what the answer is.
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What Rick said 
_________________
Ellis Miller
Don't believe everything you think.
http://www.ellismillermusic.com |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Bill Bassett
From:
Papamoa New Zealand
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 12:51 pm The Big Assumption is...There Are More Than One.
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Just how many steel players do you guys have to choose from? And, if there are more than one, what are the odds you don't already know what they can do?
They, in turn probably already know what you do.
Do you honestly put someone new through all that or do you just do what most every other band leader does?
ring____ring____
Steel Player: "Hullo"
Band Leader: "Hey Joe, you free on Saturday the 18th?"
SP: " Nah. Have you got Sam's number? I think he's free."
BL: "Yeah I got it. I'll give him a call. Take it easy."
And on down the list... |
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 1:11 pm
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Ellis.....
Can I have a job? I meet some of the criteria. Maybe all. Also I have a good car and watch. Is it a one or two night gig? Do I get travel expences and a room? How much does it pay?......Should have asked that first.
JD
PS: I have references and people who know me too.
All my stuff is paid for.
_________________
There is no such thing as too many steels!!
Emmons P/P 8/7 Strings....whatever I have.....Picks..mixed...Bars...one of four..but I like the Bullet Bar
Walker Stereo Steel Amp
TC M1 XL
Peavey Nashville 400. Fox Mod
Various sundries and toys.. |
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Ellis Miller
From:
Cortez, Colorado, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 1:20 pm Re: The Big Assumption is...There Are More Than One.
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| Bill Bassett wrote: |
Just how many steel players do you guys have to choose from? And, if there are more than one, what are the odds you don't already know what they can do?
They, in turn probably already know what you do.
Do you honestly put someone new through all that or do you just do what most every other band leader does?
ring____ring____
Steel Player: "Hullo"
Band Leader: "Hey Joe, you free on Saturday the 18th?"
SP: " Nah. Have you got Sam's number? I think he's free."
BL: "Yeah I got it. I'll give him a call. Take it easy."
And on down the list... |
I think there is a difference between calling someone to play a gig and adutioning someone I didn't know to play on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. My comments were directed toward the latter. If I need someone to fill in or do a throw-together, I would not be calling someone I did not already know could play.
_________________
Ellis Miller
Don't believe everything you think.
http://www.ellismillermusic.com |
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Ellis Miller
From:
Cortez, Colorado, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 1:28 pm
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| Jack Dougherty wrote: |
Ellis.....
Can I have a job? I meet some of the criteria. Maybe all. Also I have a good car and watch. Is it a one or two night gig? Do I get travel expences and a room? How much does it pay?......Should have asked that first.
JD
PS: I have references and people who know me too.
All my stuff is paid for. |
Howdy Jack,
I always get in trouble when people start bringing up that "pay" thing. It seems that all the players who meet my criteria want to play for money
Regardless, it sounds like whoever you play with is lucky to have you.
_________________
Ellis Miller
Don't believe everything you think.
http://www.ellismillermusic.com |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 5:57 pm
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It all depends on the instrumentation, and what kind of music the band was doing. If it was a small group (no rhythm instrument), I'd expect the steeler to trade off on the rhythm with the lead player. (Most "bedroom" steelers need a lot of work in this department.) If there were 3 or 4 singers in the band (and they had a rhythm instrument), the emphasis would switch to good backup and counterpoint. If it was a rock/country-rock, or alt-country band, I'd expect some degree of "edgy" and imaginative solo playing. If it was a western-swing band, the steeler would have to be very familiar with a 6th tuning, and typical western swing stylings.
Lastly, if it was a line-dance type of band playing NCS music, the steeler would have to be young, double on fiddle, have a cowboy hat, and a nice smile. (Actual steel playing would be rather immaterial.)  |
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Bob Hickish
From:
Port Ludlow, Washington, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 6:18 pm Re: The Big Assumption is...There Are More Than One.
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| Bill Bassett wrote: |
ring____ring____
Steel Player: "Hullo"
Band Leader: "Hey Joe, you free on Saturday the 18th?"
SP: " Nah. Have you got Sam's number? I think he's free."
BL: "Yeah I got it. I'll give him a call. Take it easy."
And on down the list... |
Bill - you are a class act -- thats exactly like it happens .
there have been times I knew of the gig and offered to go
and been told they haven’t called everyone yet - figure that !! |
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Larry Bressington
From:
Nebraska
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 6:31 pm
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Iv'e done many an 'Audition' where there was no 'up front' rules, it could be 'Paul M'Cartney and Wings' OR 'Roy drusky'.
Un-fortunatly for us, we better just have a stiff gripp on 'Style's' and Groove's[ Not saying I do]
Improv, is the only answer, however i have learned over time to, always request a 'Tape up front'
It's only fair to you!
Do you think i can fake 'Paul Frankilin's solo on Alan Jackson's song ' Waitress with one tooth' [That's not the name of the song but you get my drift]
Hell no! But if you give an honest chance, i can nail that S.O.B note for note, given time and lot's of PREPARATION!
