South London Steelers March meeting

[Nick Bidmade]

Another grand session at the Bread and Roses pub, Clapham Manor St, SW4 last Sunday. Eight in attendance, including two dobros - (I'll probably get the descriptions wrong) - a National Tri-Cone (Tom's) and a Resonator (David's). Tom and David are good players and it was a real pleasure to hear some tonal differences as they took solos in the 'round Robin' - you get used to hearing the tones of psg and it was a real delight to hear the dobros. A golden fingerpick each, I think! Another Golden Thumbpick Award to Shaun for the BIAB backing tracks he provides and circulates.
We experimented a little by choosing to play both melody line and fills, rather than taking turns to 'solo' over 'Together Again' backing track and it was interesting to hear how differently this task can be approached (especially when under-rehearsed!)
We also murdered a few of our back catalogue - Making Believe, Take These Chains, Cold, Cold Heart and Farewell Party (the Long Goodbye!)
Andrew premiered his new (to him) Keyless Bennett S10. A really good sounding guitar and a lovely shade of greeny-blue (but not turquoise). Good to welcome Barry back from his trip to Australia - great sounds and playing from him on his Mullen.
I think we are making progress - it is not easy to set up and play in front of strangers but we are proving to be a friendly, supportive group who enjoy playing together, swapping ideas, tips and musical phrases. All great fun and everyone 'stretched out' a little on Take These Chains.
There is no meeting in April, our regular slot falling on Easter Sunday, so our next meeting will be on Sunday 18 MAY - usual time and place.
No specific tune/s to learn, but a bit of homework required on playing the melody line for 'Together Again', so we can continue to practice playing fills and turnarounds. A longer term project has been to work up some Beatles tunes. I did 'Something' last month and the other Nick did 'Norwegian Wood' but other offerings have been a bit thin - so, come on boys. Homework!!!
See you all in May. New members particularly welcome. PM me and I can add you to the list and get you plugged into the backing tracks.

[judgebouche]

Indeed, a good day. Thanks again Nick for always organising us.

Just to note that, alas, I can't make May as will be on holiday.

Cheers
David

[jonshack]

Thank you for letting me sit at your guitars for a bit chaps, I really appreciate it. Great fun as always.

I hope I didn't speak out of turn about the fees, my opinion is we should all pay an equal share of the rent regardless of how long we're there for or what we bring - the incentive being to bring a steel guitar and stay as long as you can. Thinking about it later, perhaps it's not so clear cut and I don't want to speak for everyone. I certainly don't want to discourage people from only turning up for half an hour if that's all they can do (or afford) that week. And what if someone only watches and doesn't play? Since you are collecting the dough Nick, I reckon your policy of half-fees for watchers and part-timers is probably the wise one, and those of us who want to pay full share can do so quietly (and not blurt out half baked opinions!).

I got an email from a steel player called who might be interested in coming along, I've passed on the details.