Developing Musical Expression

John Cox · Post by **John Cox** » 12 Aug 2003 1:01 pm

Bill H.
No relation to "Slim", most confuse me with the ever popular "Joh-NN-y Cox as wer're mnot the same guy though I've hear that he's a great picker.
I find your post most entertaining if not intresting.

J.C.

Jeff A. Smith · Post by **Jeff A. Smith** » 12 Aug 2003 1:14 pm

I spoke with "Shorty" Cook who is working in a music store in Fort Wayne, some time ago. "Shorty" played straight steel for the group, years ago. I think he played a double 8, National Steel Guitar.

No kidding. I live about 45 miles from "The Music Manor," which is the store that Shorty owns (owned?) Up until a few years ago, I used to buy the vast majority of my guitars, amps and stuff there. Shorty had an employee, Pat Paxon. Due to a disagreement between the two, Pat left the store, and so did a lot of Shorty's business.

I'm not sure Shorty even owns the store anymore. He's getting up there in years, and is a little absent-minded.

When's the last time you spoke with him, Bill? I had no idea he played steel. He used to tell me stories about his life on the road once in awhile.

(Sorry for the topic drift.)

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 12 Aug 2003 1:56 pm

Jeff S.,

I hope "Kenny Roberts" who now resides in Athol, MA reads our exchange of information. He was a member of the "Down Homers" band back in the 40's and 50's. Let me be the first to tell you that whatever "Shorty" Cook said, you could multiply it by 100, and still come up "short", according to your statements, which indicate a vague account given by him of his musical activities in his heyday. Bill Haley was once a member with "Shorty" in the band. Kenny Roberts wrote the million seller; "I Never See Maggie Alone". I'll have to go back in my mind to associate other events, that prompted me to call "Shorty". I should be able to determine when I spoke with him. I believe 4 and 1/2 years ago would be very close. If you see him, please ask about "Hank Gunther"Sp.?, "Kenny Roberts", "Slim Cox, Guy Campbell, (lead guitarist), and see if his eyes light up.

Bill H.

Jeff A. Smith · Post by **Jeff A. Smith** » 12 Aug 2003 2:10 pm

I'll be sure to stop into Music Manor and ask around. If Shorty and his wife still live there, (the store is part of a house), I'll relay your message. I'll even write a note and leave it with someone if that's possible.

4 1/2 years ago is quite a bit of time in the Music Manor saga, but I know Shorty and his wife still had the store then. Actually, now that I think about it, a friend and I got some strings there from his wife less than two years ago; there's a good chance they're still there.

Yep, he got out the picture of Bill Haley with the group, at least once or twice. He may have actually told me that he played steel; it may just not have mattered to me at the time. I do have the memory that he was a "multi-instrumentalist."

I'll do my best to relay your message to him, Bill. He was a very nice man, and I dealt with him for almost 30 years. It'd be nice to brighten his day.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 12 Aug 2003 4:02 pm

Jeff S.,

I appreciate letting "Shorty" know that he's not forgotten. The band played a 15 minute radio show, out of Hartford, Ct. many years ago. He has many fans who still remember when the band was booked heavily throughout New England.

Bill H.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 13 Aug 2003 5:29 am

Pete B.,

The "Chrods" or 6 string chord melody, has been a delight to read about, although I've determined that when adding one more tone to the 5 string chord melodies, it becomes excessive, not to mention, extremely difficult. Really, and truly, the 5 string "grab" will give the steel guitarist more leverage, no matter the risk of damaging the ability to hear well. Moreover, I've developed the 5 finger "Hand Drop". With my fingers held undetermined inches above the strings,I drop them down on the 5 strings, using the staccato effect, and 5 string grabs. By forcefully attacking the strings, I am able to break through the din of a 7 piece band volume swell. It's the same technique used by pianist, such as Jerry Lee, you know who.

( Revised to create a more realistic plea, to turn down the volume. )

Bill Hankey [This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 13 August 2003 at 08:20 AM.] [This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 14 August 2003 at 02:44 AM.]