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Topic: Robert Randolph/ Guitar Player Sept 2004 |
Mike Jones
From:
Goodlettsville,TN,USA
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Posted 28 Jul 2004 2:43 pm |
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Wether you like Robert Randolph or not he is the Cover Story of the new Guitar Player (September 2004) issue. It's a good interview,several pictures of him and his 13 string Fessenden including one on the cover. It's is great coverage for the steel guitar and may introduce new players to the instrument.
My Opinion,
Cookie  |
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Stoney Stonecipher
From:
Knoxville, TN (deceased)
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Posted 28 Jul 2004 6:26 pm
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I agree with you Mike. He is a very unique player and very, very entertaining. Thats my opinion.... and don't forget what a great steel guitar player, Mike Jones (Cookie Monster) is
Stoney |
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Nick Reed
From:
Russellville, KY USA
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Posted 28 Jul 2004 8:33 pm
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Stoney,
Boy are you right about that. . . .the ole "Cookie Monster" is one fine Steel player. I'm fortunate enough to get to hear him play live every Saturday Night. We play the same gig in Springfield, TN where my band opens for his. Mike "Cookie' Jones is AWESOME!
Nick
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Jerry Hayes
From:
Virginia Beach, Va.
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Posted 29 Jul 2004 3:16 am
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I read the article with interest as I'd seen the Austin City Limits show which featured Robert. He is different for sure. What's odd is I really liked his show. It's not normally what's played on steel but it was still pretty hot stuff. I noticed his tuning in the article on his 13 string Fessenden. It was a basic E9/B6 Universal except it had a D note tuned in the 5th string spot instead of the B which was in the 6th slot. Also it had two E's right in the middle which would be the same as tuning our 7th string F# to E and still have the 8th string E right below it. He said it was so he could move those E's in different directions with pedals. I guess I'd have to hear that one. The tuning low to high is: B E G# B E E G# B D E G# D# F#. I wish he'd noted his pedal changes and all. From the Austin City Limits Show I saw it didn't seem like he used the pedals too much anyway thought. He did a lot of bar movement and picked up the bar a lot. He said that's the reason he uses a Shubb type Dobro bar on pedal steel. All in all he's a great player who does his own thing and wouldn't be appreciated by a lot of folks who like to hear the pedal steel in it's normal context. What was really interesting to me was that he cited Stevie Ray Vaughn as one of his main influences and not another steel player. Have a good 'un..JH
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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.
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Tiny Olson
From:
Mohawk River Valley, Upstate NY
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Posted 29 Jul 2004 6:50 am
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Mike:
I totally agree with you. The article on Robert Randolph should help expand the popularity and diversity of the pedal steel.
Recently, while visiting auto dealerships in search of a new '04 full-size pickup, I met a young lady salesperson. She said I looked familiar so I told her I play pedal steel guitar. She lit up and stated "We just went to see Robert Randolph in Albany. Pedal Steel is really cool!!" It was her first introduction to our instrument and she was impressed. Well there you have it...
I certainly don't play the way he does but I very much admire him for his musicianship and creativity.
Chris "Tiny" olson |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 29 Jul 2004 9:40 am
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| They have RR's copedent over on the Carter site. The double Es on the bottom allow the lower one to be dropped down to a 7th or 6th, and the upper one to be raised to a 9th or flatted 3rd when you need it for a chord or a run. At other times they provide a straight E chord that can be strummed rythmically like a regular guitar. As b0b says, it's a brilliant setup for rock and blues. [This message was edited by David Doggett on 29 July 2004 at 10:41 AM.] |
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Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
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Posted 29 Jul 2004 11:10 am
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Thank Chuck Campbell for the pedal set up of the sacred steel guys !
Bob |
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Rick Schmidt
From:
Prescott AZ, USA
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Posted 2 Aug 2004 8:51 am
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Just got my copy. I think this is absolutely great! It's so cool to see a PSG on the top title line on the cover of a national publication! To see this in the magazine rack at my local supermarket is monumental event. Hat's off to Robert Randolph, Jerry Fessendon, and Guitar Player Magazine for helping to keep the steel from going the way of the dinosaur. In my day it was Jimi Hendrix who opened my mind to Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, Hank Garland, Albert King, Django, Kenny Burrell, Lenny Breau, et all...and in an off-handed kinda way, it was those guys that started me thinking about the PSG. Hard to explain, but I swear it's true.
At this point, I think it would be a great thing if somebody would take the PSG into even more (...and not neccesarily aproved by us forum guys) uncharted musical waters. Hip Hop? Death/Thrash Metal? Post-Punk? Acid Jazz? Bachelor Pad Hangover music? 
