Robert Randolph...an issue?

Miguel e Smith · From: Phoenix, AZ

As most of us know, there has been a lot said about the emergence of Robert Randolph. He’s garnered everything from praise to near disgust. Those that dig it are, at the very least, appreciative of the exposure he’s giving the instrument and those that don’t like it sometimes seem to be threatened by him (as if Robert might de-throne The Big E or Paul Franklin).

The fact is that Robert is giving the pedal steel an incredible amount of exposure and he is enjoying some great success as an artist. It’s also a fact that, just like players of other instruments, we’re not required to like his music just because he plays the same instrument as we do. For those that are concerned about our traditional icons being toppled, just r-e-l-a-x. Buddy and Paul and all the other greats are still great and nothing has happened to change any of that. There’s just a new player on the field and it’s not even the same field.

For anyone who’s curious, yes, I like what Robert is doing. I only wish I were as successful at it as he is!

Mike

Rex Thomas · From: Thompson's Station, TN

WELL said, Mike.

Ron Whitfield · From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA

I doubt that anti RR steelers feel he's any kind of threat, just that he's using it differently and taking it in a direction other than the norm, and simply don't like what they hear. This isn't the first time someone has done something 'outside' with the steel, and when it happens, there will be notice taken by the establishment, pro and con. I havn't heard him do anything to thrill me, but hope someday I will. There's more than enuf room on this planet for whatever a person wishes to play, and repressing someone, is the opposite of what music is truly about. My gripe comes with the typical overhyping and uneducated comparisons of something 'new'.

Bobby Lee · From: Cloverdale, California, USA

I personally feel that the pedal steel is a universal musical instrument that can be used effectively in any kind of music that allows electric instruments. When a steeler is successful in any genre, I applaud. It makes no difference to me if I do or don't like the music - it is still promoting the advancement and recognition of the instrument.

I won't be happy until people stop saying "What is that thing you're playing?".

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Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6),
Roland Handsonic, Line 6 Variax

Tommy White · From: Nashville

Great posts Mike and Bobby Lee. I agree, although I have not heard Robert play, I am familiar with one sacred steeler by the name of Chuck Campbell. Holy cow!
A few years ago at Scotty's convention I had the good fortune to hear Chuck Campbell at the Carter booth. His playing was absolutely inspiring to say the least. Chuck's tone was a pure and clean pedal steel tone. I was most impressed with his bar control, beautiful vibrato, dead on pitch and deep well of emotion. Hearing Chuck play reminded me of the feeling I had the first time I had ever heard a pedal steel, what a beautiful sounding instrument. After introducing myself and enjoying a visit, I found Chuck to be most humble, kind, articulate and genuine. That day I feel I gained a new friend and learned more about steel guitar.
T.W.
www.tommywhite.net

[This message was edited by Tommy White on 11 February 2004 at 04:19 PM.]

Jeff Lampert · From: queens, new york city

JERRY THURMOND · From: sullivan mo u.s.a.

I really like Robert's playing, it may not be my bag, but it is one the best things that has happened for the Steel Guitar. Love to see him play in person. Jerry

Herb Steiner · From: Spicewood TX 78669

I'd like to ditto Tommy's feelings about Chuck Campbell, who's a Forumite if I'm not mistaken. I met him at the same time and place, and Chuck impressed me as a class act musically and personally.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

David Doggett · Posted 11 Feb 2004 3:10 pm

Tommy nailed it. Chuck Campbell is the B.B. King of steel guitar, his protege, Robert Randolph, is the Little Richard.

Bob Stone · From: Gainesville, FL, USA

Chuck Campbell, in my opinion, is the major influence on the younger pedal-steel guitarists in the House of God including--one might even say especially--Robert Randolph. Chuck has a thorough understanding of the instrument and was the first to fully apply its technical advantages to the musical tradition of his church. He developed his own tuning and pedal set-up. He has lots of technique. He plays the way he plays because that's what he wants to play, not because of any technical limitations. Furthermore, Chuck is wide open about sharing everything he knows about the steel and music.

Ted Beard and Calvin Cooke were big pedal-steel influences too, but it seems to me that most (not all) of the younger guys are more deeply influenced by Chuck in terms of the music they play today.

And yes, Chuck is a great guy. We quickly became the best of friends after I met him in 1996. Over the years, I have developed a close relationship with him and the whole family--all great folks. Darick too is a very expressive steel guitarist. Guitarist Phil Campbell is often in the shadows of his steel-playing brothers, but as any steel player knows, the music laid down by the rhythm guitarist has a whole lot to do with how the steeler sounds. And Phil is at the top of his game.

In Florida, Glenn Lee (who died of cancer at age 32 in 2000) was a major pedal-steel influence--I would say more so than Chuck. For example, in a recent interview Ocala, FL pedal-steeler Antjuan Edwards (Aubrey Ghent's cousin) said that to him Robert is almost getting to be "a Glenn Lee." Glenn's music is still played today by many House of God pedal-steelers, in Florida as well as nationally. Robert R. has recorded several of Glenn's compositions. (Glenn played nine instruments. He was a highly talented keyboard player, composer, and arranger.) His family band, the Lee Boys, has developed into a hot touring group.

Robert is a very talented musician and performer. He has worked incredibly hard to go as far as he has in such a short time in an extremely competetive field. Go Robert!!

