Harmonising

[Will C]

Maurice, I'm still smiling at "Craponne sur Arzon" - what a wonderful name for a town. If I could, I'd have gone to the event publicised by Mat Davallet later this month. 'Twould be fun to go and do something steel-oriented in France.

[WineRider]

Hi Will,

The name of the town is unfortunate, although when the Rendez-Vous isn't running I should imagine the place is a bit 'crappy', but the Auvergne is a beautiful 'Département' and is rich in history, especially the route for the pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostella. There is very little in my area in terms of Steel Guitar pickers although Matthieu Devallet is about 1 hour to 1.5 hours away from me.
I keep on thinking that because country music is so popular in France it would be nice if a meeting could be arranged and get some of the rest of europe steel pickers to it. I was going to get in touch with James Crowbear to see if he was interested, but he appears to have gone off the radar of late. We'll just have to see.

Maurice

[Ken Byng]

Hi Ken,

I can only get some of the highlights, but Rossi really deserves a good run, what is happening to Pedrosa? Is he having ops for his arm pump?
Hope you've got your passport for Anglesey. The land of the Bards, Druids and those with the sight into the future!!! Have a great time seeing your old friend, he's not quite as old as us though is he?

I am using a speed pick at present to try and even out the picking, seems to be working...only time will tell.

Maurice

Ha! Ivor is no spring chicken Maurice, but he has the spirit and enthusiasm of a 25 year old. I think Pedrosa is putting off any thoughts of an op for his arm pump problem.

Re your speed pick - I tried one once and couldn't get on with it, but if it is working for you then you should stick with it. Getting your grips right so that you get even note volume is a fundamental part of playing. Not the easiest aspect of playing a steel guitar, but practise does help immensely.

[WineRider]

Hi Ken,

Have a good time in Anglesey non the less, old or young!!!don't forget your only as old as the woman your touc hing.

I have used the speed pick in the past and didn't find it a problem, mind that was on a "guitar" not threal thing so yu might be right, only time will tell.

Shame for Pedrosa, but I still think that the geometry of the latest GP bikes is all wrong...can't feel the front, the back doesn't feel right, so it goes on. But I suppose you only have to look at F1 to realise that one of the main problems is fuel consumption and tyre degredation. Which adds up to you can't race from flag to flag, you have to conserve fuel and tyres...'that just ain't racin' it's processional. Agh! for the old days when men were men and a pansey was a little flower.

Now I'm so old I must go to bed before I say something wrong, that others who aren't as old might take umbridge at

So farewell and sweet dreams to all those who are still awake or up

Maurice
The WineRIder with three planks, no talent, but could be a good raconteur if he could only string two words together.