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Topic: What's Your Favorite Steel Guitar Solo? |
b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 7:34 pm |
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Lloyd Green on "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend" by Don Williams. It's a mini composition in its own right. Just beautiful.
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Steve Collins
From:
Alaska, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2014 9:25 pm
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| Okay, I have to throw an obscure one in here because the obvious greats are tipping the scales (pun intended). BJ Cole on Joan Armatrading's 'Down to Zero', short, sweet and utterly befitting it's place in the composition. |
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Glenn Suchan
From:
Austin, Texas
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 6:09 am
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| Steve Collins wrote: |
| Okay, I have to throw an obscure one in here because the obvious greats are tipping the scales (pun intended). BJ Cole on Joan Armatrading's 'Down to Zero', short, sweet and utterly befitting it's place in the composition. |
Great call, Steve. Here 'tis (solo at 2:31):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ppBn_J7_w
As for my favorite steel guitar solo, where do I begin?
Of course, there are numerous Big E solos, and on those alone, I'd have a hard time distilling down to just one. Then there's Paul Franklin's body of work, and Ralph Mooney's, John Hughey's, Hal Rugg's, Buddy Charleton's Lloyd Green's, Rusty Young's, Buddy Cage's, Pete Kleinow's, and on and on. As steel players and aficionados, we are fortunate for artistry of these and many others.
In an attempt to select one, the closest I can come is three particular recordings; all involve the maestro, Jimmy Day. In no particular ranking they are:
From the album Border Affair, by Lee Clayton, two songs that witness Jimmy's mastery of the use of fills as well as some of his (IMO) finest soloing:
The title song, "Border Affair":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMoNPvWwUc0
and "Rainbow In The Sky":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvBd5QKlWLE
The third choice, is not available on any sound files on the internet (that I know of). It's an instrumental rendering of Hank Williams' classic "Ramblin' Man" from Jimmy Day's Jimmy Day And His Buddies "Salute Don Helms". The first time I heard this I held my breath and didn't think I'd ever breathe again.
Since that song isn't available for example, I'll link another excellent instrumental from that album; "You Win Again":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgkEak6-SHg
Oh! Oh! I gotta pick one more. Jimmy's solo on Johnny Bush's version of "Farewell Party" from his album Sound Of A Heartache (solo at 2:00):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH8tuBuwVnM
Keep on pickin'!
Glenn
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Steelin' for Jesus |
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Bill Moran
From:
Virginia, USA
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Glenn Suchan
From:
Austin, Texas
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 6:56 am
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Ok, Ok, I gotta add two more featuring a$$-kickin' playin' by Ralph Mooney.
Eddy Drake's version of "I'll Leave The Front Door Open" . The whole song is great, but Mr. Mooney's solo is truly original (at 1:09):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FKV9y_YJKg
and Ray Pillow's "Take Your Hands Off My Heart". Again the whole song is great, but Ralph's 'Pete-Drakeish" intro and solo-turn around are cool 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q505Wk3daU
Keep on Pickin'!
Glenn
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Steelin' for Jesus |
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Brint Hannay
From:
Maryland, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 8:22 am
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Too many to pick from, but what came to mind was Mooney on Waylon Jennings's "Waltz Me To Heaven". (Exquisite throughout, not just the solo). It was things like this that made me want to play steel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3izXATQ_QIo |
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Henry Matthews
From:
Texarkana, Ark USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 11:23 am
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I've got lots of favorite steel rides but this one sorta stands out to me with. Ride starts at about 58
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf6EzoltPdY
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Henry Matthews
D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes. |
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Greg Milton
From:
Benalla, Australia
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 3:06 pm
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Thanks for that link, Brint.
Ralph Mooney on fast songs is really great, but I especially love his work on slow ballads - he plays with such feeling!
For someone who didn't use the volume pedal all the time (because of playing with both feet) he really knew how to milk some beautiful feeling out of it!
Greg
RIP Moon |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 3:38 pm
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There about 5 that really stand out in my mind, but this is the only one I can locate right now. Jerry Reed's guitar work starts off simple, almost forgettable, but then he ramps up and plays some mind-blowing hot licks. Paul Franklin's solo comes in at 1:10, and goes on for over a minute. He clearly proves he can hang in there, playing some jaw-dropping stuff in typical (34 years-ago  ) Franklin style!
