The Steel Guitar Forum

This afternoon my phone rang and I looked on my caller i.d. and it was from Emerald Sound Studios. To my surprise it was Paul Franklin. He wanted to talk about a topic both he and I posted on in the music section about the live music scene in Nashville. We had a nice talk for 15 or 20 minutes. We haven't talked in a while so it was nice to hear from him. We both have the same opinion of coming to town to make alot of money. If that's why you do it you will be very unhappy quick. Both Paul and I look at Nashville as a musical university for the musician who wants to play with great musicians and learn and improve their own playing. If you happen to make a living you are doing well and should consider yourself lucky. We all have ups and downs but those of us in it for the long haul just take it as it comes and we don't give up. If you want to try Nashville don't do it for the money consider the move educational and soak up as much as you can. Mike

Years ago, Speedy West came to the Opry with Tennessee Ernie Ford and Kaye Starr for their guest appearance over WSM. At that time, the Musician's Union refused to allow him to play since he was not a "local" and had it not been for Red Foley's persistance
and intimidation, Speedy most likely would not have had that opportunity to guest on the show.
Back then, the union restricted incoming musicians to a minimal number per year.
What might that situation be these days, during these more liberal, touchy feeling conditions?

I'm still waitin' for a phone call.

Ray, I don't know what this has to do with what I posted, but if you've got the money you can join local 257. Mike

Methods to the madness in my ears and eyes are open for interpretation. Perceptions quoted by basement pickers, brown nosers to accomplished artists are simply opinions. Unless a common denominator is shared and expressed by all, I feel the best way to make a conclusions is to experience it all, first hand. My comments are basically a refection to what has been discussed over in "Music," I just felt like posting it here.
Gary Lee

I'm still waiting.....

Mike,
I look at NYC in the same way. Such a wealth of amazing music and musicians. I love the place. I would not suggest to anybody that they should move here to play music and make allot of money. But if you want find yourself on stage with some of the most talented and creative musicians on the earth this place is fantastic. If you had all the money in the world it could not buy the joy and fulfilling challenges to be had by musicians on any given night here. There is even a bit of a country scene downtown but it is a bit on the pathetic side compared to Texas or Nashville.

Bob

Earl, you probably missed the call when you were on-line posting the messages... Next time, eh?

------------------
My best,
Ernie

The Official Buddy Emmons Website
www.buddyemmons.com

Bob, I know I didn't start playing music for the money. It was because I loved it and I still do. Musicians who decide to make a career out of it sacrifice alot of material things for the love of music and I'm no exception. I can't complain because I'm making a living but I've had some lean times so I know the other side of it. Every player in town that I know has too with a few exceptions. Heck look at Lloyd Green for example, Lloyd sold shoes at Harvey's dept. store on Church st. while he played the Opry on weekends to feed his family untill he got into the studio scene. But everyone who has longevity keeps doing it for the same reason they got into it. I enjoy working with the caliber of musicians that I get to work with. Not only at my club gig but on sessions and showcases too. I will not tell someone not to move here but make sure you are ready to make some sacrifices and work hard at your craft. Mike

The above seems to be universal....When I started many years ago, the first (and best)advice I received was: "If you intend to make a living playing music, the first thing you need to do is LEAVE OKLAHOMA CITY"!

I've never yet heard anyone say: "If you want to make a living playing music you need to go to________".

Does such a place exist? I doubt it!
www.genejones.com <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 04 January 2002 at 05:13 AM.]</p></FONT>

Mike, this is all very interesting listening from the perspective of the "big frog in the little pond", which is generally been my situation, and many of us living outside the major US centers. I've had quite a few friends that have made the plunge from Canada and gone to Nashville, ie, Randle Currie, Mike Holder, Bob Lucier(many years ago). I applaud their will and determination to both leave their country and their family. I've thought of it over the years, but by the time I felt confident about my playing, I didn't know if I wanted to go thru all the trials and tribulations that a new area brings to your life, especially with a family to support. I've always regarded Nashville as a steel guitar "university" to study from and make connections, and the few times I've been down there I've thoroughly enjoyed myself. I've never regarded myself as a superpicker, but have had enough experience in pressure gigs, ie, TV, recording and big one-niters that I could hold my own, but by the time I figured out I'd have a shot at it, I was too friggin' old! For the rest of my playing career I'll be happy to stay on my lily pad and hop over to visit y'all whenever I'm able.

Music is just what I do for money. It's Database Administration that's my real passion.

Hey Ernie,I also found out I can only hold my breath for 1 min.59 sec. Look...let me show ya'...........................................................................................................

I agree with the Nashville University concept.
My first trip to Nashville was very educational. I thought I was a pretty good picker till I walked into The Demon's Den to sit in. After setting up I met the other guy that was also sitting in. His name was the great Mike Smith. I played a couple of rides on my steel, and spent the rest of the night on stage watching Mike Smith pick circles around me. I learned that night that I was a pretty good picker in Kalamazoo Michigan, but in Nashville I was a first year student attending Nashville University...............