55 and Steel Pickin - Musicians and Studios

Here's a little more info on the musicians and bands that you'll hear on my CD, "55 and Steel Pickin'"


1977 - The Bois d'Arc Bottom Band was Gary Moreland (guitar), Mike Erwin (drums), Bob Robinson (lead guitar), Kelly Connell (bass), Phillip Rozell (harmonica), David Trout (guitar) and Gary Manning (piano), Boyd Hudgens (steel) By 2006 Manning is deceased and Lanny Milton (vocal) is a member of the band. Recorded at Huddlestons Studio, Garland, TX.

1985 - Robert Joe Vandygriff and Shades of Country included Terry Downs (lead guitar), Earl Gaddy (bass), Jeff Gwinn (drums) and Jim Shanks (saxophone), Boyd Hudgens (steel/banjo/dobro). Recorded at McKnights Studio, Mesquite, TX.

1986 - The Red Horse Band included Benny Vincent (lead guitar), Danny Batchelor (vocals/rhythm), Bob Campbell (vocals/bass), Jeff Williams (drums/vocals), Boyd Hudgens (steel)

1996 - Mike Grigsby and Triden's Prairie included Kevin Hudgens (drums), Roger Stripland (bass), Mark Welch (piano), Steve Carter (guitar), Chad Coursey (fiddle), Boyd Hudgens (steel, banjo) and guest Terry Down (lead guitar). Recorded at Eric Marino Studio, Paris, TX

2003 - Landon Teague - Gary Preston (guitar), Scott Ashmore (bass), Kevin Preston (drums), Eric Peel (mandolin), Brandon Teague (harmony), Boyd Hudgens (steel/dobro)

2005 - Wade White - Eric Peel (fiddle), Todd Hines (drums), Rickey Bond (bass), Boyd Hudgens (steel). Recorded at Holly Bond Studio, Reno, TX

2006 - Post Oak Savannah - Russell Wilson (guitar/vocal), Kent Gooding (guitar/vocal), Jason Dyess (guitar), Jerry White/Randy Simmons (bass), Kevin Hudgens (drums), Boyd Hudgens (steel/banjo). Recorded at Siesta Ranch Studio, Gilmer, TX

2007 - Eldon Page - Boyd Hudgens (steel), Band-In-A-Box (all other instruments)

2011 - Lou Ann Petty - Brad Davis (guitars/mandolin/keys), Ross Holmes (fiddle), Brandon Andrews (bass), Donald Higginbotham (drums), Boyd Hudgens (steel)

Holiday CD Project

Another holiday season has rolled around and I'm at it again. I guess the banjo instrumental CD will have to wait.
As I was looking over my music collection a couple of weeks ago, I realized that I've done a fair amount of studio recording in my 55 years. (Yes, I turned 55 this month.) I didn't start playing an instrument until I was around seven or eight, but I saw my first recording studio when I was twenty. I played steel and high-strung guitar on Bois d'Arc Bottom Band's first 45 RPM record in 1977. In 1980 I got to record in the famous Nashville studio, Bradley's Barn, as part of Jeff Newman's E9th steel guitar class.
So, I decided to take some cuts from various sessions and put them on a CD. Why? Because I have first hand experience at being a grandson who treasures the few recordings left behind by his grandfather. Maybe someday my descendents will be interested in playing music and possibly be inspired by this small amount of audio I've left behind.
As you can see from the preliminary CD cover design, there are twelve different sessions indicated. I've picked from one to three songs from each session for this CD. There were other recording sessions over the years, but most of those were Gospel music and I wanted to first document the Country music sessions. The quality of the recordings range from...well...what you would expect from ripping from 45RPMs and cassette tapes to modern CD quality. Debbie helped me produce this work and we both enjoyed listening to these cuts and reminiscing. I had only recorded in maybe three studios before we married, so she's been right there supporting me since then. We both hope you enjoy it!
Boyd and Debbie

Picker's Poetry

The Banjo

by Boyd Hudgens

A Banjo is an odd thing,

Four longs and one short string.

It matches the fingers on my hand,

That's natural I guess, made by man.

But when I pluck it,

Now there's a word…

A beautiful sound

Is immediately heard.

The notes run together,

Lickity split.

Eighth and sixteenth notes,

They never quit.

My mind switches gear,

As a banjo I near.

I can't let it sit,

I’ll pick it a bit!

As long as my fingers

Will move and bend,

I'll keep on picking

The Banjo, my friend.