The Steel Guitar Forum

I caught three shows at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, during the National Rodeo Finals last week; Smokey playing steel with Danny Hooper's Country Classic Tour Hall show featuring the Honky Tonk Heroes. Thanks to Smokey for posting the gig on the Steel Guitar Forum, otherwise even though I live in Las Vegas, I might not have known about it. Great, great show. Danny Hooper fronts the Canadian group and is a gifted comedian with humorous, at times hilarious material very appropriate for the casino lounge venue and the NFR crowd. Hooper has a fine vocal style on his own, yet does a great and accurate job doing Haggard, Robbins, Cash, etc., songs. The Honky Tonk Heroes are simply *outstanding*, with Kelly LaRocque on lead guitar, mandolin and harmony vocal; Gary Lefebvre, drums; Mark Winkleman, six string bass; Bruce Rohn, fiddle, rhythm/lead guitar; Melanie Switzer, vocal/harmony vocal and Smokey Fennell, pedal steel and banjo. The Heroes band is a rare pleasure watch - they're tuned, balanced, technically right on all the time and with a much-appreciated rare and true pro -understanding- of what laying out; really means - with natural, right on 3-4 note fills behind or under a soloist or vocalist at the right time - and knowing when -not- to play; how rare! It's just sweet! I particularly enjoyed Bruce Rohn's fiddle; he's tight, concise and on a level with Mark O'Connor far as I'm concerned. Melanie Switzer is fine in the "girl singer" role; reminiscent to me of Sue Thompson. Smokey was phenomenal, as expected and the "new" Carter sounds wonderful under his hands. I like Smokey's particular style anyway, and few steel players ease into Mooney, Brumley, Day, et al, as well as he does, when the songs require it - Smokey is the epitome of "less is more" and I wish more of the younger guys would take his lead. I really appreciated Smokey taking time between sets to sit and chat with me - he's a real gentleman. If Smokey and the Hooper show are in your neck of the woods, it'll be a real treat - go see them! Check out the Danny Hooper show website at wwww.dannyhooper.com for dates and appearance locations and while you're at it, check out Smokey's own website www.geocities.com/Nashville/8089/

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Sunny Callen on 18 December 2001 at 03:54 PM.]</p></FONT>

Thanks for the good words Sunny. I had a great time playing in Las Vegas and enjoyed meeting you there.

There isnt much to add to the above comments..Ive known Danny Hooper since the mid Seventies..a great entertainer. Good to see Smokey again and a great sound he gets from his Carter. Bruce worked with me in Whitehorse may years ago also. So good to hear Traditional Country played so well. I was super impressed with Danny's Faron Young tribute and told him so. Smokey has taken over for another friend of mine (Danny Marshall) who unfortunately has had a stroke.
All in all, a great show as usual from Danny and the Gang! Bill in Vegas

Working on getting photo posted of Smokey on stage at the Orleans. . . .
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Sunny Callen on 21 December 2001 at 04:27 PM.]</p></FONT>