Dale Watson's Steeler Re-visited!!

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 21 Oct 2002 12:44 pm

So basically when your Football team starts to loose(just a senario); than you are no longer a Fan and support them???
If that's what your saying or how you feel; than so be it...

Sometimes the Dale Watson band will be less sometime it will be more....sometimes it's winning and sometimes it's loosing(the battle with the genure of this particular music and constant uphill struggle with all elements this depicts)
Dale wants it how he wants it....and is also one of very very very few artist that plays and RECORDS with his choosing)his band).....and that has been lost and tossed by the way side since the 70's......and to me that IS DEDICATION.....and he wants his steel player.....but unfortunatly I can't play all the time......but he's still dedicated to me and his feelings for me....and that my friends is what is Lost and has been lost and long gone.......Hell I'm Still a Cowboys fan....always have been always will be.....win or loose....ha

Hey I'm playing Tonight with Dale Watson.....and will probably play a ton of steel on every song thouroughly....."SO WHERE ARE YOU GUYS"??? .....You gunna be there???
Ricky

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 21 Oct 2002 1:03 pm

If my football team's star player became unavailable, and they decided that they will not use (or develop) a sub, so they will play without that positon, until that player becomes available....

I'd find another team to support.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 21 Oct 2002 1:19 pm

Ricky, I don't think you realize just how important you are to Dale Watson's sound. I think Dale realizes it even less. Dale should also have a full time fiddle/ harmony singer with him. We have five people and we don't think its enough. Were looking to add a keyboard player.[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 21 October 2002 at 02:21 PM.]

Danny Naccarato · Post by **Danny Naccarato** » 21 Oct 2002 2:35 pm

My 2 cents worth. A lot has to do with the type of music you are playing. The stuff DW does is a perfect fit for just the people they have. I caught them for a few min after my gig Sat, and got there just as Ricky blew a #3. DW sounded terrific w/o Rick. When he restrung, if was just as good, obviously sounded nicer w/steel. But they sounded great as 3 also.

Some of the best bands and sounds you'll hear around here are 4 piece, with NO guitars. Drums, Bass, Fiddle, Steel. PERIOD. However, that wouldn't sound real good if you were trying to cop current "N'ville" stuff.

Herb plays with Cornell Hurd, a 9 piece band. Those guys have a distinct sound with great, fun music. They would not have the same sound, etc. scaling back to 4 or 5 piece, nor would you want them to. Same as Dale going 9 piece. Dale was great with 3. Better with Ricky. Anymore and it would drastically change his style and sound, diminshing it, I think.

Contemporary bands typically carry 5-6 pieces incl. keys, etc. which is needed sometimes if they are going to be playing that style of music.

It's all the style of music you are trying to capture, IMHO.

Danny[This message was edited by Danny Naccarato on 21 October 2002 at 03:47 PM.]

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 21 Oct 2002 3:28 pm

Danny speaks wisdom,... especially about the Cornell Hurd Band

!!!

Spade Cooley had one of the best western bands ever, with triple fiddles and horns. Tex Williams had as great a band, and he had vibraphone as well. Bob Wills had triple fiddles and the occasional horn section, Hank Thompson had a trumpet.

Ray Price had fiddles and Buddy Emmons or Jimmy Day on steel.

Would any of these great bands improved Buck Owens? Would adding great musicians improve Buck's sound?

Not IMHO, because Buck had one of the best bar bands around... yes, basically a wonderful, well-rehearsed bar band. No twin parts, no fiddle section, just the guitars playing individually with the occasional fiddle solo. That was the sound he was seeking, and what his fans expected.

Likewise, putting the great Buck Owens band behind Hank Thompson or Bob Wills would have been quite disappointing to the fans of those stars' music.

I don't know where I'm going with this, other than to say it's up to the Dale to decide where he wants to go. I played with Dale on Sunday at the Little Longhorn. I was confident on the standards he chose, and felt very inadequate on the stuff I know Ricky had a big part in. Ricky has big shoes to fill with that gig, and since he hasn't completely left them, there's not a whole lot of room for two sets of feet in there.

------------------
Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 21 Oct 2002 7:47 pm

I love steel guitar as much as the next guy. But the size of the band whether or not it has a particular combination of instruments is only one factor of many. I think we need to support live music, period.

