The Steel Guitar Forum

I was fortunate enough to see Vince Gill and band (with Paul Franklin) at the Vermont State Fair. Have always been a fan of Vince and he put on a great show. Of course, getting to see and hear Paul playing with him was an even bigger treat. He was featured on a lot of the songs and his sound was incredible. Even the soundman had him up in the mix, so there was no problem hearing him. When Vince did "Look At Us", I think the crowd was mezmorized by Paul's intro and solo as he got a huge ovation after the song.
And the icing on the cake was getting to meet and talk to Paul back at the hotel. Truly a very nice man !!
If anyone has a chance to see Vince's show, I recommend it highly.

Bob Miano
New Jersey
Zum/Derby D-10

I've been a fan and friend of Paul's since we were teenagers. The best to ever sit in the saddle with a most uplifting gentleman's spirit. I know he sounds great with Vince. You should hear him cut loose with The Time Jumpers at the Station Inn on Monday nights here in Nashville! The best music and pedal steel playing you will ever hear.

Thanks for the pics Bob. What a great experience.

Any problems getting up to VT? I hear it's still pretty rough in some of the river valleys with washed out roads. (thanks Irene).

Vermonters are a pretty stout breed. Best to them all.

Nice. Just seeing his rig setup is enough to give you some anticipation as a steel player. One of the nicest people you will ever meet. Always ready to help and advise other steel players. I would say he is a perfect match with Vince Gill.

Was this a one time event or is Paul playing with Vinnie?


bob

Bob, Paul is playing with Vince on the road .......

i got to meet Paul when Vince played in NC - funny story, i was hoping to meet Paul somehow and when we walked up to the will call tent and i looked over and bam, there was Paul just standing there un-noticed by the hundreds of VG fans, so i walked right up to him and had a nice chat before the show - great fella. unfortunately, the soundman didnt have him up in the mix as much as i'd hoped (esp compared to the organ, bass, etc)

Bob, you are my hero now.. thanks for the pics

I agree with you Bob,I live in the frech part of Canada(Québec)and I have the chance to see him too with Vince Gill at the Champlain Valley fair near Burlington Vermont somme years ago and like you I have the chance to talk with him after the show and take a picture with,what a great guy !and he don't realise what influnance he can have on ''small town nordtern man''

I met Paul Jr. when he was playing with Mel Tillis years ago! They were playing at the Circle Star Theatre in Redwood City, California, and basically I did the same thing. He was just a youngster then. But, after the show I went back stage and found him standing alone, so I walked up to him and we struck up a conversation! I told him that I was wanting to buy a new guitar. He mentioned that his dad was building guitars and that I should give him a call. He gave me his dad's name and phone number! Well, that was all it took! I called Paul Franklin, Sr. Sent him my money! Three months later I had my first ever "Franklin" steel guitar, and I haven't played anything else since! But, yes, Paul Jr. is the nicest person in the world to meet and talk to!

Bob Wood