Enjoy  , and accept my apologies for the dumb commercial in the beginning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y92TWunleUc |
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Brett Day
From:
Pickens, SC
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 3:43 pm
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| That's kinda hard for me because there are so many great steel solos-I love John Hughey's solo on "Look At Us", Steve Hinson's solos on two songs called "Back In Your Arms Again" and "Touch Me" by my friend Danni Leigh, and I'm also a fan of Don Helms' steel work with Hank Williams-especially his solo on "Cold, Cold Heart". Sonny Garrish played a great solo on Chalee Tennison's song "Handful of Water", Mike Johnson played some great steel on "I'm Gonna Miss Her" and another song off Brad Paisley's "Part II record called "I Wish You'd Stay", and of course there's Paul Franklin's solo on "Together Again", which he played with Vince |
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Roger Rettig
From:
Naples, FL
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 3:59 pm
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Wow!!!!
Emmons' solo on 'Gentle On My Mind' is beyond ridiculous!!! I never heard that before and my head is (metaphorically) in my hands in disbelief.
One of my very favourite steel parts (solo, too) was Skunk Baxter on Steely Dan's 'Razor Boy' (in 1972, I think). He creates such a magical atmosphere with his understated note selection.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqbxN7t2qB0
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Roger Rettig - Emmons D10s, Quilter TT-12, B-bender Teles and old Martins.
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Last edited by Roger Rettig on 19 Mar 2014 6:13 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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Jerry Jones
From:
Franklin, Tenn.
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Jack Hanson
From:
San Luis Valley, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 4:48 pm
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| Roger Rettig wrote: |
Wow!!!!
Emmons' solo on 'Gentle On My Mind' is beyond ridiculous!!! I never heard that before and my is (metaphorically) in my hands in disbelief.
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Totally agree with that assessment, Roger. I have been playing that clip over and over since Jerry Jones posted the link. (Thanks, Jerry!) I ordered the CD from Amazon this morning.
John Hartford was a true original, a bona fide American treasure. They broke the mold after they created him. It's obvious the "A Team" truly relished the opportunity to remake this classic tune. From the pure joy expressed in the solos of Martin, Bush, and Robbins, to the rollicking accompaniment of the rhythm section... and then there's Buddy Emmons. Would "perfect" be an appropriate term to describe his contribution to this recording?
Wow indeed! |
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Frank Freniere
From:
The First Coast
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 4:52 pm
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Good to see you back on the Forum, Kyle.
Jeez, really anything by the Big E. But Rusty Young's solo on "Bad Weather" reveals a lot of his genius in one place.
And Tom Brumley's "Together Again.
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Rick Abbott
From:
Indiana, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 6:48 pm
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I really love Bobby Black's playing. If you go back through his stuff with Commander Cody, you'll see that he did some serious Bakersfield type stuff and Western Swing, Jazz, Blues, Cajun, Doo-Wop, Trucker-Country and more. This tune is not "mainstream" by yesterday's standards, and might seem like a stoner tune to be discounted by some folks, but really listen to how musical and fat Bobby's tone is, and the way he moves notes within the whole song, in accordance with the other instruments. God, I love this guy's playing, and this band!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGsq1K7f_yc
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RICK ABBOTT
Sho~Bud D-10 Professional #7962
Remington T-8, Wakarusa 5e3 clone
1953 Stromberg-Carlson AU-35 |
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Jack Hargraves
From:
Missouri, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 8:07 pm
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John Hughey's lost in the feeling and look at us.
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GFI Expo SD10, Nashville 112, Steelers choice Pak-a- seat, Carter vol. pedal, Stage one vol. pedal, Peavey Deltafex. Goodrich volume pedal. |
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Steve Green
From:
Gulfport, MS, USA
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Tom Wolverton
From:
Carpinteria, CA
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Posted 20 Mar 2014 9:26 am
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My favorite Buddy Emmons solo is on a tune most of you have probably never heard. The studio recording of "Texas Bluebonnets" by Laurie Lewis. Really great C6th.
