| Author |
Topic: Neil Flanz |
Dan Cooper
From:
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
|
Posted 19 May 2006 5:04 am |
|
This is a heads up to any of you who have been thinking about taking some lessons. I just spent 10 days under the tutelage of Mr. Neil Flanz in Austin, Texas, and I can tell you it was an invaluable experience for me as a student of the pedal steel guitar. In fact, it's only just dawning on me as I go over the tapes of our lessons together how much raw material he has provided me with and how much it is benefiting my playing. Aside from the lessons, Neil was kind enough to take me to a few clubs to hear some local steel players, Jim Loessberg and Scott Walls. They are both outstanding players. Jim was playing in a trio (bass and drums) and I was mesmerized by his playing. The 6-string guitar was not missed. Scott was playing along with a bigger band and coming up with some pretty unique stuff. As many of you already know, Neil is a legend in his own right having authored some of the earliest instructional material for pedal steel, played with stars like Charlie Louvin and Gram Parsons, and pretty much come of age along with the pedal steel guitar. His anecdotes were unforgettable. The only negative thing I have to say is that he never offered me even one square of the giant Hershey bars he's addicted to. But we'll let that pass. Hey, Neil, if you're reading this: you're the best!
Dan
|
|
|
 |
Dan Dowd
From:
Paducah, KY, R.I.P.
|
Posted 19 May 2006 8:54 am
|
|
| Neil is a great player and I have known him since the 60's. I also know Scott Walls Dad, Hal Walls and lives in Pittsburgh PA, who could play everything that Curly Chaulker did and he knew him well. He played all of Murphy's licks also. Hal and I picked together in Buffalo NY in the old days. |
|
|
|
Daryl Brooke
From:
Key West, Fl
|
Posted 24 May 2006 11:05 am
|
|
Dan - I echo everything you said. Neil is the best! I think I was with Neil a week or two before you because he mentioned you were coming to Austin, but I was only able to get three days in with him.
I think he said you were coming in from France? |
|
|
|
Dan Cooper
From:
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
|
Posted 24 May 2006 8:27 pm
|
|
Dan – Scott was a true pleasure to listen to! He had some kind words for Neil about how much he had learned from Neil. My understanding was that they got to know each other when Scott worked at Sho-Bud.
Daryl – Neil told me he really enjoyed your visit and that you caught on quickly. There's nothing like actually taking lessons from an accomplished player like Neil to improve your playing. Aside from the technical advice and filling in a lot of gaps in my knowledge, I got a real confidence boost from playing with Neil which in itself is invaluable.
Yeah, I'm in France for a little while, but my home is in New Orleans. By the way, I grew up not too far from you in Syosset and Cold Spring Harbor, NY.
DC
|
|
|
|
Daryl Brooke
From:
Key West, Fl
|
Posted 25 May 2006 8:37 am
|
|
| Hi Dan C - Wow, small world. I have lived on LI most of my life. However, I did live in Paris form 2000 - 2003. Really enjoyed it! Where in France were you staying? |
|
|
|
Dan Cooper
From:
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
|
Posted 26 May 2006 1:19 am
|
|
| Daryl - I'm in a very small place called St. Cyprien. It's about 2 hours east of Bordeaux. I can safely say I'm the best steel player in town. As long as I stay put. |
|
|
|
Daryl Brooke
From:
Key West, Fl
|
Posted 26 May 2006 4:14 am
|
|
| Be sure to bring back some Bordeaux! |
|
|
|
J. B. DiCarlo
From:
Georgia, USA
|
Posted 1 Jun 2006 3:10 am
|
|
| I was introduced to the Steel 1 year ago and had burned out the E9 beginner instructionals so I sent Neil Flanz an e-mail to see if he'd take me under his wings for 3 days in Austin. Neil provided me with essential material in the lessons/tapes to get me into intermediate status and beyond! He is an excellent teacher, very patient and interested in establishing essential techniques for success. Neil was truly inspirational and I feel very fortunate to have been able to have the lessons and make a new friend. Anyone who can pull it off should strongly consider a visit to Austin with Neil. I also got a chance to see Neil play at the Broken Spoke with Alvin Crow. Neil has added an enormous sound with his Steel Playing to a classic Austin band. |
|
|
|
Steve Spitz
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
|
Posted 1 Jun 2006 4:35 am
|
|
| Dan: Sounds like a great experience. Hope you can come back home and teach me something. Glad all is well. |
|
|
|
Dan Cooper
From:
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
|
Posted 2 Jun 2006 3:16 am
|
|
| Hey Steve! Nice to hear from you. Teach you something, huh? I wish I sounded half as good as you do. Give my best to the rest of the Plough Boys -- Dan |
|
|
|
Larry Robbins
From:
Fort Edward, New York
|
Posted 2 Jun 2006 10:09 am
|
|
If you guys dont have Neil's CD , "Get On The Star Route" do yourself a favour and contact Neil and get youself one! Neil got tone!
------------------
72 Professional 8&5,73 PRO II 8&4, 79/80 PRO III 8&4,Fender Steelking, Hilton pedal, USA Tele, Fender Twin,Peterson tuner,Tut Taylor Reso's and Twang to the Bone!!
|
|
|
|
