BRYCE DOES SKEETER!!!

email Ho-Ho Records for your copy of Bryce Does Skeeter, only $10

This is the front cover, weird though it is.
Yellow and black are warning colors in nature, and here as well.
Please click on the album art to visit the "That Man Bryce" hall of shame.
"BRYCE DOES SKEETER!" HoHo 021
---released on Christmas Day 2001---

green = bryce      peach = others

My fall project this year (remember it was a XMAS CD last year)
is BRYCE DOES SKEETER, a tribute to Skeeter Davis,
which is probably the most useless & unexpected thing I could do.
(In the eyes of others, NOT TO ME, as I've been planning this for over twelve years.....)
 

Bryce does SKEETER, as in Skeeter Davis
who was on RCA from '53 to '74 and later worked with NRBQ,
(who I got to warm up for once about a year before I met Skeeter.)
 

It's a sloppy but spirited album.
 

Vince,
i want you to be the backing for
ROCK A BYE BOOGIE by the Davis Sisters
on my BRYCE DOES SKEETER album.
It shouldn't take long,
I can teach it to the pickers really fast
and we can track it during your album session,
and I'll sing to it later.
Standard blues changes but fast.
If you know the tune even better,
if you don't it's not a problem.
It would be perfect for MB.
 

never heard it but we will give it a whirl
 

I've got maybe ten songs done so far.
That's ten too many is probably what my audience
(all 5 to 10 of you) or Skeeter herself will say.
But it had to be done. Why? I haven't a clue....
 

Bryce, I have to admit it, I must be a bit thick, but
I really don't get the joke, unless either there is no
joke, or the joke is just the double entendre around
the word "does" meaning both to cover musically and to
have sexual intercourse.  But, you can't mean that.
-K.
 

haha, i didn't expect confusion...
it IS a ridiculous idea for an album by a guy,
but I really love Skeeter Davis and always have.
I think she is underrated and sadly forgotten.
 

deal me in
 

I still need a lap steel on my Skeeter song that Mercy Baby backed me on.
It sure would make it sound super-country.
 

hey Bryce, you just let me know when.
I can help out with mandolin or keys too if you want.
call me tomorrow and we can figure out a date.
Next week would be great cuz we're pretty slow at work.
I don't need to hear the song but knowing the key is helpful
because of certain limitations that an 8-string steel has.
Anyway talk to you soon.
 

If you need me to print the cover art let me know,
f**k kinkos, down with the man.
take care,
ryan
 

Bryce, you never fail to amaze. I stand in awe yet again.
Congrats on your latest, a tour de force I am sure!
 

Bryce!
I gotta hear this!!
Please send me a copy!
Happy Ho-Ho's to you sir!
 

She's a voice of the ages, and a personality to match!
 

Hey Bryce!
Congratulations on completing your new CD.
I am sure that Skeeter will be very proud.
I am sure that your tribute will give her a great lift of spirits.
 

Excellent!
You know I really owe you such debt, you turned me on to her!
i knew of her only thru the Q connection!
 

 SKEETER & BRYCE AT THE EMERY THEATER 4/27/94 at a taping of Riders Radio Theater.
 

With all of your website promo & purple prose,
I'll be expecting to see this one muscle Britney, Mariah & J-LO
out of the way on it's race to the top of the charts !
 

Looking forward to the Skeeter!
Great call! What a plethora of material to choose from!
 

I think your Bryce Does Skeeter web site is a lovely tribute to
Skeeter Davis.  I dig your humor.  And can I really get a free copy of
Bryce Does Skeeter?
 

You have but to ask for a complimentary Bryce Does Skeeter,
that's the deal. Unprecedented, wouldn't you say?
Just ask the cash register girl at any Alber's Grocery,
and tell her Uncle Bryce sent you, and she'll give your your free CD and a lollipop.
 

enjoying your tribute to Skeeter Davis.  I like all of the songs...very melodic stuff
 

glad you like.
as you may recall I'm a melody guy.
 

