Big Smokey

It’s True! Sho Bud Made Banjos…

bigsmokey — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:15:38 +0000

I was missing my trusty old Fender Banjo which I sold last year to get into my dream Pedal Steel Guitar, a Sho Bud LDG “Loyd Green Model”. Coincidentally, I have been interested in building a Sho Bud instruments collection. Though they are best known for pedal steels, they also made resophonics (Sho Bro), acoustic guitars and banjos. When I decided to start searching for a Sho Bud banjo I thought that I would be in for a long haul…. BUT one popped up on Craigslist literally a few days after I started looking. So I got it! I took it to banjo guru, Charlie Cushman, for a set up and a new Steve Smith bridge. It now plays and sounds like a dream…

Here are some pics courtesy of Kathryn Johnson.

Click to view slideshow.

Sunday Valley

bigsmokey — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:19:23 +0000

Lately I have had the pleasure of playing Pedal Steel and Baritone Guitar with Sunday Valley on select dates. These guys are killer.

Click to view slideshow.

Knut Bell – En tidløs stemme.

bigsmokey — Sun, 29 May 2011 21:02:39 +0000

As far as I am concerned there is one great voice of traditional country music in the Pacific Northwest. That voice belongs to Knut Bell. I first met Knut in 2003 and was struck by how much we had in common: Both of us are very proud of our Northwest Scandinavian heritage. Both us grew up learning the folk songs of the region. Both of us have a high regard for real country music as played by Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Horton and Johnny Cash. Both of us have a deep love for a Pacific Northwest that barely exists anymore; an area that belonged to the hard working people who shaped the region. I have always considered Knut to be a kindred spirit.

Knut grew up in Skagit County, easily one of the most beautiful places in Western Washington. It has shaped his songs and stories. Knut has a thunderous deep voice and writes great songs that resonate with anyone who takes the time to listen. He has just released a new record, “Wicked, Ornery, Mean, and Nasty.” It is his best yet. I never had the pleasure of playing lead guitar for him back in Seattle… The timing was never right.

This year Knut and I got back in touch and arranged for him to come to Nashville, play a couple shows and conduct some business. Knut brought his excellent drummer, Lewis Warren, who has drummed with me on many projects back in Seattle and is a great friend. Knut and Lew stayed for a week back in early April and the trip was successful to the point that he is coming back for a another show and a couple of sessions and business meetings this week. So! If you missed Knut last time through, you can see him at Derek Hoke‘s Two Dollar Tuesday at The 5 Spot, May 31st.

Knut Bell is completely worthy of any hype praised on him. I cannot express to y’all what a pleasure it is to play with him and his huge voice. I hope that y’all will come out to the 5 Spot this Tuesday Night. Here is a some footage of his last visit:

(Thanks to Kathryn M. Johnson for the fine photos and video!)

HOKE WEEK ! ! !

bigsmokey — Mon, 09 May 2011 23:13:34 +0000

I love me some Derek Hoke! In fact one would have to be a real jerk not to love his jaunty blend of old school countrypolitan and indie pop goodness. Call it Americana if you wish. I call it super awesome!

In Nashville this week you have three chances to witness the musical majesty of Derek Hoke and his group (Steve Latanation- Drums, Ed Adkins – Bass, Big Smokey -Guitar (yours truly)).

Tuesday Night May 10th - 5-Spot -East Nashville.

Wednesday Night May 11th -Foobar -East Nashville.

Friday Night May 13th -Foobar -East Nashville.

Your ears will thank you!!

New Derek Hoke Video & Live on WSM 650 AM

bigsmokey — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:35:51 +0000

Cool stuff from the Derek Hoke camp this week. First is the release of his new video for “The Finer Things”. Directed by the very talented James Weems.