I think RR might be the guy that opens the gates for all of us. It's nice to know that basically his lineage comes annointed from a tradition of deep reverence. [This message was edited by Rick Schmidt on 02 August 2004 at 10:08 AM.] |
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 4 Aug 2004 9:21 am
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We may be missing the point. It's not that he's good or bad. But is this really the way we want to introduce this instrument to new players. The steel has evolved like no other in a short period of time. RR is just one of many and not the "ONE". Let's try to keep some perspective before we jump to a place we don't want to be. JMHO... 
JD
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There is no such thing as too many steels!! |
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Jennings Ward
From:
Edgewater, Florida, R.I.P.
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 9:57 am
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I believe what we are all angry about is the fact the writer of that article on RR and his build up: She Peed on our leg and swore that it was Raining... [ judge Judy] quote... She did herself a great disservice by her choice of words, and trying to pull the pot over our eyes. Very disengenious to all. RR will suffer for her lack of tactfulness. I would like to give her a dictionary, and Bible, for refference material.......... Jennings......
Play steel just for the sound of it.
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EMMONS D10 10-10 profex 2 deltafex ne1000 pv1000, pv 31 bd eq, + |
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Theresa Galbraith
From:
Goodlettsville,Tn. USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 10:15 am
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| Go Robert! |
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Herb Steiner
From:
Spicewood TX 78669
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 10:31 am
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| Quote: |
| We may be missing the point. It's not that he's good or bad. But is this really the way we want to introduce this instrument to new players. |
Jack, with all respect, I think you're actually missing the point. Which is "we" (whoever "we" are) don't have any say in the matter as to how the steel guitar is presented to new players.
The fact is that popular music... the vast majority of popular music... since the 1960's has been rock-based. Robert is a young man who plays rock-based music to millions of young people who love rock-based music.
The last time this happened was in the early 1970's with Rusty Young, Jerry Garcia, and Buddy Cage. They were young men playing rock-based music to young folks who loved rock-based music. Yes, Poco was a rock band, and so were the New Riders, regardless of their repertoire. They were part of the "country-rock" scene, never embraced and barely even acknowledged by Nashville.
There was a real chance that Paul Franklin could have done it with his Dire Straits touring, but that didn't materialize. Except that I assume Paul "materialized" quite nicely , much deserved BTW.
Buddy Emmons is my idol and I'd walk a barefoot mile to hear him, but he does not play rock-based music for our society's young mass consumers who love rock-based music. Therefore those who expect guys who play like Buddy to be the ones to "expose" the country to steel guitar will have a long wait ahead of them, so I'd pack a lunch if I were y'all.
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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association
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Joe Miraglia
From:
Jamestown N.Y.
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 11:02 am
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| Missing the point? The way to introduce this instrument is only to play country otherwise you are not a steel player? I think NOT--way to go R.R.! For years I have always loved traditional country but after reading many of these posts, I wonder if I was wrong. I have always known steel players are special people but I guess I had blinders on because I just realized that being narrow-minded is also one of the traits of some of steel players. I do hope the majority of steel players lack this unfortunate trait. Joe |
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Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 11:40 am
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Joe,
The narrow-minded trait you speak of is only in a minority, albiet a very vocal minority.
Sadly, traditional country has a history of intolerant fans.
Lloyd Green performed on the Opry with The Byrds, and they were booed by the "fans".
Little did those "fans" realise that the new Byrds album , at that time, (Sweetheart of the Rodeo) would win over many of us Rockers to the Country styles.
Real musicians accepted and learn from new styles.
The vast majority of Steelers, and believe me I am in contact with many of the top guys, are open minded musicians who appreciate all music that comes from a persons heart.
They choose to not participate in these discussions, because nobody's mind is going to be changed.
You might get a false impression of the overall feelings of Steelers by reading these posts. Remember that most see no point in commenting. I didn't, until I saw your remark. [This message was edited by Joey Ace on 05 August 2004 at 12:42 PM.] |
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 11:44 am
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Guys......I love a good debate....But I'm not sure what you read in my comments is what you understand. I'm not saying play Like Buddy or else.... Or like Lloyd or else....Or like any of the other great notables. RR good or bad is not the issue. It is a matter of perception. I personally don't care what anyone plays one the steel guitar. And if by the reintroduction of the steel to the young "rockers" promotes more sales....so be it...But who is going to tell Scotty he need to get with the times and have a time set aside for "rock and roll steel day".
At the risk of redundancy....RR is one but not "The ONE"
So for all of you who like him.... good.. Those of you who don't.... good..
