Al Perkins - Manassas

[John Larson]

I came across some vid clips from the early 70s of Al Perkins playing with Manassas w/ Stephen Stills, Chris Hilman and others. from a German TV program.

Al looks to be playing D 12 string. With some fuzz pedal and wah from time to time from the sound. Very rocking like Buddy Cage.

Here's a full playlist.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXTT ... X4aV6z4L0p

This cut in particular is very good.
The Treasure

Anyone know what gear he was using at the time?

[Craig Stock]

Check this thread out John,may help a bit.

viewtopic.php?t=264233&highlight=manassas

[Dave Zirbel]

Al was playing a D-11 ZB.

[Steve Hinson]

Al Perkins is a great musician!He has always played for the song and the band...a great guitar player too!

SH

[Ian Rae]

He was one of the players that inspired me to get started.

[John Larson]

Al Perkins is a great musician!He has always played for the song and the band...a great guitar player too!

SH

His playing on The Stones' "Torn and Frayed" is one of my favorites as well as Eagles cover of Tom Waits "Ol' '55" is just beautiful playing. I'm probably in the fringe minority but it would have been awesome to get a whole country-rock Stones album in the 70s with Al on steel and some contributions from Gram Parsons maybe, hey a man can dream.
This one from Tori Amos is a real nice one
"Playboy Mommy"

[Bob Carlucci]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkezM8E7Z2..

One of the coolest steel parts i have ever laid ears on...I believe Al said he was still playing a Fender on this album, but switched to a ZB around this same time.. it sounds easy,- the solo is double tracked, but try and get it to sound the same as AL.. I have been trying for five decades and am still not even close.. Just the absolute perfect pedal steel part and tone for an absolutely perfectly written and performed song.... bob

[Frank Freniere]

“Crazy Arms” by Patty Loveless: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BETASCWf7 ... Vzcw%3D%3D

[Ron Funk]

There's another Topic on The Forum entitled "The Steel Ride That Got You Hooked"

Here's one of mine - by Al Perkins ('pre-Manassas') with The Flying Burrito Brothers.....on what looks like an 8 string Fender PSG.

IMO, the penultimate steel solo {and fills} for this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTSS1Sx04lo

Based on Al Perkins' extensive history & volume of work on PSG, its a wonder he's not a member of The Hall Of Fame.

PS - Al is also a fantastic Dobro player.

[Skip Edwards]

I've played a couple gigs & sessions with Al, and almost always used a Risson amp...with no reverb.
Always sounded awesome.

[Brendan Mitchell]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkezM8E7Z2..

One of the coolest steel parts i have ever laid ears on...I believe Al said he was still playing a Fender on this album, but switched to a ZB around this same time.. it sounds easy,- the solo is double tracked, but try and get it to sound the same as AL.. I have been trying for five decades and am still not even close.. Just the absolute perfect pedal steel part and tone for an absolutely perfectly written and performed song.... bob

What is the song Bob? It won’t play for me.

[Bob Carlucci]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkezM8E7Z2..

One of the coolest steel parts i have ever laid ears on...I believe Al said he was still playing a Fender on this album, but switched to a ZB around this same time.. it sounds easy,- the solo is double tracked, but try and get it to sound the same as AL.. I have been trying for five decades and am still not even close.. Just the absolute perfect pedal steel part and tone for an absolutely perfectly written and performed song.... bob

What is the song Bob? It won’t play for me.

So Begins the Task...