|
|
©2000 by Ely Music/Pub |
 |
Members Corner - Summer '99Beat Iseli, Switzerland "The concert was delayed because I had left my bar and picks at home, and a friend had to go there and pick them up. I was a bit nervous, but very happy with the smooth, full sound of my Fender Stringmaster. As you see, I continue to spread Hawaiian culture here in Switzerland, and practice with Jerry's instruction book whenever I have free time from teaching school." (Beat teaches at the University of Applied Technology on a "very tight schedule". Yup, Alan knows what that's like!) Bob Stone, Florida Mike Reader, New Zealand "I was immediately curious, as I suspected it was the HILO steel guitar (see photo of Mike with guitar). My friend had absolutely no use for the instrument, so I "inherited" it on the spot. It was in `as new' condition, with a 25-1/2" scale, and is quite easy to play. When I got the guitar, I was seriously into Jerry Byrd's instruction course, so I got -- and am getting -- immense pleasure from it. I even got the call for a Hawaiian gig -- only about the fourth in thirty years. "I know nothing about the history of HILO, but would like to hear from anyone who does. The steel is marked Style 625, NO 692, and appears to be identical to one on page 110 of Lorene Ruymar's book. My interest in steel goes back to the 1950's when, as a kid, I heard the magic solos of Jerry Byrd backing Danny Ku`uana. I recall the hair on my neck standing straight up on hearing his 'Kaimana Hila' solo. It certainly turned a five-year-old on to the possibilities of music. "I have enjoyed a career as a dedicated amateur musician (who usually gets paid) on piano/guitar, but my first love remains the sound of Hawai`i and the steel guitar, which sounds get played on my stereo almost every day." Al Engler, Illinois (From Alan: glad you enjoyed your first HSGA convention, Al. Don't miss Joliet in the Fall! The people you should congratulate for the smooth and successful Honolulu convention, are Art and Lorene Ruymar, who have -- for many years -- made it all happen, with the huge, many-months job or work they do, at home in Vancouver BC, to put the event together before they ever get on a plane for Hawai`i. Add all the warm and continuous "on stage" leadership by "regulars" Duke Ching, Bernie Endaya, Mike Scott, Bob and Julie Waters and John Auna and his group, and the incomparable emcee jobs of Art Ruymar, Frank Miller and Bruce Murray, and HSGA is blessed.) 
HSGA * HAWAIIAN
STEEL GUITAR ASSOCIATION Homepage URL: www.hsga.org (hsga@lava.net) Last updated: 07/23/02 by Gerald Ross (gbross@umich.edu) |