That's where improv come's in, and hopefully they know that!!! 
Most 'Pro acts', give 'prep tape's' but not all!!
Being put 'on the spot' is never a 'Man's best game' but if that's the way it is, all you can do is give it all you got man...
Put your back up against the wall and 'Lay one down'
_________________
A.K.A Chappy.
Last edited by Larry Bressington on 14 Jul 2009 6:57 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Rick Campbell
From:
Sneedville, TN, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 6:55 pm
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ring____ring____
Steel Player: "Hullo"
Band Leader: "Hey Joe, you free on Saturday the 18th?"
SP: " Nah. I'm tied up."
BL: "Do you know of a good steel player that I could call?"
SP: Yeah, I know a lot of good players, but they've already turned you down or you wouldn't be calling me?
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Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 7:01 pm
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I would ask him if he knew Steel Guitar Rag,Sleepwalk,Sweet Home Alabama,and Stormy Monday,if so you're hired,If he said no but I know ALL of Kenny Chesney,Big and Rich,and Cowboy Troy's biggest hits. INTERVIEW OVER !!! DYK?BC.
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Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
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Jack Francis
From:
Queen Creek, Arizona, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 7:12 pm
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I was once asked to audition for a band..I arrived an hour before they let the folks in for the first show...the band leader said.."OK, We are working on a new song it is,(can't remember the song and had never heard of it)
You kick it off"..."Ahhh one, two, three"! They then ignored me and went through the song very quickly and told me thanx for coming by...the guitar player appologized for the jerk leader/bass player, and said that he wanted to buy my wife and I dinner.
As soon as dinner was over they did their show and damned if I didn't KNOW EVERY SONG on their setlist.
_________________
DESERT ROSE D-10 8/5...Joe Naylor "SteelSeat"...
Gallien-Krueger MB200 amplifier through an Alessis MicroVerb w/15'Peavey cab.
TELES & STRATS...
FENDER TWIN & SEYMOUR DUNCAN 50W tube amps...1-12" 2-12" & 4-12" cabs and a FENDER MUSTANG-3 |
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Randy Gilliam
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 7:42 pm Parole
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I would ask , When Is Your Parole Over?  |
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Jody Sanders
From:
Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 8:03 pm
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| Great question Randy. Jody. |
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Glen Derksen
From:
Alberta, Canada
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 8:23 pm
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| Well, let me see, I'm not a real experienced steeler, so, if I were hiring a steeler, I would expect him to be at least four or five times better than me. |
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 9:05 pm My first question would be.........................
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"Do YOU have an electronic tuner or pitch pipe?"
If yes, could you tune-up without them? |
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Glen Derksen
From:
Alberta, Canada
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Posted 14 Jul 2009 10:30 pm Re: My first question would be.........................
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| Ray Montee wrote: |
"Do YOU have an electronic tuner or pitch pipe?"
If yes, could you tune-up without them? |
In answer to that question, I can say yes. I do have an electronic tuner, but I don't use it all the time. |
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Ellis Miller
From:
Cortez, Colorado, USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2009 6:48 am
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My favorite call (not) is when the phone rings and the band leader says:
"Ellis, can you please help me, I have called everyone I can think of and they are all busy. You are my last hope, you've got to come through for me, man."
You know you are not a star when you hit the bottom of everyone's Rolodex
_________________
Ellis Miller
Don't believe everything you think.
http://www.ellismillermusic.com |
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2009 12:13 pm
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_________________
There is no such thing as too many steels!!
Emmons P/P 8/7 Strings....whatever I have.....Picks..mixed...Bars...one of four..but I like the Bullet Bar
Walker Stereo Steel Amp
TC M1 XL
Peavey Nashville 400. Fox Mod
Various sundries and toys..
Last edited by Jack Dougherty on 15 Jul 2009 12:16 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2009 12:14 pm
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BTW....
Business cards are better than cocktail napkins. For years I have been using napkins for my name and phone. I often wondered why no one ever called. I guess it was the napkins. 
_________________
There is no such thing as too many steels!!
Emmons P/P 8/7 Strings....whatever I have.....Picks..mixed...Bars...one of four..but I like the Bullet Bar
Walker Stereo Steel Amp
TC M1 XL
Peavey Nashville 400. Fox Mod
Various sundries and toys.. |
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Bill Bassett
From:
Papamoa New Zealand
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Posted 15 Jul 2009 1:16 pm It Could Be Worse
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Ellis, It might be worse than being the last card in the rolodex.
BL: "Hey Ellis, I've called every steel player I know and no one is available. Can you think of ANYONE else?
BD |
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Don Brown, Sr.
From:
New Jersey
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Posted 15 Jul 2009 1:34 pm
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Wow! Glad I never had to go through any of that bull-$#*$$ in order to get a gig. 
I'd probably have told them if they could hum it, I could play it.
Too many times, a few, take people who play by ear, and don't care what makes up what, entirely too lightly on his/her ability to play.
And, that's quite laughable at best!  |
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