Pedal Steel Guitar

[steelyman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah in SC I managed to forget to look for a label on cute Whit's, ahem, equipment. Next time, next time.

Next time out, during a break, just go up to him and tell him you really like his axe (you won't be lying). Then ask him what kind of steel he has.

[LauAnn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelyman p.s. I know the Maverick. The "Bud" stands for Buddy Emmons (you probably know that)

I don't remember if I knew that or not. If I did know it, I have since forgotten that fact.

There were actually two different versions of the Maverick, if I'm not mistaken. I believe one was more of a blonde color while the newer version was simply a dark brown vinyl-like covering made to look like wood and the strings were not on a raised bed. (Not sure what the correct terminology is.)

[Sarah in SC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelyman Next time out, during a break, just go up to him and tell him you really like his axe (you won't be lying). Then ask him what kind of steel he has.

Ok this is why you will have to go with me to their next show! So I can ogle peacefully while you ask the important questions.

[steelyman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LauAnn I don't remember if I knew that or not. If I did know it, I have since forgotten that fact. There were actually two different versions of the Maverick, if I'm not mistaken. I believe one was more of a blonde color while the newer version was simply a dark brown vinyl-like covering made to look like wood and the strings were not on a raised bed. (Not sure what the correct terminology is.)

Yes, it was a company formed with Shot Jackson ("Sho"). Later the Emmons guitar company came into existence and made some great steels (there's one on the first post in this thread).

I think you're right about the Mavericks - I had one of the blonde ones and they are great for beginners. It's hard enough wrestling with picking 10+ strings, foot pedals, knee levers, and a volume pedal! That's why steelers always look like they are in a trance

[steelyman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah in SC Ok this is why you will have to go with me to their next show! So I can ogle peacefully while you ask the important questions.

That would make me an accomplice to a deviant act!

[Sarah in SC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelyman I think you're right about the Mavericks - I had one of the blonde ones and they are great for beginners. It's hard enough wrestling with picking 10+ strings, foot pedals, knee levers, and a volume pedal! That's why steelers always look like they are in a trance

This might well be why my friends and I are so enchanted with what little pedal steel we've gotten to see. While everyone else is leaping and shouting on stage, the pedal steel guy is studiously looking down to play, only rarely looking up and around to see what all the fuss is all about. No showboating on that instrument for sure!


And you'd be safe going to a show with us--us old married ladies won't pull any cougar stunts!

[steelyman]

Here's a rendition of the tune "Route 66" (of which I think the most popular version was done by Nat "King" Cole), done by a great player, Herby Wallace, who unfortunately died earlier this year. He always made me shake my head in admiration! If you care to listen to this, make sure you have good speakers (not the built-in ones). Herby's playing a Mullen guitar.

Herby Wallace "Route 66" w/ Ben Brogdon scat singing - YouTube

[steelyman]

When I first heard this, I had no idea what a pedal steel was, but as I listened my ears pricked up and I wondered, "what in the world is THAT instrument". I was hooked. The player is Dan Dugmore, and while his solo is short, it's sure sweet, soulful and perfect for this Roy Orbison tune.

Linda Ronstadt - Blue Bayou ( Man on fire ) - YouTube

[steelyman]

Here's another one from the late 70s, this time Emmylou Harris and The Hot Band playing in the UK. This is the opening tune from her second album Elite Hotel.

The steel player is Hank DeVito (on an Emmons) and he's paired for the twin guitar/steel lead-in lick with James Burton, who is probably best known for being Elvis' guitar player. Burton also played with guys like Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Nelson, John Denver, and many others. He is known as the king of "chicken pickin", which he subtly does throughout this performance.

Also notable is Rodney Crowell - the leftmost singer, with the darker hair - who co-wrote the tune and is a great singer-songwriter in his own right ("Leaving Louisiana In Broad Daylight", "Ain't Livin' Long Like This", "Stars On The Water", etc.).

Finally, Emmylou, besides being cuter than cute, has a voice that just soars

Emmylou Harris - Amarillo - YouTube

[Tyro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh Here's some steel guitar outside the country / bluegrass realm..

In Bluegrass, it's more likely (or should be*) a Dobro, or possibly a resonator (or resophonic) guitar, e.g. National, Republic (Dobros differ from other resonator guitars - Difference Between a Dobro & a Resonator Guitar | eHow.com). Lap & pedal steel guitars are essentially electric, while Dobros & resonators are acoustic. Dobros/resonator guitars can also be, and sometimes are, played held like a regular acoustic guitar.

