The Steel Guitar Forum

I just received an e-mail from Bill Stafford telling me who he has lined-up for the August 6th Deep South Steel Guitar Assoc. show in Gulfport.
Once again Bill, you amaze me. 17 pickers in one fantastic day...all in appreciation of Louisiana steel guitar players.
My absolute favorite picker in the world, Buck Grantham will be there. Jr. Martin and the band, Billy Carr, Randy Blackwell, Charlie Moore, Danny Harrell...and on and on.
I know you'll have a complete list in a few days. We're gonna plug this big summer show on SteelRadio.com and on our website.
We'll be there giving away t-shirts and stuff in air conditioned comfort...hee!

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Jeff Blackwell
Emmons D-10 LeGrande - Nashville 400

Having a steel guitar show you want to promote? Add it to the calendar at www.steelguitargear.com

I am so happy that my Dad, JL Duncan, has consented to joining me for this steel event! Bob Saxton will join us on lead guitar, my brother Clay Duncan on drums and Bro. Brett Cooper on bass guitar! What awesome musicians!!! See ya there!

Hey Jeff I appreciate the very kind words. Thank you much. I am very excited to get to play that show and be with all of my friends. We're gonna have a ball for sure. I'm really looking forward to it .

Gosh im looking forward to seeing everyone that day and to make some new friends as well and i no it will be a good show and im excited about playing it as well along with the other good players that will be there. To all who has never met me please drop by and say hi im just home folks is all i am. Looking forward to the 6th of august. Jim

Looking forward to 8-6. If your a steel player or just like good steel guitar music the Gulfport jam is the place to be on Aug.6th. Plenty of nice folks and usually a few surprises.

Hey Reggie, Billy, Jeff, and all my friends in Gulfport. I'll be thinking of you guys, and wishing I was there with you. Can't make this one tho, so please say hi to Jerry Jaye and Randy Blackwell and Bob Saxton and R.J. Buras and all the fine folks down there. I'll be praying that the A/C holds out for you guys this time. I know you'll need it. I'm sure this will be another great show.
Hope to see you in St. Louis.
BD <font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Bobby Duncan on 09 July 2005 at 11:40 AM.]</p></FONT>

Reggie - Man, it's going to be great having some real pros back up the fantastic steel pickers. Bob Saxton has to be the coolest human being I've ever met and the finest guitar picker ever.

Bobby - Thanks for thinking of us. Likewise, we treasure your visit back in June and will hold a permanent spot open for you until your next visit.

Buck - My friend, let me know if I can help you tote anything. My wife says I make a good doorstop!

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Jeff Blackwell
Emmons D-10 LeGrande - Nashville 400

Having a steel guitar show you want to promote? Add it to the calendar at www.steelguitarshows.com

DSSGA is most fortunate and thankful to all the great musicians giving us support. With Bob Saxton on stage and in demand to play for all of us, takes me back to the good ole days of listening to Jerry Byrd and Chet Atkins on all the songs those two recorded for us and the world to enjoy. Bob does not take second seat to Chet and with him in the band, the steel guitar players are in a delightful stage of happiness. Thanks Bob.
Amd to top this off, this coming show on the 6th of Aug. will have another great guitar player-Gary Granger (one of our Louisiana celebrants) in the band. I am thinking of having Bob and Gary give us a special treat un-rehearsed and spur of the moment arrangements for all to sit back and enjoy. Never know what is going to happen at our good time shows. All are welcome too. Music starts at 11:00 AM until the "cows come home". (Wait till you hear Bob play and sing the "Milk Cow Blues"-none better anywhere).
Bill Stafford

(PS-and we have eighteen top flight steel players on the schedule too) Can't beat that 1

Hey Bill,
You are so right. Bob Saxton really is a special treat. A super nice guy, and an absolute "top-shelf" player. As much as I enjoyed the show in June, and meeting everyone, Bob was a still a stand-out. I've been thinking about trying to get him up to Peoria for our big show in June next year. If anyone can help me get in contact with Bob to explore the possibilities, I sure would appreciate it. We're blessed with some really fine guitarists up here, but I'd sure love to bring him up and show him off. He'd be a big hit up here too.
I never did figure out what brand his guitar was. Anybody know??? Seems like someone said he got that guitar from Chet. Just curious.
BD

Bobby, check your email. Those guitars of Bob's are custom hand made for him by a friend. Great guitars and sound so good. Love that long handled Bigsby vibrato. I think Bob is in Nashville this week at that guitar thumb pickers assoc. convention.
It is a special honor for us here at DSSGA that Bob has agreed to be a member of our stage band. No "back-up" musicians here-all top shelf as you say.

Bill Stafford

Well,,,, Billy is doing it again. Got them magic fingers off the steel and into the telephone dial. "I DO LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER".

