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Topic: Curly Chalker?!? WOW! |
Joe Alterio
From:
Irvington, Indiana
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Posted 26 Jul 2004 7:55 pm |
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I just bought some of the LPs b0b has for sale (see here)....and I urge many of you to do the same, as this is the stuff Tom Bradhsaw donated to b0b for him to sell....every dollar he gets for these goes to the Forum...EVERY DOLLAR! 
SORRY! ANYhow, I picked up both of the compilation albums, "Steel Guitar Express" and "Pieces of Eight". Some great tunes and artists on these, but one blew me away....
CURLY CHALKER playing "GENTLE ON MY MIND"!!! The last verse of the song has him playing the most amazing runs I have EVER heard.....not only is it fast, but it is super-clean...almost as if it is an organ. In fact, this would be fast to play on an organ, yet here it is on a pedal steel, with great blocking to boot.
I am going to get some of his albums....hopefully this is just a good primer for me. I am fascinated with this kind of playing....anyone else have some thoughts on this excellent picker?
Joe |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 27 Jul 2004 1:01 am
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| In my mind, Curly was simply way ahead of his time, a fabulous player. His C6th playing is like no one elses', and his E9th stuff rivals Jimmy Day for being gentle and soulful. He really played two entirely different styles, and did each with perfection. |
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Jim Smith
From:
Midlothian, TX, USA
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Posted 27 Jul 2004 4:56 am
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| Curly used an echo unit for doubling his notes on that part of "Gentle On My Mind", similar to how Buddy played/plays "Witches Brew". Neat effect and done very well by both. |
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Charles Curtis
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Posted 27 Jul 2004 5:27 am
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| I remember years ago when Curly came out with "The Race is On"; man oh man who was this guy? If you ever get a chance to listen to Clyde Bloodworth....now there's a treat. |
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Joe Alterio
From:
Irvington, Indiana
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Posted 27 Jul 2004 6:22 am
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Ahhh..that explains it, Jim! Still, VERY impressive job on that song. I'd have a most difficult time just getting the echo effect unit set up correctly....forget about actually playing the song! Hah!
Joe |
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Billy Easton
From:
Nashville, TN USA
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Posted 27 Jul 2004 8:03 am
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Curly was indeed a wonderful innovative player, is one of my all time steel heroes.
Wish he had recorded more. Thanks for bringing back a great memory of a terrific steeler.
------------------
Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ
Southwestern Steel Guitar Association
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Travis Bernhardt
From:
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Posted 27 Jul 2004 12:58 pm
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I bought the "Big Hits on Big Steel" cassette from b0b and had a similar reaction. Absolutely amazing C6 playing. I love the way he works the low end of his guitar, since most people only dip down there for the occasional "boo-wah." Chalker plays lots on the low strings, and his tone and phrasing are fabulous. His single note runs have a totally unique feel to them--he's not just copying Buddy--and I just love his attack.
Yessir, what a great player.
-Travis |
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Darrel Muzney
From:
South Sioux City, Nebraska, USA
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Posted 27 Jul 2004 6:40 pm
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I found a album in my dads old collection, Dick Curless,Live at the Wheeling Truck Drivers Jamboree. His band was as follows,Harold Bradley band leader guitar Buddy Harman durms Jerry Smith piano Joe Allen bass Buzz Evans Lead Guitar and of course Curly Chalker on steel. Talk about a great Sound for a live recording back in Sept 2 1972. WOW!!!! Best cut is I'm going to move to the outskirts of town. Curley does a break on that song that will knock your hat in the creek. I doubt it is available any more but it should be. I could tape a tape or two if any one would like one.
Later Darrel |
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Jim Smith
From:
Midlothian, TX, USA
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Posted 27 Jul 2004 7:24 pm
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This same version of "I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town" is on Dick's "The Drag'em Off The Interstate Sock It To 'Em Hits Of Dick Curless" CD. It has 21 of his best hits and is great.
On a side note, I grew up and started playing around Bangor, Maine, where Dick Curless lived and Stephen King still does.  I was lucky enough to play with Dick's son Ricky for a while, and we got to back up Dick at a mall opening. We used my PA and the speakers started walking themselves off the stage whenever he hit those low notes that he was so famous for.  |
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Terry Wood
From:
Lebanon, MO
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Posted 27 Jul 2004 8:33 pm
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I'm in agreement with all the things said about Curly.
He was no doubt one of the greatest of steel guitarists. I have all the instrumental L.P. s and tapes he released. They are all Great in my opinion.
Also I really dig the work that he done on Hank Thompson's stuff.
I think that his E-9th work is often overlooked and it is really great playing. The man was accomplished musician on several instruments as well,includng guitar and trumpet.
I miss Curly's playing, as I miss others we have lost in recent years and months including: Julian Tharpe, Jimmy Day, Bob White, Speedy West, Jeff Newman, and others.
GOD bless each of you!
Terry
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