Google: difference between steel and resonator

*in the opinions of some Bluegrass snobs. Other Bluegrass snobs insist that even a Dobro isn't "traditional" or "real" Bluegrass. I've seen arguments about that get as hot as p*litics or religi*n...

Tyro

[Sarah in SC]

See, Tyro, this is why I'm suspicious that bluegrass folks don't drink enough! They get all up the air about stuff like this, when all us audience members want to see up there are hot musicians who can play! And that usually look/sound better after a 6-pack.

I do love some Emmylou--that is a great song, and one I've never heard. Thanks!

[HFWR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah in SC See, Tyro, this is why I'm suspicious that bluegrass folks don't drink enough! They get all up the air about stuff like this, when all us audience members want to see up there are hot musicians who can play! And that usually look/sound better after a 6-pack. I do love some Emmylou--that is a great song, and one I've never heard. Thanks!

Who says?

John Hartford - Granny Wontcha Smoke Some Marijuana - YouTube

John Hartford / Up on the Hill Where They Do the Boogie - YouTube

[Sarah in SC]

LOL-HFWR, I was transferring some stuff to a new computer at home and made sure some of those John Hartford and Goose Creek Symphony gems from you got transferred over and also added to my "big mix" that now plays on the home stereo all the time.

[HFWR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah in SC LOL-HFWR, I was transferring some stuff to a new computer at home and made sure some of those John Hartford and Goose Creek Symphony gems from you got transferred over and also added to my "big mix" that now plays on the home stereo all the time.

Always happy to help corrupt the youngins...

[Tyro]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFWR Who says?

+1 I didn't say those were MY opinions. I played (such as it wasn't) with anybody. Speaking of Granny... at a keg party in the late '70s, I met a woman in her 70s who could have been the model for Mammy Yokum - corncob pipe and all. At the time, she was known for owning more Rolls Royces than any other woman in the world with the exception of the Queen. Someone passed her a pipe, and after a taste, she remarked, "Why I haven't tasted this since they made it illegal"* and took another before passing it along... Truly one of the most interesting people I have ever met.

*We assumed 1937.

[steelyman]

I've been trying to post only live performances, but HFWR's message with John Hartford made me think of this one, which is a track off a CD. But it's set against a nice montage of photos that give a little peek into Hartford's world. Plus, while there are plenty of versions of this out there, this is the only one I know of that features the steel (that's what this thread is about, after all!).

In the late 90's, I happened to be able to attend a week's worth of sessions where Hartford was recording his (then) new CD, and one afternoon we went to his bus and chatted about music - he couldn't have been more funny, gracious, and interesting. I remember he walked around with a little stack of blank index cards on which he jotted down lines that he heard or that came to him and may be a future lyric in a song. Well, I remember more than that, but this is a public forum

This is a version of Hartford's song "Gentle On My Mind" that appears on his album All In The Name Of Love with a stellar lineup of bluegrass players: Benny Martin on violin, Hartford on banjo, Sam Bush on mandolin, Pig Robbins on piano, and bringing it all home is Buddy Emmons on pedal steel with an amazing single-note (almost jazz) solo.

John Hartford -- Gentle On My Mind - YouTube

[steelyman]

Here's an early autumn dose of Dire Steel for you. I probably don't need to tell anyone who the singer or what the song is, but you might not know who the guy sitting in on the steel is. That's Paul Franklin and he's playing (naturally) a Franklin guitar - a company started by his father, Paul Franklin Sr.

Might want to clear out a little space in your living room for this one, especially if you follow Bob Dylan's advice: Play It Loud.

Mark Knopfler - Walk Of Life - A Night In London Live 1996 (HD) - YouTube

[mh]

suprised no-one's posted BJ Cole Yet. So here's one from him. An Impromptu rendition of Claire de lune..

BJ Cole - Clair de Lune | Interviewed for Notes from Mt Pleasant - YouTube

[steelyman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh suprised no-one's posted BJ Cole Yet. So here's one from him. An Impromptu rendition of Claire de lune..

Beautiful.

[HFWR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelyman Beautiful.

People with talent disgust me...

Great sound and great recording as well. I see an old tweed-style amp in the background.