Course my ole Buddy Mike Hoover will be there to keep us all straight. NOTE: He sent me a personal email to advise me of such. END OF NOTE: They're gonna let him out of Arkansas so they clean his cage. I have heard that Mike has been with the railroad for so long, he has the whistle keys all down pat. Does that make sense ?? Oh yeah, he actually whistles them while sitting atop / straddle a 500 foot tower, anywhere USA. Gonna get ole Mike the whistle blower to sang a song or three, this time around.

Great line up !!! Gotta throw my 15 cents worth in here about Bob Saxton. WHAT A GUITAR PLAYER !!! It is a downright honor to be able to share the stage with this great player.

Ah,,,,,, and the talent of my good friend Buck Grantham. He knows sumpin bout one of them 6 strang gittars too. No doubt, Buck will bring the best photographer in the steel gittar world with him,,,, Ms. Mitzi.

As usual, Billy Carr will knock-um dead.

Can hardly wait to hear the Coon-Mule, (can't say ass in here), band of Jr. Martin.

Reggie Duncan is always a treat to hear, and I can assure you this time will be no exception.

The main guy on the stage doing the MC'ing (and again fitting me with a tee shirt),will again be our good friend Jeff Blackwell. What a astounding, (like that big word Jeff?) radio voice. By the way, see Jeff at the show if you own a business and need a commercial done for the airwaves. He do dat rather well also.

Ya'll get ready for one of the biggest and bestest shows that has ever hit Gulfport, Mississippi. And when the shows over, we'll all look back and say, "Ain't that cool"? talking bout the A/C.

I also hear through the grapevine that a bunch of pickers from North Mississippi will be in attendance. I'll release the names when they confirm. Shoot,, we may even have a chance to break Theawfulsit, (Joe Wright) loose from his Disney stuff.

Hang in there Bill.

Just Plain Benjamin O'Dell

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If it ain't got steel in it, It Ain't<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Ben ODell on 12 July 2005 at 09:45 PM.]</p></FONT>

I would highly recommend that everyone make an honest effort to attend the August 6th show. Bill and every one connected with him treats you honestly and with respect. I wish I could be there again for this show! It is just too close to the International Steel Guitar Convention to leave St. Louis. By the way, Bill will be performing at the Convention this year. No one plays with any more feeling and expression than Bill does! Scotty

Ben O'Dell...you honor me, my friend. Astounding? Kind of like Kenny Price..."The Round Mound of Sound!"

Scotty is correct. The DSSGA August Show and Jam will be a top show! Once again, with so many talented pickers, I will keep the show moving and on time.

Might I also throw in a plug for Gary Miles. Even though Gary played the pedal steel for 20 years in California, he came home to Reserve, Louisiana. Bill Stafford has so thoughtfully included Gary in the line up for Louisiana Appreciation Day. When I saw him play in June...the crowd was mezmerized. I think he can make his MSA speak a variety of languages!

We want to have a packed house, so come join us in Gulfport on August 6th.

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Jeff Blackwell
Emmons D-10 LeGrande - Nashville 400

Having a steel guitar show you want to promote? Add it to the calendar at www.steelguitarshows.com

Thanks to all for this wonderful support for us here on the Gulf Coast. DSSGA is just busting at the seams. It was a great pleasure to have had a visit from Scotty. That is the biggest honor yet.
After hearing Gary Granger for the first time during our visit to the Martin Accordian Factory jam earlier, we just had to invite him to Gulfport so more of us could enjoy this man's talents. I have only heard Gary on lead guitar and if this is just an inkling of an indication of how he can play steel, every big name in the business is hereby noted to take note. Can't wait to hear him and Bob Saxton together.
Jeff, we will have our hands full with the blossoming schedule but with Ben and Mike to keep us straight, all will be fine and lots of fun and good music.
Our LOUISIANA APPRECIATION DAY CELEBRATION will be one for the books-first annual too. Jr. Martin and Buck Grantham here with us. WOW! This is our first annual one, wait 'till next year. lol
And for me to have a treausred slot on Scotty's big show in St. Louis is one of the best "musical rewards" I could ever have and even dream about. Thanks Scotty. I know everyone appreciates all the work from Scotty and his family and staff. None of this would be happening if not for Dewitt Scott- and that is the event we should all support and attend.
Thanks to all for so much.

Bill Stafford

Yep Jeff,,,,,,, Just like Kenny. Kenny Price was a great one. Can't tell you how many times I sang and played one of his songs, "You Almost Slipped My Mind". Might even try it August 6th.

And just in case ya'll missed it, One of our featured Guitar Players on the August 6th show, (Mr Bob Saxton) was also featured at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Day. You don't want to miss this great guitar player, and as Bill said, teaming him up on stage with Gary Granger will be something to behold. They'll have them-air wires a smoking.

Tell everybody you know and lets show Jr. Martin and his "Cajun Band" how Gulport appreciates them. Bring all yo friends and kin by the bus loads. NOTE: Need a bus???? Bill Stafford can help you out in this department also.

