Alabama; maybe it's the water..........

Charles Curtis · Posted 15 Aug 2004 9:15 am

I was just playing one of Julian Tharpes' recordings, getting triple chicken skin, and thinking about all the great entertainers, athletes etc. that were and are from this great state and just trying to figure out how this came about. Do you think maybe this was the original "garden of eden"? I was wondering just why hasn't someone (whoever has the rights or however this works) re-mastered Julians recordings on CD and put them on the market? I read a lot of posts here inquiring about who played on certain recordings, but to me Julian's playing, and sound, is so unique I wonder if anyone else has come close to that level of playing? It just jumps out at me when I hear it; makes me want to practice like mad or just walk away and forget it. I think I've heard him play many styles, except classical and he probably could have done that. Does anyone know who owns the rights to his recordings?

Smiley Roberts · From: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075

I only have 2 albums by Julian,"The Jet Age", & "Take Your Pick",(w/ Blondie Calderon). Both of these albums are on the "Midland" label,which is owned by Scotty.
BTW,if you own the "Jet Age" album,look on the front,& see if you can find the "blooper". I know what it is,'cause I took the picture.

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  ©¿©  It don't mean a thang,   


  mm   if it ain't got that twang.


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Charles Curtis · Posted 15 Aug 2004 11:41 am

I just acquired that LP; Julian with the Sho-Bud, do you mean the missing pedal rods?

Charles Curtis · Posted 15 Aug 2004 11:44 am

I just read the article where RR mentions his favorite psg artists; Julian Tharpe and Buddy Emmons (heavy company).

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

That he would single out Julian Tharpe is great. Maybe some record geek would finally see some merit in re releasing his material in a good multi CD package.

The cool saluting the coolest.

I saw Tharpe play in Birmingham one night in a rock/disco band. Just Tharpe, bass, drums and a singer. Not one country tune. I never will forget it.

Terry Wood · From: Lebanon, MO

Hi Charles,

Julian was my friend and mentor. I miss him dearly and no, there is nobody who plays like Julian. There won't be any play exactly like him ever! He needs to be in that SGHOF so does our mutual friend Reece Anderson. Two of America's Greatest Steel Guitarists ever!

By the way, Scotty alluded to Julian's genius on Julian's last L.P. title "Deep Feelings." Anybody that ever heard or saw Julian Tharpe play steel you wouldn't soon forget it.

Next, I wish somebody would re-release at least some of Julian's recordings on CD and also some of Curly Chalker's and Zane Beck. All are gone now and CDs of any of their steel playing would be great! There are so many new young players that could benefit and be inspired by these greats! But just my thoughts on it.

GOD bless you!

Terry Wood

Charles Curtis · Posted 15 Aug 2004 12:25 pm

Maybe RR will read this and get an idea and talk to Scotty. I would love to have Julian and Curly's recordings on CD. Hint, Hint. It absolute blows my mind when, out of the blue, Julian does such clean amazing speed picking; the man could really pick rock and blues. I don't think one would mistake Julian's picking on songs he did with singers. I also think he and Curly were similar in some sounds.

bob drawbaugh · From: scottsboro, al. usa

Well, it;s not the water. I have been drinking it all my life and I'm still not a star. I will keep drinking just in case.

Charles Curtis · Posted 15 Aug 2004 3:29 pm

I think Alabamians are fantastic; I married one 50 years ago (hey, still got her).

Dale Bennett · From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

Hey Smiley,do you or one of you other gentlemen know how I can get a copy of Julians music? I had the great great pleasure of working with him from 70 to 72 when I got to pick base with Ray Price band, and of course the great Phil Baugh.As you guys probably know, to know Julian was to love him. He was always so good to me. I would love to have some of his music.Even tho I knew him and got to play with him I never knew he had done all these thing I see you guys talk about. I think thats what made him so special, he never talked or bragged about himself. He just showed you what he could do. Thanks guys, I would sure love to hear him play again. db

Dale Bennett · From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

That was supposed to bass, not base. sorry.db

Ricky Littleton · From: Steely-Eyed Missile Man from Cocoa Beach, Florida USA

Julian Tharpe, Jimmy Day, and Lloyd Green are 3 steel pickers from Alabama. Then as far as singers go there's that young man "Hank, Senior" from there as well.

'Course I'm a little biased - I was born in North Alabama just south of Huntsville. THen I went to college in the southern part in Ozark, Julian's old stomping grounds.

Ricky...

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Smiley Roberts · From: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075

Charles,
RE:blooper
You got it. That album was recorded at Johnny Cash's recording studio. The pic isn't very good. It was a "hurry-up" shot. Julian was leaving town early the next day,& so was I,so it was more like a "grab-shot".
When they reproduced the album,they put that "psychedelic" airplane on the cover,eliminating the pedal rods & seat. I'm not sure,but I think they re-issued the album,w/ the pedal rods in place.

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  ~ ~


  ©¿©  It don't mean a thang,   


  mm   if it ain't got that twang.


       www.ntsga.com

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