For example, I'm a big fan of Tom Russell. I dug him when he was travelling with a full band. Now it's just him and Andy Hardin, and I still love to catch his show and I love those songs of his. And I like what he and Andy have done with the arrangements to make their two piece, unplugged approach work. And locally, Ian Tyson has gone to a three piece unplugged setup as well. Sure, I'd love to hear Ian with the Great Speckled Bird again (boy o boy with Buddy Cage and Amos Garret...would I ever like to see that lineup again), but it doesn't mean I don't like to hear what he does now. I do. Summer Wages and Four Strong Winds are still the same great songs they always were.

If people like me stop going to hear Tom Russell and Ian Tyson because we'd prefer that they have more instruments in general and a steel player in particular will that make them hire full bands that they probably can't afford to carry? I don't think so. Same goes for Dale Watson - he's a soulful and energetic performer, with tons of great songs. Well worth going out to hear, and well worth supporting.

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 22 Oct 2002 1:08 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
"Ricky, I don't think you realize just how important you are to Dale Watson's sound. I think Dale realizes it even less."
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Kevin you need to read this news again pal>Dale does realize news flash!!read by clicking Here!!!
Amen Danny....and Amen Herb.....you guys are very smart.
Joey; your not much of a team player I take it??.....that's cool...it's not for everyone....that's why Golf was invented...ah...ha...

Dale would like/love to have me on every single gig forever.....but he can't. Yes he realizes how much I mean to him and his sound......that's why he said what he said in his news article. Dale doesn't give a Rats-a$$ who Isn't there listening at the gigs.....he only cares for who is there....and they are there because they support Dale Watson and Real country music.
He isn't trying to win anyone over; or please anyone with their suggestions.......he is just crankin' out good country music the best way he can....and if ya like it> great.....if you don't>...head on down the road.....No loss.....and if you did like it and now you don't like it.....well than you never liked it in the first place....you were jaded.
Ricky

John P. Phillips · Post by **John P. Phillips** » 22 Oct 2002 4:47 am

Hats off to Dale for "DOIN IT HIS WAY".
Evidently he knows what works for him and is not willing to compromise. Loyalty to Rick, I think it's great that we finally hear from someone who is loyal to his men, and they are loyal to him. You don't find that quality very often anymore. Just keep on keepin on Ricky, just don't get those fingers caught in the "Ball washer !" ( HEHEHE)

Signed, a RICKY FAN TOO !!!!!

------------------
"Let's go STEEL something"
If it feels good, do it. If it feels COUNTRY, do it twice
jpp

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 22 Oct 2002 10:22 am

Now we're getting somewhere! I love this.
If Dale doesn't care about whose not coming to his shows he has no reason to whine about the state of country music or his small crowds. Its his own fault. He can continue to play to small crowds with his little three piece thing while Pat Green, Jack Ingram (with Milo Dearing) and Charlie Robison pass him by in the fast lane and leave him in the dust in his downward spiral. When Asleep At The Wheel come to Buffalo Ray brings at least six pieces with him, sometimes seven. The place is so mobbed that people are sitting on the floors and the stairs. Who does Dale watson think HE is? There are dozens of Dale Watsons in Nashville. I come to see Ricky Davis as much as him.[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 22 October 2002 at 11:23 AM.]

Joerg Hennig · Post by **Joerg Hennig** » 22 Oct 2002 10:37 am

All I can say is...
I saw Dale last month here in Munich at the infamous "Rattlesnake" and the place was PACKED. Sold out. Since I arrived a bit late, I was lucky to get in at all. I never imagined he was that popular over here. It was a great show. They played as a four-piece with a fine guitar player, Chris Martin, who masters the art of not overplaying. The audience obviously didn´t care a lot if there was a steel player or not. Sure, I would have liked it even better if Ricky was there, but... I talked to Dale during the break and said that I went just the same because I liked his songs, and he really seemed to like that. Later on, he would say to the audience that a lot of steel players had been coming up to him complaining that, if there´s no steel, it´s not country anymore etc. (you hear that a lot over here!), and you know what his reply was?
F%#* you!
Country music comes from the heart and it doesn´t really matter what instruments you play, that´s what he said.
This makes a lot of sense to me. There´s like an attitude among country bands over here that the steel is necessary to make it sound country... to me that means just that they don´t know $hit about country in the first place. I mean, if they can´t really play a country tune, the steel won´t help a lot either, it will just make it sound goofy. If you´re a musician over here and you´re into REAL country, things can get real frustrating. But the fact that Dale has had such a success here proves that audiences like it! I wonder why we locals are required to play the same well-known 1980s-and-up-crap over and over again...it´s so boring that it makes me wanna quit sometimes.
I´d like to add, I´m a loyal fan of both Dale and Ricky and wish them all the best luck in whatever they do. Still, I hope to be able to see them together some day. The two of them together are among the greatest things in country music, IMO. Well I ain´t been to Texas but I´m sure gonna go...