Ben O'Dell

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If it ain't got steel in it, It Ain't<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Ben ODell on 14 July 2005 at 05:17 PM.]</p></FONT>

And it looks like the Friday Night Frolic at R.J.'s Lakeside Catfish restaurant is building up again as Barney Miller just called yesterday and said he is "shore hungry" and hopes there is more strawberry pie left over from the John Hughey feeding frenzy.
We certainly have a full schedule of players and R.J. and Bert Courrege will double up on their programs and allow Barney a well deserved solo slot on the program.
Thanks to all for all this interest in our DSSGA show here in Gulfport.
And, Charlie Moore-one of our Louisiana Celebration recepients informed me that another great player from that fair state, Les Milam, will be here. This addition will top off our time frame on the program so we will be hearing all types of steel guitar playing and methods. Just doesn't get any better than this. Thanks again to all..
Bill Stafford

Bill: I sure wish Roy and I could be there. Bill really knows how to put a show together! This is one of our MOST favorite places to go and with the "southern" hospitality and all the good players there you can't go wrong! Say hello to everyone for us. We will see you in St. Louis! Give Betty our love. Laurie

I bet ya Bobby Duncan is eating his heart out that he can't be down there with you all. I know Bobby sure enjoyed it last time and I know if he could be there he sure would. You all have a great show!

Rich Mounce http://takeoff.to/steeljam

Thanks Rich!!!
We'll tell you all about the good time we had. Better still,,,, pack up and come on down for this one.

Bill Stafford is still hammering out the list of players on the schedule. We are hoping to pack the place with folks just like yourself that love the steel guitar and GOOD OLE COUNTRY.


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If it ain't got steel in it, It Ain't

Less than 3 weeks away, you're in for a great show in Gulfport. Be listening for Bill Stafford's interview on SteelRadio.com!

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Jeff Blackwell
Emmons D-10 LeGrande - Nashville 400

Having a steel guitar show you want to promote? Add it to the calendar at www.steelguitarshows.com

Jeff i can't wait to see you and all my bud's again and to hear Buck play make's it worth it all,by the way i thought i was your favorite player,so now i'm depressed so i'll concede to Buck,c ya there...
Charlie.....<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Charlie Moore on 19 July 2005 at 05:34 PM.]</p></FONT>

Just got off the phone with Jeff. This guy just happens to be one of the best there is in MC type commucications. Very enjoyable for me and such a great honor. Thanks Jeff.
Really looking forward to our DSSGA show on the 6th of Aug. Jeff has certainely added the professional touch to our efforts.
And Charlie, anytime Buck Grantham is on stage, we all have to take the back seat. What is better than that is to have Jr. Martin on the same stage-and that is exactly what will happen. Plenty of back seats for the rest of us to fill up. Louisiana Appreciation Day will be the first annual event so don't miss it. Plenty of good seafood, gumbo, steaks, etc here too.
See you all soon.

Bill Stafford

Well, looks like I've dug myself a hole, Charlie. You are my favorite picker in Central Louisiana....Buck is my favorite picker from Denham Springs. Nonetheless, it will be MY treat hear you both in Gulfport.

Bill Stafford is so humble, I have to remind myself of what a legend he is in the world of pedal steel guitars...and the development of the Universal Steel. Bill, it is my sincere honor to MC the Gulfport show. It is such a release from the daily grind and I look forward to making new friends and learning new licks. I will also be singing a Dave Dudley tune on Randy Blackwell's set.

To have master builder of the Cajun Squeeze Box, Junior Martin, on the stage in August is going to be a hoot. Everyone should make plans to join us for a Mississippi Fais Do-Do.

Once again Mr. Stafford, you have put together a diverse program!

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Jeff Blackwell
Emmons D-10 LeGrande - Nashville 400

Having a steel guitar show you want to promote? Add it to the calendar at www.steelguitarshows.com

Thanks to Jeff again and again. Folks if you haven't yet heard this guy's voice you are in for a real treat when you do. His announcing voice and personality is the very best. And I am looking forward very much to hear his singing on our next show here in Gulfport. Jeff will also have a display with all his neat "steel guitar gear"-
and talking about displays, we will also be priviledged to have one of the very best southern luthiers present to display his gorgeous guitars, resonator, lap steels, etc. His name is James Adams. Met him in Dallas briefly and we are so proud that he will be here with us. Great lineup of 18 steel players from all over the south too.
Mike Hoover and Ben O'Dell will have a tough time keeping us all straight and full of seafood gumbo..
Bill Stafford

I have heard a lot 0f good things about James Adams. Can't wait to get down there and meet him, swap ideas and play on one of his resonator guitars. Maybe he will be at the fishcamp with R.J. and that bunch. The seafood there is absolutly great.

Barney