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Sti 11 waterBy LOISCOCKERHAMPerhaps 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.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, “Sti 11 water,” 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 w ith Chet Atkins.Mike Randolph, pedal steel guitarist, is a graduate of Mason High School and lives in Mason with his wife Glendeen, and daughter. Mike plaved 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.Serious, modest, and aperfectionistDave ShortLocal products all. the Stillwater Crewf 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 every offering. A typical concert might find a current hit song by Olivia New'ton 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,Daryl Johnsonail but eradicateshimself on Wipe Outif
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