Regards, Joe H.

Chris Forbes · Post by **Chris Forbes** » 22 Oct 2002 11:24 am

"there are dozens of Dale Watson's in Nashville". That I have a hard time believing. Do you realize how gifted a songwriter he is? Have you heard him sing live (just as good as on cd, how many singers are honestly that good w/o extra studio help? not many!!),and he's a pretty good instrumentalist to boot. I think you either overrate the talent in Nashville or underrate the talent that Dale Watson has.

Michael Holland · Post by **Michael Holland** » 22 Oct 2002 11:27 am

he would say to the audience...if there´s no steel, it´s not country anymore...and you know what his reply was......

If this is true it's very disappointing. Bottom line is, there are plenty of pro players available to work Dale's gig, for pro money. As far as having to learn 200 songs, Dale should provide the core material that will always be played in a 90 minute show and expect that to be learned by a new player. If there are 'calls', shout out the key and intro progression, count it off and here we go. Ricky, I'm sure you've told him exactly that, haven't you? If he's working without a steel player, he can blame no one but himself.

------------------
Fessenden SD10 - Mesa/Boogie amps

Janice Brooks · Post by **Janice Brooks** » 22 Oct 2002 12:24 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>"there are dozens of Dale Watson's in Nashville". That I have a hard time believing
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Me too
Why did Roger Wallace choose Austin rather then Nashville which is just a couple hours
from Knoxville?

------------------
Janice "Busgal" Brooks
ICQ 44729047

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 22 Oct 2002 12:58 pm

Chris when was the last time you were in Nashville and who did you see in the singer/ songwriter community when you were there? How often do you go to Nashville? By the way, I've heard Dale on CD and seen him live on T.V.[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 22 October 2002 at 02:04 PM.]

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 22 Oct 2002 1:11 pm

I think the accuracy of the comment "dozens of Dale Watsons in Nashville" depends on what criteria one uses to define just what "a Dale Watson" is.

If one refers to a soulful, traditional country-styled songwriter with a great voice, I can see that there could be a large number of this type of singer in N'ville, though I doubt the number is "dozens." But I'd grant the writer's overstatement to be a hyperbole to make the point. And if making music full-time for a living is not included in the criteria, there could very well be "dozens."

However, if the criteria for a "Dale Watson" is all the above, plus touring the world non-stop, keeping a band together for years, and making records continually, always adhering to his own personal artistic vision, I'd like to know who these many guys are, since I'd undoubtedly have heard of at least some of them.

------------------
Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

[This message was edited by Herb Steiner on 22 October 2002 at 02:15 PM.]

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 22 Oct 2002 2:48 pm

Yes Herb. Hyperbole (not dozens). Dale is very talented. Dale, are you listening buddy?
Don't MAKE me come down to Texas bubba! I'll grab Ricky and my fiddle and whip some Texas
fiddle and steel on your a$$ boy (in harmony)![This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 22 October 2002 at 03:52 PM.]

