Maybe im old to this clip, but it's so great I thought I should share it with other free minded steel guitarist. This is probably one of the best interpretations of this song played on the steel guitar (or standard guitar for that matter). Check out the harmonics he does with his tongue towards the end .
Location: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
State/Province: Pennsylvania
Country: United States
Postby Dave Mudgett »
I like it a lot - really fine playing. I agree that it does showcase Robert's playing skill well.
With all due respect, I don't think it's all that close in overall feel to the original, especially Rob Thomas' singing. It's very precise, but lacks the grainy looseness and vibe that made Jimi's voice and playing so great. To my tastes, that sorta goes for the whole thing.
You should not take this as negative criticism or sour grapes in any way - I really do like it a lot. I guess I'm responding to the "definitive version" comments here and on the youtube page. In this case, I think the original creator is and always will be definitive, and this is a very fine interpretation - to me.
Actually, the PSG chops that Robert Randolph are playing sound really good. Your right about the vocals not exactly sounding right, but Robert has the licks down.
Yes, let's come back down to earth.
Love the fact that Robert digs Jimi and is willing to help keep the fires stoked for JH and the steel.
As fine as both Rob and Robert are here, let's remember that Hendrix was the ultimate and always will be. Nobody matches his heartfelt voice and creative playing. He created wildly on the spot, even when doing a cover.
But Jimi is gone and you gotta love those who keep the flame burning.
Go RR!
Great job. The vocals are pretty good, but RR is just playing his butt off. Although, nothing will ever equal the Hendrix version, this one is as good as I've heard. This is the my favorite RR thus far.........Impressive!
Awesome clip. Does he ever use the pedals? Does he ever do "country?" If he would tip his cap to Harlan Howard & Buddy Emmons, he'd probably instantly gain thousands of fans, i.e., us Forumites.
Last edited by Frank Freniere on 12 Jul 2008 7:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
Man that freakin' rocks. Rob is a really good singer.
How do sacred steelers keep their picks on? Especially the thumbpick.
I'm amazed how clean he plays with a Stephens bar. I believe that is the bar of choice for ss'ers.
I'm amazed how clean he plays with a Stephens bar. I believe that is the bar of choice for ss'ers.
Yes, It's takes ALOT of pick and bar blocking. Many sacred steelers still use a stephens like bar, but most that I know are using the shubb pearse SP1. The front has the rounded tip and you can just flip it around to get the flat side
That ain't your "Steel Guitar Rag"!
Not even close to Jimi. But, he's got the spirit for sure. It sure is great to see the envelope being pushed on this instrument. I like Roberts playing. Anyone know if he is using a box or a pedal for Wah? Parts of it sound like a pedal to me.
Thanks for both videos guys. Great stuff!
Zumsteel 12 Universal
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'64 Fender Twin Reverb/Fox Rehab
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Thanks, for posting this Chris. Great cut and I think Jimi would have found it pretty close to his own. Is Robert doing this on an E9 tuning? Anybody have tons of time on his hands who could tab some of this.... just kidding! Only partly kidding. steve t
Here's a much scarier clip with Robert live with Kenny Wayne Sheppard. About 4:20 into the clip Robert just let's loose and kicks *&^%$. I first heard Robert play that song in Bobbe Seymore's place when he was about 19.
Here's one with Robert playing with Clapton, where he breaks out into a bunch of country licks (through a Marshall). SOunds like better tone than usual.
It is an E9 tuning. It may not be standard country E9, but definitely a version of E9 (the notes and numbers are there). It also resembles the open universal tuning. Everyone has just gotten so used to calling the tuning E7, but its more like a SS-E9 (or E9 on steriods )
Nice posts Dan. Those clips are sick. That guitar battle in the first clip... . I had to listen to that chicken pickin' a few times on the second clip
Here's a recording of the same song from another night. Same tone, it looks like he is playing a fender (maybe one of Clapton's spares...). The tone sounds very similar to Clapton's (which isn't a bad thing, IMHO).
A cool thing about these recordings is that Robert plays completely different solos (on this one he quotes 'Footie' Covington's 'Pink Panther' lick at the ending cadenza).
One funny thing that the taper has the camera on Clapton's guitar through most of Roberts second break.
Thanks Dan. Great clips. I tried a V-Wah and had a hard time getting it to sound right. May have been the PSG Pickup into effects thing. I don't use an impedance matcher. More likely it was just me!LOL
Anyway, I think RR has taken Rock Pedal Steel to a whole new level and by doing so is exposing it to a wider audience. Good for him! Sharing the stage with Clapton! Would you like THAT gig very much? RR keeps up pretty good.
Have you ever noticed how much playing RR does WITHOUT looking at the fret board? Especially on the Voodoo Chile vid. Must have practiced blindfolded.
Does he have two pickups on that guitar?
Zumsteel 12 Universal
SGBB
ShoBud VP
'64 Fender Twin Reverb/Fox Rehab
Fender Steel King w/BW 1501-4
FX to Taste
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