The Steel Guitar Forum Store 

Post new topic The Five Greatest Solos?
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  The Five Greatest Solos?
Frank Freniere


From:
The First Coast
Post  Posted 14 Apr 2024 1:02 pm    
Reply with quote

The author probably should have titled this article “My Favorite Five Steel Guitar Solos.”

https://medium.com/shore2shore-country/the-five-greatest-steel-guitar-solos-in-country-music-history-aa40372f1eb
View user's profile Send private message

Earnest Bovine


From:
Los Angeles CA USA
Post  Posted 14 Apr 2024 1:55 pm    
Reply with quote

De gustibus non disputandum est.
View user's profile Send private message

Skip Edwards

 

From:
LA,CA
Post  Posted 14 Apr 2024 4:33 pm    
Reply with quote

Veritas...
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Duane Becker

 

From:
Elk,Wa 99009 USA
Post  Posted 15 Apr 2024 7:01 am    
Reply with quote

Geeess. Really? Definitely the author's favorites, not mine, I'll go with Tom Brumley's Together Again but the number 4 and 5 shouldn't even be on any list.
If we are talking about the greatest solos in history how about
Curly Chalker's I Love You Because https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FxEpdys85g

Paul Franklin's Nervous Breakdown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDPSXONhJm8

Buddy Emmons Remember Me (tenth song on the track)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9tpckdNZY
Emmons really takes off at 29:00

Weldon Myrick Bells of St Marys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TrEXkh4VnY&list=OLAK5uy_npZC-Xz3qDYgAPrnbEgzNScmJTkzxLfMY
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Duane Becker

 

From:
Elk,Wa 99009 USA
Post  Posted 15 Apr 2024 7:21 am    
Reply with quote

I noticed my previous post was listing steel solos on the country side, so how about some rock:

Sneeky Pete Hot Burrito #1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rrqBsG1yXs

David Lindley Running on Empty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFQKvtbD6Kw

John McFee South Side Midnight Lady
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt7kEqWlSyc
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

robert kramer

 

From:
Nashville TN
Post  Posted 15 Apr 2024 8:10 am    
Reply with quote

Years ago, this great question was asked on the SGF and several players replied. Emmons and many other listed Ferlin Husky's "Just Like Jimmy" w/ Jerry Byrd on steel as their favorite:

"Next To Jimmy" - Ferlin Husky Capitol 4406 (1960)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCg5UJUZZXE

My favorite is Curtis Potter / Darrell McCall / Ray Sanders on"Soft Rain" from "Texas Dancehall Music" w/ Emmons on what sounds to me like a Bolt-On.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_1tuRYS1r4
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

John Larson


From:
Pennsyltucky, USA
Post  Posted 15 Apr 2024 7:57 pm    
Reply with quote

"Together Again" is the gold standard imo.

Here are some personal favorites.
Son Volt - "Creosote" (Eric Heywood)
Bon Iver - "Beth/Rest" (Greg Leisz)
New Riders of the Purple Sage - "Death and Destruction"(Buddy Cage)
Dire Straits - "Brothers in Arms" (Paul Franklin)
The Byrds - "One Hundred Years from Now" (Lloyd Green)
Desert Rose Band - "Story of Love" (Jay Dee Maness)
Pink Floyd - "High Hopes" (Dave Gilmour)
Grateful Dead - "Dire Wolf" (Jerry Garcia)
Jimmy Buffett - "He Went to Paris" (Doyle Grisham)
Vince Gill - "Look at Us" (John Hughey)
Marshall Tucker Band - "Fire on the Mountain" (Toy Caldwell)
Bottle Rockets - "Kerosene" (John Keane)
Blue Rodeo - "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" (Kim Deschamps)
Drive-By Truckers - "Two Daughters and Beautiful Wife" (John Neff)
Not really a solo per se but that whole outro tail end of the song where the steel just weeps above it all combined with the subject matter is just...