Also, we are going to appear on The Americana Carnival live show on WSM 650AM (home of The Grand Old Opry) this Sunday Evening January 16th at 6pm-8pm. Please tune in, or if you are in Nashville come on downtown as it is taped live from Roberts Western World (my favorite Honky Tonk!). And as an added bonus we will be playing Derek’s originals and many classic country covers from 8-10pm. Its no charge to get in the door but please be nice when we pass the tip bucket around!

Two Dollar Christmas was Awesome!

bigsmokey — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:54:51 +0000

Sorry if you missed it! In case you wish to vicariously partake in the fun, here is an audio file of most of the evening from the 5 SPOT website.

Download or listen here.

Merry Christmas Y’all!

Two Dollar Christmas ! ! !

bigsmokey — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 06:01:16 +0000

I love Christmas parties! There I said it. Especially if they are full of good music. On Tuesday December 21st we are having the Christmas edition of Derek Hoke’s Two Dollar Tuesdays at The 5 Spot in East Nashville. Derek’s group, The Christmas Carol Channings will be backing most of the guests and playing Christmas Instrumentals. There will be many great musical guests to ring in the Holidays such as Paul Burch, Jacob Jones, Melissa Mathes, Bradford Lee Folk, Scott Simontacchi, and Alex Caress. As always it is a Two Dollar cover, Two Dollar Yazoo Beers and Two Dollar Hot Dogs.

New Old Sho Bud

bigsmokey — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:31:39 +0000

Well- I am back in the Pedal Steel Business. After a year and a half long break from the Pedal Steel found I missed it way too much. Well – I have a new Bud! A 1973 Sho Bud 6139 single neck. I am feeling a bit a rusty but really digging it. I’ll be making my pedal steel return on Friday night, November 5th with Derek Hoke at the Gram Parsons tribute at The Five Spot. Hope to see y’all there and don’t forget to vote!

Click to view slideshow.

Music Gear For Sale

bigsmokey — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:45:42 +0000

For Sale:
I need to buy a pedal steel for a new musical project. Sorry, I am not interested in trades at the moment unless it is toward a Pedal Steel. For local pickups I am happy to negotiate the price.

Fender Banjo FB-58 Very Good Condition. Recent set up from Big Al’s Guitarworks in Nashville. New Schaller Scruggs Tuners on Strings 2&3 (95$). Only issue is that some one put a strap pin hole in the heel of the neck. This can easily be filled. New hardshell case (75$). String 5 is spiked at 7, 9, 10 frets.
Comes with extra strings, wrench, Sliding 5th string capo (I took it off as I like the spikes better.),
and capo. These list at $775 with a street price of $600.
$400 obo Shipped and Paypal’d in the CONUS.

Michael Kelly F-Style Mandolin Legacy Plus Very good Condition. K&K Pickup. Gig Bag. Extra Strings. Great Sounding Mando. Lists at $900 street price $600. Note: There is a dark streak in the grain that runs the length of the neck which is only that. It is not a crack. 48 hour inspection period to buyer for their satisfaction.
$400 obo Shipped and Paypal’d in the CONUS.

Danelectro 63 RI Baritone Shoreline Gold. Excellent condition. Never gigged. With Gig Bag and spare strings.
$300 obo Shipped and Paypal’d in the CONUS.

If you are interested in any of these please contact me: bigsmokey AT bigsmokey DOT com … Thanks!

Buckaroo #1 & #2

bigsmokey — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:41:40 +0000

Just finished a new longboard. The Buckaroo #2. Its already sold, kind of. I am giving the customer a choice of buying the Buckaroo #2 or The Buckeroo #1 at a deep discount. These are great garage bombers and all around hill carving boards. Contact me if you want me to make you one…

The photo above shows the slight design differences between the boards. They both are right around 40″ long and a bit under 10″ wide. #1 (left) has a shorter wheelbase, and a slight kick tail making it a bit more nimble and versatile. #2 has a longer wheelbase making it a bit more stable at higher speeds… Both are concave with a slight upturned nose for responsive front truck turning.