SsGW. May 27th 2025

[Davie Holland]

Hello. Firstly apologies for my absence from the club nights due to band commitments and rehearsals. I hope to be there on Tuesday for some toons and banter. I would like to make a request however, in that when I was last there, it seemed to be a free for all with everyone playing over each other at times. Please could we respect each others "me time" when they are playing? It kinda spoils the night and when players have spent a lot of time practicing that killer lick, we don't need harmonics being played over the top, sometimes in tune and sometimes not.
let me know if its just me, and I will be quiet. Lol.

Hope to see you all there.

Hunners

[Basil Henriques]

Probably more like "Attempted Harmonics"..LOL

[bob adams]

It is frustrating for sure when it is a cat’s concert but it is often down to enthusiasm, for many it is the only opportunity to play their guitar and that is where the problem lies, it has never been any different, John Davis suffered the same issues at his meetings as did Roy Heap, Roy and I were discussing it just last week and he said… ‘Bob, guys said they were not coming back to my meeting because they felt rebuked for being told not to constantly play over others.’

The Scottish meeting evolved from a chat between us one night at the Opry saying we all played different venues back in the day and had no chance to get together ‘just as steel players’ It was supposed to be a one night stand but has lasted eleven years, I wonder why!!.. well, we are back to that enthusiasm.

That said the meeting developed into the SSGW as a sociable evening and a teaching platform for all to come along to regardless of experience. We had some really great nights when old and young were enthusiastic about learning the basics or new tricks, RIP Reg and Billy!

Donny took on the mantle of MC and has done a great job over the years but lately has suffered ill health and as a result of his absence we have muddled along with tracks on our phones etc, just to keep the night going, more social, less structure. However we are working on that in the background.

With the gloves now off ….. I don’t believe we have ever been …. ’as once stated’ …. ‘a pissing competition’ ….trying to out-perform each other.

Whilst there is a varied degree of capability everybody loves the instrument and there is nothing better than hearing some wonderful steel playing, yes we have that but we have to be mindful that the evening is 'FOR ALL' and it is good to see young talent coming amongst us.

I believe they are encouraged by what we do.

As for harmonics Basil… you didn’t come out the box an expert!

[Davie Holland]

I agree. The evening should be for all, but not all at the same time. There is nothing worse than a room full of fretless instruments all trying to play at the same time. I fail to see how anyone could enjoy that, or even learn how to play like that.
It isn't a pissing contest and has always been about teaching and learning. I don't think we would have as many players who have came on so well without the club.
Donny even bought headphone amps so everyone could have one on one's without interruption but this has sadly become a thing of the past.
There should be times when each player gets the chance to show what they have learnt without trying to compete with someone else playing over the top of them, or for that matter, talking over them. It's rude. Enthusiasm may be a factor but I believe there should be a degree of respect for newbies and pros alike.