Bonus: Had to include my favorite steelers twice.
Jeffrey Foucault - "Starlight and Static" (Eric Heywood)
Jackson Browne - "Looking into You" (Live from Home) (Greg Leisz)
_________________
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for the upright. Give praise to the Lord with the harp, chant unto Him with the ten-stringed psaltery. Sing unto Him a new song, chant well unto Him with jubilation. For the word of the Lord is true, and all His works are in faithfulness. The Lord loveth mercy and judgement; the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.
- Psalm 33:1-5
View user's profile Send private message

Ray Minich

 

From:
Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra
Post  Posted 3 May 2024 8:10 pm    
Reply with quote

John you missed the steeler who played for Linda Ronstadt on Blue Bayou. name escapes me at moment.
_________________
Lawyers are done: Emmons SD-10, 3 Dekleys including a D10, NV400, and lots of effects units to cover my clams...
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Ken Pippus


From:
Langford, BC, Canada
Post  Posted 3 May 2024 9:06 pm    
Reply with quote

Dan Dugmore.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Darrell Criswell

 

From:
Maryland, USA
Post  Posted 4 May 2024 7:46 am    
Reply with quote

Ralph Mooney "Rainy Day Woman"
Toy Caldwell "Fire on the Mountain"
Buddy Cage "Panama Red"

Anything by Joe Wright!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Larry Baker

 

From:
Columbia, Mo. U.S.A.
Post  Posted 4 May 2024 8:35 am    
Reply with quote

Lloyd Greens—Midnight Silence.
_________________
Mullen G2 SD10 3 & 5 The Eagle
NV112 amp===Earnie Ball V.P.
View user's profile Send private message

Jim Arnold

 

From:
Texas USA
Post  Posted 4 May 2024 11:11 am    
Reply with quote

"Cowboy Peyton Place" Dan Dugmore. Doug Sahm song. Dan's intro and solo are beyond compare.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Pete Finney

 

From:
Nashville Tn.
Post  Posted 4 May 2024 11:47 am    
Reply with quote

Quote:
"Cowboy Peyton Place" Dan Dugmore. Doug Sahm song. Dan's intro and solo are beyond compare.

That would be my old pal Tommy Detamore in Floresville, Texas playing the amazing steel on that track.

The original version that Doug Sahm cut back in the 7O's was with the late Harry Hess.
View user's profile Send private message

Jim Arnold

 

From:
Texas USA
Post  Posted 4 May 2024 11:59 am    
Reply with quote

Thanks Pete for the correction.
Tommy's playing is just outstanding. I've listen to Cowboy Peyton place more times than I can count and it's always inspiring everytime I hear it.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Craig Stock


From:
Westfield, NJ USA
Post  Posted 4 May 2024 12:15 pm    
Reply with quote

Hey Pete, I watched the movie Roadie a few nights ago, and saw your name in the credits. Such a great time capsule film. Wonder if you have any stories about it.
_________________
Regards, Craig

I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.

Today is tomorrow's Good ol' days
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

Daniel Flanigan

 

From:
Oregon, USA
Post  Posted 4 May 2024 4:57 pm    
Reply with quote

I could go on all day listing my favorite steel solos, so I won't attempt it. However, just a few of my favorites come to mind;


Tom Brumley on Rick Nelson's "Garden Party".

Skunk Baxter on the track "Brooklyn" from Steely Dan's debut record.

Toy Caldwell, Ending solo from "In My Own Way" and "Keeps Me From All Wrong".

Ralph Mooney on Waylon's "Freedom To Stay".

Sneaky Pete Kleinow on Jackson Browne's "Take It Easy & Our Lady Of The Well". The transition solo from Take It Easy to Our Lady, in particular is truly one of the most beautiful steel parts ever recorded. This is my favorite solo overall.

David Lindley on Jackson Browne's "Walking Slow" and Eddie Money's "Gimme Some Water".

John Denver's "Rhymes and Reasons"(1973 Greatest Hits re-recorded version). Steel player unknown, likely Eric Weissberg who's credited with guitar and banjo on the album sleeve.

Jimmy Day on Willie's "She's Not For You". (Not a solo strictly speaking, but I've always loved the steel playing in this song.)

Scott Boyer on Gregg Allman's "These Days"

Dan Dugmore on James Taylor's "Carolina In My Mind" (1976 Greatest Hits re-recorded version). Again, not technically a solo, but one of my favorites all the same.


And finally, if instrumental tracks count, I'll include the following;

Buddy Emmons' "Blue Jade",


Tom Brumley and The Buckaroos' "Waltz of the Roses"


Jimmy Day's "Lonely Street" from "All Those Years"
_________________
I'm waitin' for the pardon that'll set me free,
But this ain't the movies, so forget about me.


Last edited by Daniel Flanigan on 14 Jun 2024 8:54 pm; edited 1 time in total
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

John Larson


From:
Pennsyltucky, USA
Post  Posted 5 May 2024 1:56 am    
Reply with quote

Daniel Flanigan wrote:
Sneaky Pete Kleinow on Jackson Browne's "Take It Easy & Our Lady Of The Well". The outro solo on Take It Easy in particular is truly one of the most beautiful steel parts ever recorded.


