from Volume 24 , Issue 8
The 1997 Gospel Steel Guitar
Show
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Bill Stafford came in from New Mexico to be on the show. Bill is one of the few professional steelers who plays a 14 string universal tuning. Those who have heard him at the St. Louis convention know him to be one of the smoothest players around. His gospel set was another expression of his considerable ability on the steel. The Robison family of gospel singers and musicians appear each year on the show. They are a crowd favorite. They come from Ohio and are active in gospel music there. Dennis Robison, the husband and father of the family, plays the steel guitar for the group and displays excellent technique both in his solos and his backup work. He does an arrangement of the Exodus theme which always captivates audience attention. Bob Strum from South Carolina was next on the show. The plays a S-10 pedal steel and uses the A6th tuning made popular by Herb Remington and also used by a number of the earlier western swing steelers. Bob is also a very smooth player and enjoyable to listen to. It is obvious that gospel music is played from his heart, as an expression of devotion. Bob brought a good friend with him by the name of Buddy Byars, who blessed us with his vocals and opened the Friday evening concert with prayer. 
Bob Strum
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The show closed out early Saturday evening with Doug Jernigan bringing the weekend to a fitting conclusion. Doug has long been known as one of the more creative and rapid pickers in Nashville. He is also in his church there. His abilities as a professional were blended with his Christian commitments in a presentation of inspirational gospel music. A large part of what made this a great show. Was the quality of the staff musicians. Guitarists Chuck Spires and Leonard T. Zinn have well established professional credentials. Chuck Lester came up from Austin, Texas to play the keyboards. Until recently he was on the musical faculty of the University of Texas and now he has his own music studio. Donna Whitaker formerly associated with a recording studio in Cinncinatti has done an excellent job on keyboards each year. Rob McKeithen is not only an excellent bass player, he also has a tremendous voice for gospel music. Its a toss up whether Jack Heern plays bass or steel best. Gaylon Moore is a quality drummer and has been staff drummer since the first GSGA show. Rob Parkers vocals added lyrics to the music, making the songs even more meaningful to the audience. The quality of steel guitar playing on this show ranks right in there with all of the regional shows. If you love the sound of the steel guitar and enjoy good gospel music. You will want to place this show on your schedule. It is on the last Friday evening and Saturday in April each year. You can contact Doug for information and to get on the mailing list at the address given earlier. |