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 22 Oct 2002 2:50 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
"If Dale doesn't care about whose not coming to his shows he has no reason to whine about the state of country music or his small crowds. Its his own fault."
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The Small crowds are only the fault of ZERO publicity>period. When they do know he is playing.....The place is packed and they love it. The folks that choose not to come are the ones not supporting country music and are the reason for the state of country music and who gives a rats-a$$ about them> I for sure don't....but if they choose to go...I love'um like a brother or a sister.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
"He can continue to play to small crowds with his little three piece thing while Pat Green, Jack Ingram (with Milo Dearing) and Charlie Robison pass him by in the fast lane and leave him in the dust in his downward spiral."
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Kevin my Brother..my Gosh...How in the world can you put Dale Watson on the same "Highway" as Pat;Jack;and Charlie???...Dale is waaaaaaaaaay over in another part of the world driving on a completely different Highway...therefore there is no "fast lane" for them boys to pass him up.....They drive down their worthless;meaningless;rock and Horsesh!! Road....and Dale drives down a Country Road....and I've played with each one of them....so I can say that....
And funny you mentioned Asleep at the Wheel.....who I also pick with every now and then.....they are on a completely different road also......and Ray Benson is Dale's Manager.....and supports everything he does and decisions he makes......and obviously you didnt' see the 25 shows that Asleep at the Wheel did last year with NO steel player???....but the show was still dang good as the very "supportive" fans confirmed.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
"Who does Dale watson think HE is? There are dozens of Dale Watsons in Nashville. I come to see Ricky Davis as much as him."
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Dale thinks of himself as "Dale Watson"....no more no less. He does not compare himself to nobody in Nashville or anywhere for that matter.....cause as soon as you do that....you loose who you really are....and I happen to know for a FACT; there are no other Dale Watson's in Nashville.....and Kevin; have you seen and heard me and Dale> Live???....not talkin' about the CD or the Grand Ole Opry show on TV or a video.....I'm talking a Live show??
It is/was my decision not to go out with Dale on these tours and some shows.....and not his decision. His decision is to keep his show going with or without me.....and when it's without me...it is without the steel.....and I believe that is the only problem your having Kevin....is it not??
I'm sure Dale will do more shows/tours where I can't be there....and he just may have a Steel player or maybe not....but I do hope to be there...and I know Dale hopes that to....probably alot more than I do.
Kevin; you making a suggestion of Dale should have a full time Fiddler/Harmony singer....and/or more pieces in the band.....tells me right there......"you have not heard Dale Watson Live".
So you are obviously speaking from ignorance about his show.....
I sing harmony.....Billy D. Sings harmony...or there is No Harmony.....and if you've seen the show....you'd know why and you would hear why.
There is NO keyboard in Country Music....that is not an instrument of country music....it is a pop/rock instrument....so we won't be needing one of them....ha.
There are only 3 fiddle players that can play IN TUNE and double stops and harmony parts with the Steel.....and they are all booked up....the rest don't know Country Music>period......and the others are die-hard Westernswing players and will not play country music....ah...

Ricky

[This message was edited by Ricky Davis on 22 October 2002 at 03:55 PM.]

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 22 Oct 2002 2:59 pm

This is great. I know I'm a hard one Ricky! Look how dissapointed everyone was that they didn't see you. Where's my reservation agent?

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 23 Oct 2002 1:32 am

Believe me Kevin; I was dissappointed too pal...and having folks dissappointed because I wasn't there....makes me even more dissappointed.
And no your not a Hard a$$....your just passionate about what you believe in and want....and that My friend is Admirable and I commend you for it.
Now bring that Fiddle down here and lets get busy.....Book it!!!
Ricky

Chris Forbes · Post by **Chris Forbes** » 23 Oct 2002 5:01 am

Kevin, I will be more than happy to agree to disagree with you. You have some valid points, but I am of the opinion that there can't be "dozens" of Dale Watson's in Nashville.

Chris Forbes · Post by **Chris Forbes** » 23 Oct 2002 5:11 am

Oh, and by the way, I was in Nashville earlier this month with Ricky Davis. I saw the guy who wrote "Riding with Private Malone" perfoming with his band at Legend's Corner. It's a fine song, but Dale sings and playes circles around that guy. Not to say he's not talented, because he is, but he's not in the same league as Dale. I went to Opryfest and saw quite a few acts over two days, nope, didn't see dozens of Dale Watson's there either. Went downtown four nights in a row to see maaaaaany bands, saw no one with the same songwriting/singing/playing ability there either.

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 23 Oct 2002 6:01 am

There is NO keyboard in Country Music....that is not an instrument of country music

Do you think Pig Robbins would agree? How 'bout Al Stricklin? Blondie Calderon?

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro

John Steele (deceased) · Post by **John Steele (deceased)** » 23 Oct 2002 7:53 am

Yeah Ricky, we'll try to ignore that comment.

-John
jus' teasin'

Redd V · Post by **Redd V** » 23 Oct 2002 7:57 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Do you think Pig Robbins would agree? How 'bout Al Stricklin? Blondie Calderon?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Can you say "piano"?

[This message was edited by Janice Brooks on 23 October 2002 at 09:26 AM.]

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 23 Oct 2002 8:04 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>There is NO keyboard in Country Music....that is not an instrument of country music....it is a pop/rock instrument....so we won't be needing one of them....ha.
There are only 3 fiddle players that can play IN TUNE and double stops and harmony parts with the Steel.....and they are all booked up....the rest don't know Country Music>period......and the others are die-hard Westernswing players and will not play country music<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ricky... don't make me come over there!

Incidentally, there is no "golf" in country music. REAL country musicians hunt and fish.

------------------
Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

[This message was edited by Herb Steiner on 23 October 2002 at 09:05 AM.]