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Topic: Congratulations NEOSGA !!! |
Mac Bellingrath
From:
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA
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Posted 14 Apr 2003 4:12 pm |
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Congratulations and thank you to Roger Osbourn, Donley Harrington, and the rest of the fine folks in the Northeast Oklahoma Steel Guitar Association for a great show this past weekend.
I had to miss a few of the sets due to travel, but I heard some great playing while I was there.
One of the first sets I heard on Saturday was Keith Hilton's, and it was outstanding. As many of you know, Keith played for David Houston and later in Branson. He told me he is now spending most of his time building his line of volume pedal, but, let me tell you, he hasn't lost his touch as a player. I was playing rhythm guitar in the band and I can tell you from personal experience that he was easy to follow as a band leader.
Here in the mid-South, we don't know how to do a show without tres hombres de Tejas -- Louie Hallford, Wayne Smith, and Buck Grantham -- and of course they came through in fine style. In addition, Buck played lead guitar on almost every set, and he sounded great, both his notes and his tone.
Not only did Ray Qualls play some pretty steel; he has a beautiful voice, and his duets with Norma Jean Lucas were real highlights.
Austin Stewart was nice enough to let granddad Jerry Newberry play along ... and I've got to say he made old Jerry sound pretty good! However, Jerry told me he is gonna have to turn Austin over to the other Jerry -- Jerry Roller -- for further training.
Speaking of Jerry Roller, he did an advanced set on Sunday -- some great C6 work on Emmons' "Raising the Dickens" and another jazz standard or two.
I've heard Ronnie Neighbors do some good stuff, but I've never heard him play any better than he did Sunday. And fast, let me tell you, he can roll!
Of course you can't claim Oklahoma without acknowledging Don Compston, and Don really put in a fine set.
I spent the biggest part of the weekend sitting next to Jack Harmon from Sherman, Texas on bass, and what a great foundation he puts down. What a pleasure it was to listen to him! On any song I didn't know, all I had to do was let him lead me from one chord to the next. And he's a fine singer, to boot.
And Bob Dell (Dell Cases) is also a great bass player and a prince of a guy.
Many of you know John Terry and what a great job he did on fiddle and vocals!
Roger Osbourn says that Dwain Carger is the best drummer in Oklahoma, and he's got my vote.
Of course the headliners were a special treat for all of us -- Tom Brumley and Joe Wright. Brumley's lap steel work on "Nicole" and several others was really beautiful. And not only was Joe Wright's playing excellent, he was a strong bandleader -- something I always enjoy as a sideman.
Well, Roger Osbourn said he wasn't going to name any names for feeling bad about leaving somebody out, and after all this writing, I am feeling bad about that very thing. Virgil Pittman, Vance Monday, and plenty of fine musicians whose names I didn't quite learn ... they all played great. This is a special and a growing show -- my first, but I'll be back next year. Hope you're there too!
Mac Bellingrath
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LEFTY 2002 Pedalmaster D-10 8x5, Supro lap 8-string strung lefty, Nashville 400, Rabro strung lefty, Fender resonator converted to lap-style lefty by Resophonic Outfitters |
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Roger Osbourn
From:
Siloam Springs, Arkansas, USA
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Posted 14 Apr 2003 6:04 pm
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| To my newest friend Mac:Thank you for giving up your weekend to help us.As I said, we can never fail when we have friends like you.All I did was ask and you came running.Your effort was very much appreciated.You play VERY WELL even if Joe Wright does think your guitar is backwards.He's a mighty special friend too. What a weekend.Sure met a new bunch of special folks that I now consider my friends.Tom Brumley,Ben Jack,Tim Lane and you Mac.Can hardly wait until next year.E-mail me your address. I want to send you a gift and besides I might come through Pine Bluff some day and if I'm hungry I want to know where your house is.Oh boy,Tulsa is next.See you down the road Mac.Be blest my friend. Roger Osbourn |
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Jerry Roller
From:
Van Buren, Arkansas USA
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Posted 14 Apr 2003 6:59 pm
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Mac, I appreciate your mention of my part of the show. I, in particular am very proud of
Austin Stewart, his gramps Jerry and another of my buddies we are going to be hearing much from in the future, Tim McCutchen. I had to leave to go play the Opry show and missed Austin and Jerry but heard they did great and I did get to hear Tim and he is playing wonderful. Rev. (Mica) Smyth was in his usual great form and played some beautiful Gospel Sunday afternoon. It was like old home weekend and I enjoyed it so much. Roger is to be congratulated. He has done a phenominal job as President of the club. I also appreciated the job done by the backup band, they were a pleasure to play with. My one regret is that I did not purchase that little blue guitar from the vender from Guthrie, Ok (I think). If anyone reading this knows who I am referring to and how to contact him I would love to buy that little guitar.
Jerry[This message was edited by Jerry Roller on 14 April 2003 at 08:07 PM.] |
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Buck Grantham R.I.P.
From:
Denham Springs, LA. USA
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Posted 14 Apr 2003 8:12 pm
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| Hey, we had a great time too !!! It was a pleasure seeing our friends up there again. I enjoyed everyone's playing a lot. I always learn a few good songs from the show. I also enjoyed John Terry's playing and singing very much. I was so glad when Jackie Harmon and Larry King helped make my part of the show a success. Both men are great Bass players and singers.And it was a pleasure to meet Mac and enjoy his great rythm playing. Thanks Roger and Delores and all members of the club for making the show a big success. See all of you in Tulsa!!!!!!!!! |
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Wayne Smith
From:
Rowlett, Tx. USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 15 Apr 2003 5:06 am
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| Roger, I have also found a new friend in Mac. He was a delight to watch and listen too. It was a great addition to the outstanding band that worked so hard during the show. There isn't much I can say that has not already been said, but Roger, you and your lovely wife and staff have really made this a memorable event. It is such a delight to be associated with great folks like you. Please accept a great thanks from Perceline and I for making this last weekend a wonderful time for us. I must also compliment the wonderful audience who responded to each artist with great enthusiasm. God Bless |
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Mac Bellingrath
From:
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA
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Posted 16 Apr 2003 6:38 pm
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Hey Fellows,
It was such a pleasure for me to be with each of you, as well as to hear you play. And it was an added pleasure to play along during your fine sets.
During my early twenties, it was drilled into me that rhythm guitar is an important instrument in our kind of music, and I am happy to carry on the tradition. I am glad I was able to fit in and lend some support to what you all did. You guys are the stars, and I thank you for being so willing to include me.
To borrow from a thought by Chet Atkins, I just hope I played "in tune and in taste."
-- Mac
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Jerry Roller
From:
Van Buren, Arkansas USA
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Posted 16 Apr 2003 8:17 pm
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Indeed you did Mac! Thanks.
Jerry |
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Mac Bellingrath
From:
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA
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Posted 17 Apr 2003 3:15 am
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| Thanks, Jerry. |
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