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless. |
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Dave O'Brien
From:
Florida and New Jersey
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Posted 20 Mar 2014 9:54 am steel solo
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Bud Charleton on E.T.'s "Bartender...Pass the Booze" is pretty hard to beat IMHO.
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Dave O'Brien
Emmons D-10, CMI D-10, Fender Deluxe Reverb, PV 112, Fender Pro Reverb
www.myspace.com/daveobrienband |
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Don Crowl
From:
Medford, Oregon, USA
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Posted 20 Mar 2014 9:59 am
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| So many great ones but a stand out for me, especially considering the time, 1961 Hank Thompson's Texas State Fair record featuring Bobby Garrett on steel doing a creative version of "Charmaine". His work on other tunes of the record are also over the top. |
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Larry Lenhart
From:
Ponca City, Oklahoma
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Posted 20 Mar 2014 1:36 pm
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For me, right now anyway, I would have to say the intro to "Healing Hands of Time" by BE on Ray Prices tune. But I love the full instrumental version by Larry Sasser and Billy Coopers instrumental version brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard it. Just something about that song on the steel really does it for me. I keep working at it and it is a fun tune to play as well. (BTW, when i play it, it bring tears to my eyes too, but for the opposite reason !)  |
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Ken Byng
From:
Southampton, England
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Posted 20 Mar 2014 3:07 pm
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Another vote here for Mike Johnson on "I Wish You'd Stay", the Brad Paisley number. It's exquisite in the extreme. Hopefully I will be seeing Mike this evening at a Kayton Roberts gig. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV-kzLZs650
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Show Pro D10 - amber (8+6), MSA D10 Legend XL Signature - redburst (9+6), Sho-Bud Pro 111 Custom (8+6), Emmons black Push-Pull D10 (8+5), Zum D10 (8x8), Hudson pedal resonator. Telonics TCA-500, Webb 614-E, |
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Kevin Milner
From:
Los Angeles, California, USA
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Posted 20 Mar 2014 4:25 pm
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Definitely not a "fast" or "crazy" solo, but my absolute favorite is Greg Leisz on "Pony" by Sara Watkins (covering Tom Waits). I can't find the studio version anywhere on youtube, but if you have spotify go ahead and give it a listen. So melodic, so sweet, so much feel. I highly recommend her self titled album, dripping with beautiful steel (can't say the same about her 2nd one).
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GFI S10-P Ultra -> Milkman 40w Pedal Steel Mini or 300w Half & Half (or Sarno SGBB/Nashville 112 or '94 Twin Amp or Homebuilt 5e3)
Effects: Cali76-CD Compressor -> EP booster -> Sarno Earth Drive -> Earthquaker Devices Zap Machine -> Earthquaker Devices Grand Orbiter Phaser -> Caitlinbread Dirty Little Secret Mk III -> Malekko Envelope Filter -> Hilton VP -> Pedal Projects Klone -> Tech 21 Blonde -> Strymon Timeline -> TC Electronics Spark Mini Boost -> Strymon Lex -> Strymon Flint |
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David Shepack
From:
New Jersey, USA
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Posted 20 Mar 2014 5:45 pm
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My 4 or 5 favorites are all Paul Franklin, and all " Together Again " . The main similarities of the different versions is how he bows his head to acknowledge the applause. Of course, I am wowed by White, and all of the pioneers as well.
When I saw this thread, I was anxious to find out what everybody's favorite was. I was thinking that the great solos would be mentioned over and over again
. But it seems like only a few were mentioned more than once or twice.
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Maverick
Fender Blues Deville
Flatiron Mandolin
Gibson RB4 Banjo |
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Jack Aldrich
From:
Washington, USA
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Posted 21 Mar 2014 8:14 am
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Of course, "Together Again" - I worked with Jeff Newman to get the combination of slants and full and half pedal work, and anything by Mooney and Emmons, but no one has mentioned Jay Dee Maness' solo on Ray Stevens' "Misty".
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Jack Aldrich
Carter & ShoBud D10's
D8 & T8 Stringmaster
Rickenbacher B6
3 Resonator guitars
Asher Alan Akaka Special SN 6
Canopus D8 |
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