A few thoughts on music, the steel guitar, and life

Susan Alcorn (deceased) · Post by **Susan Alcorn (deceased)** » 20 Nov 2014 12:13 pm

For those who might find this of some interest:

http://www.newmusicbox.org/articles/sus ... ss-slides/

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 20 Nov 2014 1:08 pm

That's a great article, Susan, you go ahead on

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 20 Nov 2014 1:22 pm

Very cool !

Dave Sharp · Post by **Dave Sharp** » 20 Nov 2014 3:32 pm

Hope I get a chance to experience your music in person someday, Susan. Great article!

Ken Campbell · Post by **Ken Campbell** » 20 Nov 2014 3:34 pm

Very very nice. Good for you. Love your work Susan...

Very best regards,

Kc

David Mason · Post by **David Mason** » 20 Nov 2014 6:45 pm

Daniel Policarpo · Post by **Daniel Policarpo** » 20 Nov 2014 6:59 pm

That little piece with the slate was amazing. Every time I come across your work, Susan, its a new door and a very interesting space.

John Alexander · Post by **John Alexander** » 21 Nov 2014 12:55 am

Marvelous, inspiring. Thank you.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 21 Nov 2014 4:02 am

Excellent.
Keep 'destroying the instrument.'

But, who's Kim Kardashian anyway? Strange world,
beautiful music to accompany it.

Stuart Legg · Post by **Stuart Legg** » 21 Nov 2014 11:20 am

Your ongoing search for threshold concepts in Pedal Steel Guitar is directly opposed to standard music disciplines and is destined as a no mention in music theory.
However if identified correctly, these conceptual gateways you so eloquently presented could provide valuable tools for the future of Pedal Steel Guitar.
Unfortunately for the present if you can’t at least force it into “Your Cheatin’ Heart” it has no chance!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 21 Nov 2014 11:56 am

Susan, thanks for sharing. You are amazing.

Jim Norman · Post by **Jim Norman** » 21 Nov 2014 1:13 pm

Thanks for the article, Susan. As a new member of the forum, I found it very inspiring. I've always thought the pedal steel has the potential to be the most out-there, transformative, dare I say psychedelic (in the broadest sense)and boundless instrument around. I love hearing you take it to new places.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 22 Nov 2014 4:05 am

I'm guessing it's what Susan took out of 'Your Cheatin' Heart' is what goes into what she's playing now.

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 22 Nov 2014 5:14 am

Thanks Susan, I really enjoyed that.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 28 Nov 2014 9:59 am

Congratulations Susan. You're finally getting the recognition you deserve.

Tom Gorr · Post by **Tom Gorr** » 28 Nov 2014 1:43 pm

That was indeed a great read. You're definitely one of the most innovative composer's i've heard.

A lot of composer's and musicians are so heavily influenced by what they have heard and know that it is virtually impossible to escape from the boundaries it presents.

You have definitely broke through a lot of "boundaries" relative to contemporary pop influences.

I'm curious if 20th century composer's like schoenberg were influences?

Barry Hyman · Post by **Barry Hyman** » 28 Nov 2014 3:13 pm

That was fascinating. I particularly liked the rock on the strings; that was brilliant and beautiful. Respect!!!

I've done a lot of experimental stuff with psg also, as well as the usual (country, bluegrass, blues, rock) styles -- I like it all. I've tried odd ethnic scales, meditational ragas with drones, arhythmic tone clusters very similar to what I have heard you do, and totally wild atonal ufo space music. If you are on Facebook (otherwise this link won't work) you would probably like Fukushima Garden, a piece I did in a Japanese phrygian pentatonic scale. https://www.facebook.com/barryhymanmusi ... 6481208883 (That will take you to the page but you have to scroll down to Fukushima Garden and click to start it.)

Peace and love and thanks!

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 29 Nov 2014 5:36 am

I enjoy your personal approach to the steel guitar....

Jim Robbins · Post by **Jim Robbins** » 20 Dec 2014 12:07 pm

Very nice playing and observations. The little universe indeed.