Hide Article Text (OCR)
Sti 11 waterBy LOIS COCKERHAM.mPerhaps somebody should tell Johnny Cash that the train he hears “eomin round the bend” may not be the Orange Bloosom Special after all.It just might turn out to be a ‘‘local” well on its way to becoming a fast express — Stillwater Express. This, at least, is the consensus of area country music fans as well as that of Jimmy Skinner (Country Music Hall of Fame) who heard the boys at one of the performances and gave them such encouragement.do their own thingSerious, modest, and aperfectionistDave ShortLocal products all. the Stillwater Crew consists of Billy Renner Jr., David Short, Daryl Johnson, and Mike Randolph. While their demonstrative “following” builds up steam, Stillwater engineers just keep pickin an’a grinnin with an unbeatable combination of talent, youth, dedication, and a sprinkling of that intangible stuff — charisma. (Yes fellas, youhave some).Stillwater fans plead for, and receive, sustenance from everv offering. A typical concert might find a current hit song by Olivia Newton John sandwiched between a Merle Haggard (hard country) type, or a Glen Campbell (polished pop-country) style. Renner defines their range as flowing from a “Jack Green on one hand — to Billy (Crash) Craddock on the other.”Die hard enthusiasts feel the need to explain, “country music really wasn’t my bag — until hearing it Stillwater Style.” The boys in the band, avid country music lovers themselves, won’t quarrel with such aconversion.Lead vocalist and bass guitarist, Billy Renner, is the only member of the group who belonged to the original Stillwater unit of six years ago. “The name, “Stillwater.” he said, “is a gift from that band. We added the “Express” to give it the feeling of movement.”Billy, a resident of Pisgah. is a ’73 Lakota graduate who has, according to his dad, been playing the guitar since he was big enough to hold one.” When Billy does Johnny B. Goode, it justifys any sacrifice the domestic cat may have made to the stringed instrument.Lead guitarist, Dave Short, also attended Lakota High School. Dave has played the electric lead guitar for the past 14 years, is married, and lives in West Chester with his wife, Terry, and small daughter. Dave has the look of a perfectionist about him but laughlingly protests any comparison with Chet Atkins.Mike Randolph, pedal steel guitarist, is a graduate of Mason High School and lives in Mason with his w ife Glendeen, and daughter. Mike played the lap steel for five years before switching to pedal steel a couple of years back. Mike applys the spit and polish to Stillwater Express with his “Steel Guitar Rag.”While many of today’s “do vour own thing advocates” play follow the leader, Stillwater has grooved to a different drummer. The drummer’s name is — Daryl Johnson.Daryl, who all but eradicates himself on “Wipe Out,” lives in Pisgah, is a Junior at Lakota, and has played for a number of years in Lakota District School bands.Daryt Johnsonall but eradicatesSongwriter, lead vocalist,and bass guitarist,Billy Renner gives it all he's gotturned out toDaryl joined Stillwater Express after a trip to Renner’s Barber Shop (Billy’s father) on West Chester Road “I asked him if he played a musical instrument,” Mr. Renner said, “and he tu be a drummer.”It is in Daryl’s basement that practice sessions (2-3 times weekly) are held “Sometimes.” according to Ellis Johnson, Daryl’s father, “neighbors walk over to listen in.”()t the group, two members have tried their hand at writing songs. Billy estimates he has written between 50 and 60; Mike Randolph has written 15. Some of their efforts are incorporated into their repertoire. Two of Billy’s songs, “Would You Tell Her,” and “Love isLike A Song,” have been recorded by Stillwater.and wellProof that they are making waves is evidenced by some of their recent appearances which include a performance in Bethel, Ohio with Jim Ed Brown and the Kate Sisters; Two week-end bookings in Corbin Kentucky for a country-wide management banquet of American Greeting Cards; “Country World” in Georgetown, Ky., where they won trophies; and an appearance in Renfro Valley.Locally, they have performed at Hopewell School and will make their third appearance at the Monroe Oprv Barn, tomorrow night at 8 p.m.“They’ve had some Nashville offers,” Daryl’s father said, “but Daryl is still in High School —- and two of the boys are married and have family responsibilities.”Will the boys of Stillwater Express decide to cast their lots with 14,444 other guitar pickers in Nashville and attempt to ride that train to Glory. . .Or will they choose to stay here and continue to impassion Pisgahand the Tri State area?Pondering this, on the morning after one of their concerts, it occurs to this writer that life would be a little duller without Stillwater around.As a matter of fact. . .life without Stillwater would be like breakfast without orange juice.Mike Randolph steels the showwith his Steel Guitar Rag.himself on Wipe Out.if
Newspaper Details
Union Liberty Journal
Hamilton, Ohio, US
Thu, Aug 22, 1974
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Russell M.
USA 28 Nov 2021
Other Publications Near Hamilton, Ohio
Hamilton Evening Democrat
Hamilton Daily Democrat
Hamilton Weekly Hamilton Telegraph
Daily Telegraph
Hamilton Guidon
