Drew Howard
From:
48854
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Posted 13 Oct 2002 6:58 pm |
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Skeeter Klott and Clayton Lyons called to remind me about the Trufant Jam. Nothing like peer pressure to get you motivated. An understanding and wonderful wife certainly helped shove me out the door. Fortunately I was already loaded up from Sat. nite’s gig. I drove up from the Lansing, MI area , today was a beautiful, brisk fall day, the colors almost prime. The jam was at the local Community Center, looked like an old Grange Hall. Quite the rustic setting, plank walls and floor, lots of old wooden farm tools on display.
I'd never been to a steel guitar jam, and I had a ball. Clayton was MC and kept the ball rolling, no dead time with this guy. Starting at 12 noon we went round on a bunch of tunes and then it was 3 pm already and time for a break and grub. There was a nice meal layed out (thanks to the Calkins for keeping the coffee brewing).
Great to see Skeeter Klott and his new Fessy. Sounded great, Skeeter! I'd never heard you play and was pleasantly surprised. Tim Rowley stood out, he nailed every solo, what a pro and not a bum note anywhere. Same goes for Bob Cole on his Marlen, Gene Calkins on D-8 lap, Jerry Hendrix, and a couple other players whose names I have forgotten, sorry (who was the guy playing the MSA, he was great!). The Godfather of Steel Guitar, Al Marcus, showed up and played on Clayton’s guitar, WOW! Al plays the world’s fattest chords.
Oh, yeah. Me. Let’s not got there. I was all thumbs for most of the day but got my bearings later on. The jam was good for my chops and I learned again the time-honored lesson: PLAY THE MELODY. Or as Skeeter sez: Keep It Simple Stupid.
I must say the whole crew were a fun bunch, giggles, gossip and chatter to beat the band, basically a Steel Guitar-a-holics meeting. Nobody understands you like another steel guitarist.
“So, I bought ANOTHER Emmons.”
“Really. Tell me ALL about it.”
“Well, it’s black.”
“Yes, YES, dear lord!”
And so on :>)
Everybody practiced self-control, there was no obvious foaming, drooling or wall-eyed staring.
Speaking of band, there was a three – piece there to back us up and sing. Thanks, Clayton, for pulling it all together. Upon leaving, I lugged some gear out to my van and turned around to see Skeeter and Tim right behind me with the rest of my gear! Thanks guys, you’re the greatests. See you next year if not before.
Cheers,
Drew Howard
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www.drewhoward.com
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Al Marcus
From:
Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)
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Posted 15 Oct 2002 7:37 pm
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Drew-Thanks for posting for the Forum members about the Trufant Jam. There was quite a few Purty good pickers there, and you are too modest. You don't have to take a back seat to anyone there.
I got there a little late, but enjoyed every minute of it. All the pickers had something to offer, and you are right, PLAY THE MELODY. Yours and Skeeters Fessy's sounded great. Bob Cole sounded great on that Marlen. Gene Caulkins on that Fender D8, showed that you don't need pedals to jazz it up.
And Just too many others that you have already mentioned.
Thanks for the good words. I enjoyed playing Clayton's Emmons LeGrande. Next year maybe I'll play "All the things you are" ,if I can get the band to back me up.
Incidently the backup band was very good, and played everything that was thrown at them. I played "unforgettable" and it didn't faze them a bit. They did a good job.
Anyone in Michigan or nearby Ohio or Indiana, should try to attend this. Everyone gets to play and it is just a lot of fun.
I'm looking forward to next year......al  |
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Tim Rowley
From:
Pinconning, MI, USA
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Posted 16 Oct 2002 8:22 pm
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Drew,
Thanks very much for the kind words! Folks, Drew is a very fine player and has great tone and a great personality to match.
There are lots of good things that can be said for this year's Trufant jam. Two players that amazed me were Marilyn (I can't think of her last name right now) the only lady steeler in attendance, and Rick Barz. Marilyn played an extremely fine version of "Song for Sara" on her new Zumsteel, complete with all the right chordal work, as close to Doug Jernigan's sound as you have ever heard! Rick Barz gets my vote for being the most improved player over the past year, he has an old Sho-Bud Pro III which he plays extremely accurately and cleanly and gets an incredible tone out of it. What a pleasure. It was just a great afternoon!
Tim R. |
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