South London Steel Guitar Pow-wow

[henrybainbridge]

It would be great to squeeze a regular guitar in if possible...
Having said that if Nick has seen the room and thinks there's a space issue then I trust him! Guess it depends what kind of rig everyone is bringing, a small combo each would make sense, right? I'd be happy to sit out a round or two and let Malc plug into to my amp (if he needs it).

Also, can anyone recommend particular powered headphones for quiet steeling?

[Nick Bidmade]

I agree too - but, having identified a room and paid a deposit on everyone's behalf, I think we need to go ahead with plans as outlined...
It has been my intention on the day to discuss looking for a bigger venue, along with how frequently we want to meet, etc. I am also not aware of any other steelers seeking to attend, so we have 8.
I have no experience of setting up similar events, and only have the session John Davis put on this time last year to base things on (which I attended, minus steel) - and having seen the size of the room we have available, I think 8 steels, plus seats, amps, cases, room to set up etc is a reasonable limit.
I hope this will grow into something bigger and better - but when I booked the room, we were only 5 committed attendees (so cost was also a consideration), and the date we chose was available at the only suitable venue suggested...
Have just seen Henry's post (same time as mone) _ yes, I'd also be happy to sit out for Malc to use my amp. Let's get this on - and hope it grows!!!

[Shaun]

Hi All

There'll be plenty of free channels on the mixer for Malc to plug in and use the PA if needed.

All the Best

Shaun

[malc]

This might be a naive request, but could someone send me a list of tunes , and keys?
Thanks in advance!

[David Hartley]

I'm not coming to this event Malc, but kinda know how these meetings run.

And I woud guess most instrumentals may be country music.

You mentioned you are classical, so I hope you can pick, strum and sing a good old country tune with a vocal if necessary?
If not, you may not be what they need.

I think that's what they will want at some point later in the day.

The players will have their own tracks for most of their meeting which WONT need any extra accompaniment.

Its not a jam session.

For instance...

If someone said, sing a verse of TODAY I STARTED LOVING YOU AGAIN in G, or HELP ME MAKE IT THRU THE NIGHT in Eb, or BENEATH STILL WATERS in D....... Could you do it?

If not, you will be the one struggling, and you won't be any help, as there won't be time to run it through for your benefit.

If you can, you're EXACTLY what they need at some point in the day.

[Nick Bidmade]

Hi Malc - David has said it really well - we are 8 pedal steel players, of varying abilities, but largely beginner/intermediate. What we will do on the day (and bear in mind this is our first ever meeting) is take a backing track (they run for 20 minutes, round and round) and each steel player will take a verse, round and round... We'll probably play a couple of 'party pieces' and spend some time talking about whether we want to meet again, where, how often etc. One tune we're going to play is 'Cold, Cold Heart' by Hank Williams, in D. We might run through 'Together Again' (Buck Owens) and covered by just about everybody. key of E.
In my earlier reply, I suggested you come down on the day and just get a feel for what we're doing - you might think it's just what you want or it might have you running for the door, screaming!!!

[malc]

Nick ,thanks to you and everybody for your warm response!
Unfortunately i'm not a great fan of country stuff, and plead ignorance!
Its probably best if i'm one of the purged !
good luck to y'all malc

[David Hartley]

Keeping my eye on this thread, it's all gone a bit quiet

[Shaun]

I'm sure everyones Practicing Hard David