Hey Bryce, I got Skeeter on the brain.
 

Your Skeeter CD is awesome!
It's really good man-
You should send this to reviewers nationwide!
Great Job! Your vocals are quite angelic....
 

The Skeeter Tribute CD is heartwarming, amusing, and very good.  I like it.
 

I just put in "Doc and the Pods" on Google search as a way to put
off going to the gym for a few more minutes and couldn't believe my
eyes...that you recorded Skeeter Davis, who you turned me on to way back
when, and who I've agressively promoted ever since.  So would you please,
please send me a copy?  I'll try to make sure it gets airplay on our
(excellent) local station here at the tip of Cape Cod.
 

....my first CD of '02 !  So far it sounds nice.....
 

I do like what I hear...the Skeeter CD has a melancholy quality that's hard to pin
down, like an artifact from the near past; too far to recall clearly, too
near to have assesed its meaning.
 

Something...poignant...I guess, and yeah, goofy
and life affirming as only a Bryce tribute to Skeeter could be!
 

It is otherly...i was going to say otherworldly, but that's just not the right word.
I don't know if OTHERLY is either. makes me think of the Everly bros.
 

The Skeeter disc was very enjoyable. I so admire
your commitment to music. I am really happy to know you!
 

She's quite the lady.  I feel so sorry for her.
She's had a tough life and it's not getting any better.
Wendie
 

At least with the Skeeter stamp there was no debate as with her good buddy Elvis Presley
about "which" era to depict. Skeet remains a constant size. Except overseas, where she's HUGE!
 

I liked the cd, it was pretty cool.  I liked our song it was great, you're right it was really different,
did you use some type of vocal modifier on your voice?  some of the songs have unique vocals,
how'd you switch it up like that?
 

Throughout my Skeeter record I triple and quadruple the vocals often.
It sure perks it up...makes it sound echo-ey and exciting. Hot damn I love it.
Now you know my main studio secret.
 

I actually used that old 50's mike for the vocs on only
SAD SAD WORLD, and I forgot to turn off the room PA so the whole band went on to
the vocal track....the bleed was awful.....but I liked the take, my voice was
all gravel-ey, so I kept it. That's another reason it sounds weird. I dig it.
 

How can you afford to give away free copies of your CD?  At any
rate, I'd love to have one, and I'll be happy to send you a couple
of CDs in return.  I have converted several Skeeter LPs to CD.
 

Re: SWEET SKEET
I will get your CD in the mail tomorrow..... and I know exactly what I want in swap!!!!!!
HEART STRINGS! Can I have a copy of that? I need it bad! I hear the remake of Rock A Bye is smokin!
Do you have the 1976 single on Mercury? I need a copy of that too!!!!
Anything else rare like that I'm after. I have most all of the easy stuff.
Thanks TONY!!!
 

You're a very strange person Bryce.
You should have gotten help before it was too late.
I better skeeter-dattle!
 

I have been enjoying the Skeeter tribute.
It is downright charming.
I like your organ playing and the instrumentation in general.
Did you send one to her?  Did she send you any reaction?
 

Eeeez veddy good question......
As for the answer.....well, don't ask.
 

I received a nice little package in the mail.
Chickenshack productions can't make money giving away CD's.
It sounds good though.
 

I've been listening to your CD in the car, and I enjoy it.
I see no reason why Skeeter wouuldn't like it - a tribute would be appreciated.
I like better the ones where you come up with a unique arrangement.
One of 'em sounded like a George Thorogood interpretation.
 

I listened to your CD in it's entirety today. I really really like it.
It has a "labor of love" vibe that just JUMPS out.
I personally feel you've done a great job in honoring her.
All in all, I dig the HELL out of it, and you can quote me on that.
Nice work, my friend.
 