By the way, Katie Jackson, who has done a lot of singing with the Campbell Brothers, is Little Richard's first cousin.

What you see Robert do on stage is not that far removed from what other musicians and preachers do in church. Generally, the steel players are at the service of the ministers. So, in a church context the preachers are more likely to get into highly expressive movements such as jumping up and down, throwing off their coats, etc. It's all part of their form of worship.

If I ever get this book done, there's lots more coming...

[This message was edited by Bob Stone on 13 February 2004 at 08:01 AM.]

[This message was edited by Bob Stone on 13 February 2004 at 08:42 AM.]

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

Ahhhh; at Last !! A decent and civil discussion of both the man and the instrument. Good thoughtful writing from everyone and a learning pleasure to read !!

Regards, Paul

Rex Thomas · From: Thompson's Station, TN

I do enjoy RR & the Family band, but musically, Chuck Campbell spins my beanie.

Aaron Garrett · From: Roslindale, Massachusetts, USA

I was just thinking the same thing about Chuck Campbell. I really like RR, but somehow Chuck Campbell seems a more mature player, and his pyrotechnics are dazzling. The opening segment in the Sacred Steel DVD is mind blowing.

Is he playing a Fessy now?

Bob Blair · From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Chuck was through here about a year ago, playing a Sierra.What a player!

Ron Page · From: Penn Yan, NY USA

Well said, Mike... and all.

As I said in another RR thread, I'll bet no one ever thought Jimmy Hendrix rivaled Don Rich, James Burton or Roy Nichols.

We’re just so used to steel being typecast as a country instrument that we’re really taken aback when someone breaks out of that mold – and particularly when so many people notice.

I wish him all the best and think it will only help advance PSG.

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HagFan

Chris Walke · From: St Charles, IL

"Generally, the steel players are at the service of the ministers. So, in a church context the preachers are more likely to get into highly expressive movements..."

Sounds like the steel players take over the old organist slot, creating waves of music that mirror the preacher's energy.

Ron Whitfield · From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA

Forgive me for defending my main man JIMI, but as much as I love Rich, Burton, and Nichols, Hendrix could eat them up in his sleep and use Randolph as a toothpick.

Bob Stone · From: Gainesville, FL, USA

Chris, you are right. The steel players in the House of God have taken over the musical function performed by the organist in many black churches.

But they have gone way beyond that. When the preacher brings his exhortations to a climax the steel leads the band in lenghty segments of driving praise music, usually about 8 minutes long, but often even longer. There may be a total of 4 or 5 of these long praise music sessions in a two hour service, plus lots of other music. Almost all congregational singing finishes with a long steel-dominated section. The steel totally dominates nearly all the music in this church. Often mass choirs even finish with an extended steel solo.

I can't think of any other genre of music where the steel is so dominant and "out front." Hawaiian? Country? No comparing for steel dominance.

[This message was edited by Bob Stone on 13 February 2004 at 01:53 PM.]

Matt Williams · From: Austin, Texas, USA

Im a long time 6stringer that was inspired into the PSG by RR and other non-traditional players like Dave Easily from New Orleans. Its the harmonic, melodic, and expressive potential of the instrument that drew me in. And of course, the sound. Now that I own one and need to learn to play the thing, I'll be learning from all the greats, and there are many local pro's for me to go see and even study with. I hope I havn't bitten off more than I can chew being a 27 year old that has never played any slide style. So far so good, learning E9th 3&4, but I have no idea when and if I'll have the guts to bring the thing to a gig! But I ultimately want to use it in a more non-traditional setting. i.e. jazz, fusion, rock, or funk. Wish me luck. I think you all will see many more like myself as the instrument enjoys all the press RR brings.

Bobby Lee · From: Cloverdale, California, USA

I enjoy Robert Randolph, but Chuck Campbell is one of my steel guitar heroes. To me, he's the top player in that style of music. It's a real inspiration to hear him play.

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Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6),
Roland Handsonic, Line 6 Variax

Ron Page · From: Penn Yan, NY USA

Ron,

My point is that those pickers don't play to the same audience, they merely play the same instrument. Although their instrument, unlike ours, is not typecast "country". Insert the name of any other great rock guitarist in place of Hendrix and my point is the same.

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HagFan

Craig A Davidson · From: Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA

I guess the bottom line would be that anybody that can get steel guitar out in the public eye should do it. Steel guitar will work anywhere. Just think of it like a trumpet, sax, or piano. It not only works in country, but also in, rock, blues, jazz,sacred, and even classical, just check out Mike Perlowin's album. It just ain't for goat-ropin' no more.

Reggie Duncan · From: Mississippi

Bob Smith · From: Allentown, New Jersey, USA

A friend of mine just lent me a Robert Randolph CD. I listened to it and its awesome to say the very least!! Geez, dont we all really wish we could play with that kind of freedom and expression,"and i know some of the guys here can" . I cant think of anything, but great things to say about his recording. I wonder if he can play a country shuffle? (just kiddin) He gets an A+ from me. bob

Stoney Stonecipher · From: Knoxville, TN (deceased)

Hey...John Hartford danced while he played the fiddle....Donna Stoneman danced while she played the mandolin, and the former fiddle player for Porter Waggoner danced while he played the fiddle.....and guess what...Robert Randolph can dance while he plays the steel guitar.....wish I could.

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