Being narrow minded has never been one of my strong suites. One would have to know me a lot better before making that jump. There's room for all.
But please have respect for the ones who brought you all to the dance..
Carry on boys.....
JD
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There is no such thing as too many steels!! |
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Don E. Curtis
From:
St Louis, Missouri, USA (deceased)
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 12:04 pm
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Don't really know if I should get into this or not, but, here goes...first of all I was a rocker before I was a steeler, so I like Robert, he came in Scotty's with the Family Band and got some parts, real nice guy, not arogant at all. And Scotty is open minded, remember when he had Buddy Cage? It was like the drive-in movie let out when the Earth Tones walked in and the guy playing lead guitar was wearing a skirt, and Scotty danced with the hippie chick. Everyone who stayed certainly enjoyed it. Plus many players on the I.S.G.C. play some rock stuff, including myself, Joe Wright, Joe Goldmark, Jim Cohen, don't forget Wally Murphy, Bobby Black, I could go on but I probably won't be able to change any opinions either., But to me it's just all music. Same 12 notes, same chords, mostly just a different rhythm and maybe a different volume. Oh well, I just worked out a great George Harrison tune on the steel and you should here me do Jethro Tull on the old 5-String Banjo.
"Rock on Garth! Excelent!"
Sincerely,
Don E. Curtis
Ross Distortion Rules!!! |
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 1:06 pm
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This keeps getting better>>>>>
I too am in posession of a Boss Tone and have used it on and off for many years. I too have been emersed in the rock scene when IMHO rock was really fun....
But Don and Joe bring up a really good point....The bystanders who are reading these threads and who are not (for reasons of their own ) wanting to throw their hat in the opinion ring. This does not mean they don't care about the topic. It has the potential to hit some ones hot button. I don't believe this forum should be used to define any lines between ourselves. And it's not a matter of open...closed ...or no mind. Playing steel for me, has always been a personal experience for me. I sure all of you have your own reasons too. So play your hearts out and play what makes you happy..The rest is just opinions and BS...
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There is no such thing as too many steels!! |
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Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 1:16 pm
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Out here in NZ if I only played country music on steel I wouldn't work too much. In most bands I have played in we do a bit of everything and the enduring comment I get from people is "wow, I didn't think you could play that sort of stuff on a steel guitar" !!!!! People have been saying for years that they wish someone would introduce the pedal steel to "other" music forms otherwise it might wither and die --- well here we are folks ---- GO Robert Randolph, lets hope he turns lots of young guys on to pedal steel, regardless of what type of music they want to play!!!
Get your heads out of the sand and help spread the word. |
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Joe Miraglia
From:
Jamestown N.Y.
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 1:18 pm
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| Jack I do respect the ones that brought us here.I learned from them and friends of mine that play steel.It's not who discovered America ( we all know who did,he played Pedal Steel on the Santa Maria It's what America is. Joe |
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Jack Dougherty
From:
Spring Hill, Florida, USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 1:45 pm
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OK One last time...
I have no argument with any of you....And it's really fun to hear people get excited about the psg. After all it has the potential to make some really cool sounds. So if one was to hear it for the first time and get all warm and fuzzy over it, that would be a good thing too. But if your going to sell it to the "NEW" public, IMO, sell the whole product .
And your right this is America. The land of the fast foods and the quick sell. But would any of you buy a car with only one speed and one color and one motor size(not counting our first one) . You can even get a horse to go backwards .....And as Herb said we have no say how the steel is introduced , But as players on an individual level you have more power than you think.
I'm going home now.......The Mother Ship is about to dock.
May the force be with you!!!
jd
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There is no such thing as too many steels!! |
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Ron Sodos
From:
San Antonio, Texas USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 2:15 pm
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I am so sick of hearing about RR that I am gonna barf. You guys would be better off practicing steel then yakking about nothing.....  |
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Rick Garrett
From:
Tyler, Texas
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 2:59 pm
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I have a sure fire cure for that Ron. Don't frikkin open another single post that clearly states in the subject line that there's ROBERT RANDOLPH content in the dadgum post!!
I think the kid ROCKS and he's playing from his heart man. Geez! Some people would complain if you hung them with a brand new rope.
Rick Garrett |
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Joe Miraglia
From:
Jamestown N.Y.
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Posted 5 Aug 2004 4:34 pm
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I will never be on the cover of Guitar Player  . That's what I get for not doing my own thing. No one wants to talk about me! I got stuck playing country music,trying to sound like B.E. L.G. and all the big guns. Why learn all the steel songs Steel Guitar Rag, Remington Ride,and on and on. No one wants to hear them it's so sad Joe |
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