I think the disc and cover are incredibly well done.  Really, the more I look at them, the more I like the packaging.
Do you work in graphic design or something?  I like the songs and the vintage sound too...
I still haven't shown and played the CD to my musician friends who tool around a lot in their own chicken shacks,
but I'm plannin to do so and will keep you informed.
I originally came across your website, because I was looking for information on an "EV Mercury 611". I can't remember the
exact search terms, but whatever they were, the hoho records page was one of the first to turn up.
Do you know where one can get wiring diagrams for that mic? (I know, there are only 3 wires, but I'm an electronics cretin,
who's not very good at soldering and also very reluctant to destroy such nice old mics with my ineptness.
I already have an otherwise beautiful American D4-T on my conscience and that's enough!)
 

Hi, I am a big fan of  Skeeter, but I am a little scared to order this,
but, if someone had the courage to do it,
I should have the courage to hear it,
so you can send me a copy....
 

i was doing door upstairs for mercy baby
eventually i strolled to the ballroom
i followed this skinny guy who looked vaguely familiar
when he saw me he said "Bryce Rhude! What are YOU doing here?"
it WAS jimmy but he was thinner by far
he said my name was in the bathroom, and i groaned thinking "Oh no what now?"
i said i did not believe him but followed him in there nonetheless
and sho nuff i had a "bryce does skeeter" sticker there,
albeit 1/2 torn off no doubt by one of my over zealous fans (or anti-fans, which number in the greater)
i said, must be them damn Wankers...
I said Jimmy D do you know those guys?
He said no but they keep sending him emails
 

I LOVE SKEETER!!  I got to have one of your CD's.  If there is any cost, let me know.
That's a great tribute that you are doing for the GREATEST lady of county and pop!
It is time that someone paid tribute to her.  Thanks from one of a million Skeeter fans.
We are out here; you just got to find us.
 

Larry, it is on it's way. be on the lookout.
at the blue ash airshow saturday i met some grizzled old dude and
we got to talking and he went out with her, a LONG time ago.....
and had to take BJ out too, only way to get at Skeet.
He said Betty jack was a bossy drag....
He didn't dig her at all....a big surprise!
 

Bryce, Got The CD today & I must say I really liked it. I am very happy to
see Skeeter getting some recognition. I'm kinda suprised no one has done
something like this before. But Skeeter has always been sort of a rebel by
doing things her way & not the way Nashville thought she should do them.
Good luck to you on future projects, again, Bryce, Thanks for the CD. Randy.
 

thanks Randy.
you just got it today?
wow, that took awhile.
Well if Skeet's a rebel then I'm even further out there
because I heard thru the vine that Skeet herself didn't dig it.
I thought she'd be thrilled but maybe she wants
a real big tribute from big stars....
I hope that happens.
Stay tuned for future projects,
I'm thinking this year it's still gonna be me doing girl stuff,
don't ask me why cuz i don't know!
ShangriLas, Toys, Angels, all that cool stuff I love done up Bryce style......
 

Hey Bryce, I wouldn't pay attention to what you've heard thru the vine
because I have read that Skeeter loves all the gifts her fans give her & she
keeps everything they give her. This CD is a very special gift, a whole
tribute to a very special Lady. Some of the tracks actually sound like they
were really recorded in the 50's. I truly did appreciate the cd. It was also
kinda wild that you recorded the cd in Cincy, because that's where the auto
crash happend that took Betty Jack's life. I have visited her grave & took
her flowers, She is buried in Ft. Mitchell, Ky. Anyway Bryce, keep me posted
on any new material you do, as I may want to check it out! Thanks, Randy.
 

Hello Bryce!  Thanks so much for sharing your Bryce Does Skeeter CD with me.
It's obvious you are a real Skeeter fan and stayed true to the arrangements
on these songs.  Your song selection was very cool too!!!  I enjoyed
particularly Sad Sad World (my uncle Felton Jarvis produced Skeeter's
version), How Many Tears (one of my favorites from the Skeeter/NRBQ album) &
Wishful Thinking.   Thanks again for sending this to me.
 

