Howdy,
I feel pretty crappy about the cancellation of last week's radio show, so I've put almost the entire set of last night's performance at Rodeo Bar up for download.
I'll be honest with you--if I didn't love the band and the music we play so much, I'd probably have a nervous breakdown on stage. It's a hard-ass instrument to play--the most difficult I've ever played, and to do it acoustically, fuhgeddaboutit. But it is fun, and if you have a good sense of humor playing it, you can make it work. Bourbon helps, too. So here it is, warts and all.
------------------ www.mikeneer.com <font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Mike Neer on 17 March 2005 at 11:51 AM.]</p></FONT>
Thanks for the clips. I down load anything I find from the group. I really love the sound. Just out of curiosity, when I went to the Moonlighters site, there is a picture on the main page of the group, no names though. Tall dark haired lady on the left, blonder lady between the two guys --- which one is the lead singer on most of the songs? The two ladies definitely blend well together. Thanks -- Jim
Were you a Sol Hoopii fan when you joined the group, or did you chose parts of his style because it was era appropriate for the type of music you guys do?
As much as I love the smooth flowing music that Jerry Byrd put out, it is nice to hear some of the older style playing as well.
I'd have to say that of all the players I've listened to, the one whose playing I enjoy most is King Nawahi. He's very exciting, and he was a great improvisor. Of course, Sol was incredible, but I think Bennie had more fire. I really like Roy Smeck and Joaquin Murphey, too.
Also, I just love the sound of the acoustic Hawaiian guitar--even the old recordings by Frank Ferera, Pale K Lua and David K Kaili, and Jim & Bob. The sound and style really do something for me--the vibrato, in particular. I just try to take a few techniques and make it my own--no biggie. I love to improvise all my parts.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Mike Neer on 16 March 2005 at 05:49 AM.]</p></FONT>
Thanks for the names of other players to look for.
I was kind of disappointed when I realized that you weren't on any of the CDs I just ordered, but then again the lady's voices will still make it worth while.
I am also looking forward to the lesson book you talk about on your website. Hopefully by the time it is ready, I will be ready for it.
I can't believe that Henry Bogdan used to be in the Moonlighters...is that really true? And he plays steel? I had no idea. Helmet used to be one of my favorite bands.
Not to take away from your jaw dropping playing, Mike! You are on fire! (uh...I mean that in a good way )
Mike, it sounds great - existing Moonlighters repertoire as well as the new stuff. Only since 2003? Surely you jest...
Thanks for doing your part to keep pre-war styles current! I'm a big fan of the late acoustic/early electric period. A friend made me a CD of Sol's Columbia sides, as well as some electric King Bennie (it's amazing how quickly he made the transition to electric). He threw in all 12 of the Jim & Bob recordings to boot. I'm hoping if I lock myself in a windowless room for the next 5 years, I might get past the beginner stage (Song of the Range here I come!).
Long live C#minor! (and G6, and G, and A6...) I eagerly await your written thoughts on C#m.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by John Bushouse on 17 March 2005 at 08:50 AM.]</p></FONT>
Almost forgot to add - what string setup are you using - heavy, medium, light, other? It's my understanding that Henry B. used something along the line of a set of 13's - kind of quiet acoustically (for a Nat. Hawaiian), but sounding like steel cables on disc.
One last bump before I put this file out of its misery.
Thanks for the nice comments. To answer a few questions: I've decided to put off any kind of book for now--I've got too many things on table now, between writing music and having a pregnant wife. I've enough labors of love. I am preparing to do some personalized video lessons for those who can't be there in person, if anyone is interested in that. I turned my computer into a super machine for this purpose.
I use heavy strings--.017 .019 .026 .032 .042 .056--I have no idea what Henry used, I've never met him, unfortunately. Jim Burden just made a few bars for me in a custom size, and they just kick ass.
Anyway, if y'all like the music, I usually put new live recordings every week or so--just bookmark my web site.
It's a hard-ass instrument to play--the most difficult I've ever played, and to do it acoustically, fuhgeddaboutit. But it is fun, and if you have a good sense of humor playing it, you can make it work. Bourbon helps, too. So here it is, warts and all.
... as usual
I think your playing is freakin' hot!
)
