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Topic: Curly Chalker's Shadow of Your Smile |
Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
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Posted 21 May 2010 12:45 pm |
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Okay, let me say it straight: as a whole package, in terms of artistic interpretation and vocal interpretation, this record is pure schmaltz. IMHO, many Santo & Johnny cuts transcend the kitsch factor like, for example Frank Sinatra with Nelson Riddle, to cross the line into art. This version of The Shadow of your Smile has the line in sight but comes nowhere near it.
But as far as tone and brilliant, rhythmically complex pedal steel playing, Curly is almost in a class by himself. His runs, fills and solo are just gorgeous. Some of the phrasing ideas he introduced seem to have gone with the wind since his demise.
https://home.comcast.net/~aevolk/music/CurlyChalker.mp3 |
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Larry Robbins
From:
Fort Edward, New York
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Posted 21 May 2010 3:11 pm
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Thanks,Andy !!
What sweet phrasing! Thats why there will never be another Curly! big blocky chords and tasty lead lines!! Grabs your heart.
....if it dont...you aint got one! hehehe!!Thanks again.
_________________
Twang to the bone! |
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Roger Shackelton
From:
MINNESOTA (deceased)
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Posted 21 May 2010 5:44 pm
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ANDY, you forgot to mention that the singer is Stan Hitchcock. 
ROGER |
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Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
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Posted 21 May 2010 6:22 pm
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You're right, Roger. Here's the scoop on Stan's long career in music. I was probably too hard on him above. It's a heartfelt country/pop performance and if I recall properly was mainly recorded to showcase Curly.
http://hitchcockcountry.com/content/view/13/33/ |
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Dave Mudgett
From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
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Posted 21 May 2010 7:19 pm
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Great cut. I think Curly is emphatically in a class by himself. The huge and perfect chord voicings and absolute coolness stand alone to me. There are obviously other great jazz pedal steel players who stand alone in their own ways, but Curly just grabs me like Johnny Smith does on guitar.
I think Stan's vocal works fine, but the background vocals are a bit schmaltzy indeed. OK, it's not Tony Bennett, but who is? Oh, well - the playing makes it all worth it. |
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Paul Graupp
From:
Macon Ga USA
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Posted 22 May 2010 1:41 am Andy:
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When I read the intro post, I got a little upset: I thought: Oh No !! Not Andy too !!
As I considered what to write in reply, I read your second post and I found myself with nothing to tell you.
Obviously you have the situation down correctly.
But I must Thank You for bringing it back to life here on the Forum. It was a real pleasure to listen to it once again,
THANK YOU !! Paul |
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b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Posted 22 May 2010 9:06 am
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I love the lack of reverb and other effects on Curley's steel. You can really hear his hands. Great stuff, Andy. What is the name of that album?
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video |
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Michael Weaver
From:
Buffalo Grove, IL
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Posted 22 May 2010 9:25 am
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Bob,
Stan has a website.....hitchcockcountry.com....when you open it, look on the left side under Main Menu....click on Hitchcock Country Store.....when that page opens, click on CDs in the Categories column on the left.....The Shadow of Your Smile is from the Country-Stan Hitchcock Recordings from 1972-1976 |
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Jim Phelps
From:
Mexico City, Mexico
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Posted 22 May 2010 12:36 pm
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| Mind-blowing playing, and yet typical Curly. The chords he could come up with, and his phrasing, were something else. Creativity like no one else. As Dave said, "a class by himself". Vocal is mixed too hot for my taste. Oh well. Thanks for posting this Andy, it was a pleasure to hear it again. |
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Russ Wever
From:
Kansas City
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Posted 22 May 2010 11:22 pm
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Stan performed Shadow Of Your Smile
at Curlys funeral, with Johnny Cox
at the steel.
~Russ
_________________
www.russface
www.russguru |
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Paul Graupp
From:
Macon Ga USA
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Posted 23 May 2010 4:03 am
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Russ: I've always liked that story where Scotty tricked Stan into thinking he would have to sing it cold turkey and then Curly, hidden behind the curtains, starts the intro !! That was something so special, you had to be there to get the thrill of it. Were You there ??
Regards, Paul  |
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Russ Wever
From:
Kansas City
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Posted 23 May 2010 9:46 am
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Paul -
I sure wish I had of been,
but that was just before
I had gone to St Louis -
By the way, I still enjoy
your 'Writings of P. G.'
book that you sent -
Thnx again,
~Russ
_________________
www.russface
www.russguru |
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Tracy Sheehan
From:
Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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Posted 23 May 2010 12:54 pm Reverbs
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I never liked a reverb either. When i first started in a country band the band leader got me an out board reverb as my fender amp didn't have one and i didn't want one and he made me use it. Over the years i never learned to like a reverb. To each his own.
There was a saying in the swing bands back then saying take the gimmicks away and most can't play. Just some trivia from the good old days.  |
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