.......always liked the music, wanted to hear the words and know the words to it.
I have never heard it being done by skeeter so It leaves me no comparison.
however, you could be a little up tempo with it.  put more emphasis into it but I am no
music expert just know what I like and it drags but then it is hard to
compete with skeeter- a master- and you are doing just that.   practice
practice and more practice  power to the practice.  never never give up
just keep striving.   my thanks to you and continued success.
 

....I did not like it....I love Skeeter songs, and I would have thought a
good tribute album would be done by a singer who could actually carry a tune.
This guy seems to have no understanding why Skeeter, who is certainly
not the best singer in the world, captures hearts.  There really does need to be a
Skeeter album of tribute. this one is not it.
 

I really enjoy your CD.  Particularly, "I Can't Stay Mad At You" and "How Many Tears."  Some of the songs were unfamiliar to me as
it's tough to find a lot of Skeeter's stuff (especially on CD).  What inspired you to do this project?  And what was it like meeting
Skeeter?  I have a feeling you'll have many good things to say about her.  A few years back, I tried to see her at the Opry but she
had canceled at the last minute.  Since I live in LA, I haven't gotten the chance to return to Nashville.  How is her health?  I certainly
hope she's doing well.  She certainly deserves to.  Thanks again for the music and best of luck with everything.
 

Hey, I just wanted to say that I really respect and appreciate
what you did, and how you covered Skeeter's songs. She was my
great aunt and her passing away was really hard for me and my
family. When i was little I sang her songs all the time.. I
even did it at a 1st grade talent show. Anyway, I just wanted
to share that with you and wish you good luck with your
recording and stuff! You seem like a great guy and being the
wonderful person she was, I'm sure Aunt Skeeter thought so
too!! She'll always be in our hearts. Sincerely, Samantha
 

thanks so much!
   Skeeter Davis IS my all time favorite female singer
and notice I did'nt say WAS because even though she is no longer on this earth,
physically, her music will live on as long as we are able to hear it.
She never got all the credit she fully deserved in the music world, but,
She will live on forever in our old beating hearts!  I am sure she didn't mind your routines with her music,
she probably got a good chuckle looking down at what you were doing with the music... hopefully anyway.. :o)
Have a great day,  Sherie Brown

VISIT THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
VISIT DRY RIDGE, KENTUCKY, THERE'S AN OUTLET MALL THERE....I NEED SHOES....
VISIT CINCINNATI, OHIO, HOME OF "THE SPINNING WESTERN-SOUTHERN LIFE SIGN"

TECHNICAL DATA ON THE RECORDING OF "BRYCE DOES SKEETER"
the album was recorded using primarily the same ancient gear as in most
ChickenShack Recording Studio endeavors, that is to say:
1952 Martin 00-17
Farfisa Organ
Wurlitzer Electric Piano
1962 Slingerland Drums
Thinline Telecaster
Sears Silvertone Twin-Twelve amp
Fender Vibro-Champ amp
Peavey Classic amp
Shure SM58 microphone
Electro Voice Mercury 611 microphone
Obsolete magnetic particle mylar tape ribbon imprint device (THE GIZMO)
Hohner and Jambone harps
Jaymar toy piano
Epiphone Viola Bass
and the final pivotal ingredient:
wholly clueless engineer and tape operator

All archaic dilapidated equipment and the ONLY way to achieve the fabled "Chicken Shack Sound".
Some say it is the odd "L" shape of the room.
Others insist the velvet sounds are due to the scientific deflection of soundwaves
bouncing off the hundreds of model airplanes strategically hanging from the rafters.
Others still argue that the legendary "C.S.S." is the result of the utterly irreproducable sound absorbtion qualities of both
cat-pee drenched carpet remnants and impenetrably thick clouds of frankinscence (cone only) incense.
However, there are those who maintain the sound quality is just plain lousy.