That segue is absolutely beautiful. Whatever phaser effect Sneaky was using was absolutely perfect.
_________________
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for the upright. Give praise to the Lord with the harp, chant unto Him with the ten-stringed psaltery. Sing unto Him a new song, chant well unto Him with jubilation. For the word of the Lord is true, and all His works are in faithfulness. The Lord loveth mercy and judgement; the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.
- Psalm 33:1-5
View user's profile Send private message

Dave Grafe


From:
Hudson River Valley NY
Post  Posted 5 May 2024 2:04 am    
Reply with quote

Many worthy rides posted here, but I humbly suggest that anyone who has spent a lifetime playing music knows that most of the greatest "solos" ever played were not recorded. Thankful for so many informative signposts but the road itself lies straight ahead in front of us, and it always will.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

Marc Muller


From:
Neptune,NJ USA
Post  Posted 5 May 2024 6:07 am    
Reply with quote

Duane Becker wrote:

John McFee South Side Midnight Lady
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt7kEqWlSyc

Skunk Baxter on this, no? At least on thestudio version. My 1st ears on a steel guitar in 72.
Also a vote for Sneaky Pete Take it Easy/Lady of the Well. So lyrical and unique on the Fender.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

Darrell Criswell

 

From:
Maryland, USA
Post  Posted 5 May 2024 7:38 am    
Reply with quote

Bobby Springfield's steel solo on Frenchie Burke's Big Mamour. I think they lost the masters and later recordings Jim Loessberg copied and played it.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Joachim Kettner


From:
Germany
Post  Posted 5 May 2024 11:20 am    
Reply with quote

Sneaky Pete on Never Going Back on the Lovin Spoonfuls last album. I was endlessly listening to it with my earphones on.
_________________
Fender Kingman, Sierra Crown D-10, Evans Amplifier, Soup Cube.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Daniel Flanigan

 

From:
Oregon, USA
Post  Posted 5 May 2024 1:31 pm    
Reply with quote

John Larson wrote:
Daniel Flanigan wrote:
Sneaky Pete Kleinow on Jackson Browne's "Take It Easy & Our Lady Of The Well". The outro solo on Take It Easy in particular is truly one of the most beautiful steel parts ever recorded.


That segue is absolutely beautiful. Whatever phaser effect Sneaky was using was absolutely perfect.



I couldn't agree more. To me, it's the best thing Pete ever played. I can remember the first time I listened to For Everyman, and that steel part that fades into Our Lady Of The Well has always stuck with me. I believe he used an MXR Phase-45, the original "Script" version of course, on that track. At least that's what it sounds like to me, and it pretty much nails the sound for me.

If you have a good HiFi, and you listen to that part very closely, you'll hear that Pete did several overdubs in the first 15 seconds or so after Jackson's vocal part ends. There are several different steel parts playing simultaneously. It's pretty subtle, but it adds to the beautiful, ethereal nature of it.
_________________
I'm waitin' for the pardon that'll set me free,
But this ain't the movies, so forget about me.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Mike Harris

 

From:
Texas, USA
Post  Posted 5 May 2024 2:50 pm     Best solos
Reply with quote

I've listened to a bunch of what people have listed here and have no hesitation mentioning Buddy Emmons on "I Pity the Poor Immigrant" (Judy Collins) and Jerry Byrd's solo on "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" (Hank Williams). Not a pedal or lever to be found on that second one. Absolutely sublime conception and execution.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Johnny Cox


From:
Williamsom WVA, raised in Nashville TN, Lives in Hallettsville Texas
Post  Posted 5 May 2024 6:01 pm    
Reply with quote

There are so many. Half A Mind Buddy Emmons (Ernest Tubb).
I'll Come Runnin' Weldon Myrick (Connie Smith)
And tons more but one that always gets me is Lloyd Green on Remember When (Alan Jackson).
_________________
Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website

Bob Shilling


From:
Berkeley, CA, USA
Post  Posted 6 May 2024 9:27 am    
Reply with quote

Lot's of great solos here, but no one's mentioned Moon's solo on "A Couple More Years," on this 1983 video shot live in Stockholm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-urOq56Ofc
_________________
Bob Shilling, Berkeley, CA--MSA S10, "Classic"


Last edited by Bob Shilling on 7 May 2024 10:18 am; edited 1 time in total
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail


All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  

Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction,
steel guitars & accessories

www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

Please review our Forum Rules and Policies

Steel Guitar Forum LLC
PO Box 237
Mount Horeb, WI 53572 USA


Click Here to Send a Donation

Email admin@steelguitarforum.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for
Band-in-a-Box

by Jim Baron
HTTP