My name is Josh Watt, and I've just joined the forum. I've also just recently begun to learn pedal steel. I'm 16 years of Age, and live in alberta, about 45 minutes north of Calgary.

All my life, My parents have told me that my grandfather is a steel player of some repute here in canada. They say he was on a television show for years, and has recorded with many big names.

Recently, I developed an interest in Steel, and my grandfather has agreed to teach me. I always wanted to know how well known he is.

I saw those pictures. That's the steel I've been learning on. Apparently the pedal configuration's different that most standard pedal steels, so he says soon I'll have to get my own so I can learn properly.

He's introduced me to Ed Fulawka. He's one of the Nicest men you'd ever hope to meet, that Ed. So modest. I askled him if what he did was difficult, and he answered:

"Ah, if a Dumb Pole like me can do it, any idiot can learn."

Papa's really modest, too. I've never heard him mention the people he's played with and all that he's done, unless asked.

Does anyone else know Ollie strong?

[This message was edited by Josh Watt on 02 August 2005 at 08:32 AM.]

I met your papa at the old Jockey Club in Hamilton, Ont around 1962. He was playing
with Bernie Hughes' band I think and was
also doing the Hunter Show at the time.
I recall he let me try his Sho-Bud at intermission.
He was very friendly and that was the last time I saw him.

Along the line, I imagine we'll hear something from Pee Wee Reese before too long.

[This message was edited by James Cann on 02 August 2005 at 12:15 PM.]

And James - you probably are referring to Pee Wee Charles, unless this has forum has turned into a baseball forum?

[This message was edited by Bryan Bradfield on 02 August 2005 at 12:51 PM.]

jack, you're right about that fulawka, it's the one I've been taught on so far. Only the top neck, though, which I believe is E9, and I know the bottom is C6.

When I was learning to play my teacher, Bob Fedosenko was a friend of Ollie's. He took me to meet him one cold September night at the Simcoe fair while he was playing with Tommy Hunter. I was just a kid. Your papa shook my hand and held on for a long time because his hands were cold. We still laugh to this day about that meeting.

When I toured with Terry Carisse in the nineties we played a club across from the club your papa played in, in Calgary. I would run across the parking lot to see him on my breaks and he did the same for us. We had alot of fun back then.

Yes your papa is the real deal and he taught me a lesson without even knowing it. Always give your time to new players. He made a real impression on me by spending so much time talking to a beginner in the middle of nowhere and I hope somewhere down the line I can make someone feel as important as he made me feel that night.