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Topic: Cracker Barrel Sacred Steel CD |
Bob Stone
From: Gainesville, FL, USA
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Posted 17 Jan 2003 9:04 am
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I just received my advance copy of the Sacred Steel CD that will be sold exclusively at the 450 Cracker Barrel restaurant stores nationwide. The album features 9 tracks (45 min): three each by Aubrey Ghent, Sonny Treadway and the Campbell Bros., drawn from earlier Arhoolie recordings. I wrote the liner notes and have a small photo on the back cover.
"Sacred Steel Guitar Masters" is one of 15 albums in the Cracker Barrel's new Heritage Music Catalog. The series was produced in cooperation with the National Council for the Traditional Arts and includes everything from old-time fiddling to rockabilly.
My understanding is that the albums are in a few test stores now and are expected to be in all CB stores by March.
The album is very nicely produced and presented. I'm looking forward to the whole series! I like their marketing approach: all CD are $11.99 |
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Andy Volk
From: Boston, MA
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Posted 17 Jan 2003 11:11 am
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Do they pay you in cheese? |
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P Gleespen
From: Toledo, OH USA
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Posted 17 Jan 2003 1:00 pm
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Laughed out loud at that'n, Andy! (whoops, maybe I should say "LOL") |
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Brad Bechtel
From: San Francisco, CA
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Posted 17 Jan 2003 1:10 pm
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This is a very cool idea, even for someone like me who doesn't have a Cracker Barrel restaurant nearby. I especially like the fact that this is part of a series which is exposing people to other musical styles which you might not hear on the radio.
I hope it goes well!
------------------
Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
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Kerry Wood
From: Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Posted 17 Jan 2003 4:51 pm
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It looks like this baby will be available for purchase on-line from Cracker Barrel.
http://www.crackerbarrel.com/about-heritage.cfm?doc_id=513
Bob, the titles on the back look familiar. Is this a compilation of already released material? I'm looking forward to some new stuff.
Kerry Wood
[This message was edited by Kerry Wood on 17 January 2003 at 04:54 PM.] |
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Mark van Allen
From: Watkinsville, Ga. USA
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Posted 18 Jan 2003 7:30 pm
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I'm guessing there's no gay lap steelers on that compilation, Bob... seriously, what a great marketing coup! This great music should reach a whole new market- not to mention the many Hat acts who frequent Cracker Barrels nationwide! Way to go! |
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Bob Stone
From: Gainesville, FL, USA
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Posted 21 Jan 2003 6:59 am
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Hi,
I should have known to look on the Web. Here's the URL for the series: http://www.crackerbarrel.com/about-heritage.cfm?doc_id=503
I think the NCTA did an excellent job in working with the corporate folks at the Cracker Barrel. The artists, Arhoolie and I are tickled to be part of it. We are hoping the entire series passes the "marketing test" period--whatever that might entail.
For those of you unfamiliar with some of the artists presented in the series, I suggest you give a listen to the samples on the Web. All the albums are great. This is a golden opportunity to expose the general public to a lot of good roots music.
Material for the Sacred Steel album was drawn from previously Arhoolie releases. Similarly, I understand that most of the other albums are also drawn from previously released material. The Bill Kirchen album is all new though. Met him last summer at the national Folk Festival. Great picker and singer and a real nice guy.
Thanks for your words of support, everyone. The journey continues.
Best,
Bob[This message was edited by Bob Stone on 21 January 2003 at 07:09 AM.] |
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Gerald Cook
From: Lexington, OK USA
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Posted 22 Jan 2003 9:40 pm
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I guess this means I gotta go eat some more at Cracker Barrel........Yippeeeee!! There's only 4 in the OKC area. Sounds like it'll be worth it. |
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Andy Volk
From: Boston, MA
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Posted 23 Jan 2003 2:42 am
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Humor aside, congratulations Bob. Your work with the Sacred Steelers is truly expanding into the culture like ripples in a pond. |
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Ian McLatchie
From: Sechelt, British Columbia
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Posted 23 Jan 2003 3:09 am
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A reminder too of the other sacred steel sampler to come out in recent months,
"None But the Righteous: The Masters of Sacred Steel," on the Ropeadope label. This one was curated by John Medeski and contains a great selection of sacred steel styles and players. Geez, Bob, you're becoming an industry! |
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Bob Stone
From: Gainesville, FL, USA
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Posted 23 Jan 2003 6:33 am
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Thanks guys. It's all very exciting.
Gerald, before you go running out to the nearest Cracker Barrel, you might check the list of the 50 restaurant stores that are currently carrying the album. http://www.crackerbarrel.com/about.cfm?doc_id=530
I don't see any Oklahoma locations listed.
My understanding is that if all goes well the Heritage series will be at all 450 stores nationwide by early March.
Thanks again everyone. |
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Bob Stone
From: Gainesville, FL, USA
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Posted 10 Feb 2003 2:53 pm
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Word has it that the marketing test exceeded all expectations and the Cracker Barrel has ordered more CDs and is having display/listening stations built on an accelerated schedule.
Another testimonial to the power of good music.
Still no specific time when the new series will be at all stores. I'll keep you posted.
Best,
Bob |
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Tom Olson
From: Spokane, WA
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Posted 10 Feb 2003 10:09 pm
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I think the nearest Cracker Barrel to me is over in Missoula Montana -- I might have to go for a drive. |
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j bradley
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Posted 17 Feb 2003 10:57 am
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Hey Bob, where can I go to see these players? Any women players on the albums?
JB |
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Bob Stone
From: Gainesville, FL, USA
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Posted 18 Feb 2003 6:31 am
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Hello J Bradley, wherever you are---
You can find the nearest House of God Church here: http://www.hogc.org/ Not every H of G church has a steel player, however.
Arhoolie CD 502, "Live at the 2nd Sacred Steel Convention," includes "What is This?" by Miami, FL sacred steeler Lisa Lang, the only woman sacred steeler on record so far.
Check the following websites for touring groups:
The Lee Boys www.webspawner.com/users/theleeboys/
www.Campbellbrothers.com
www.RobertRandolph.net
[This message was edited by Bob Stone on 18 February 2003 at 06:33 AM.] |
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j bradley
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Posted 19 Feb 2003 6:41 pm
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Hey Bob, thanks for the info |
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