WILD STEEL MAN on AUSTIN CITY LIMITS TONIGHT

Gary Steele · Post by **Gary Steele** » 21 Dec 2002 11:13 pm

You all may know him but it was my first time. I'm not 100% sure but i think he was African American. He picked the strings off that 12 or 14 string Fessenden. He was wild and kicked his heels higher than Jerry LEE Lewis. And after that he danced all over that big stage acting like he was very happy. Who all seen him?? They were called Robert Randolph and the family band. Be nice to see them do a few numbers at Scotty's. You think that ole boy gets down dancing at the end of the stage at St. Louis. This Robert Randolph if that is his name would have that guy doing flip flops. Some one tell us if this is the steel players name. I just seen the end, The last two songs. It looked to me like the steel man was fronting the band.

Bill Fulbright · Post by **Bill Fulbright** » 22 Dec 2002 4:30 am

I knew he would be on Austin City Limits, but the PBS in Miami doesn't think this market wants to see something about Austin...grrrrrrr

Jim Palenscar · Post by **Jim Palenscar** » 22 Dec 2002 6:28 am

They didn't show RR on my PBS station here last night- had Bonnie Raitt instead- if anyone taped the RR show I'd love to see it~~[This message was edited by Jim Palenscar on 22 December 2002 at 06:29 AM.]

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 22 Dec 2002 6:31 am

Yes, Gary. Robert Randolph, and the Family Band.

Janice Brooks · Post by **Janice Brooks** » 22 Dec 2002 6:34 am

Are you sure you guys are ready for him at the conventions?

It sure was not the clear sounds of country LOL
Nice pairing with another gospel act.

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Janice "Busgal" Brooks
ICQ 44729047

Dwight Mark · Post by **Dwight Mark** » 22 Dec 2002 6:46 am

I just read a review of the Blind Boys of Alabama:
And "sacred steel" guitarist Robert Randolph and his Family Band are important to the success of the album, supplying genuine fervor to grooves that complement the elders' heaven-bound vocals"
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006AO77/qid=1040568302/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/002-0082402-6234468

Gary Steele · Post by **Gary Steele** » 22 Dec 2002 7:56 am

Roberts right hand KINDA L@@K'ED like Billy Robisons just a Tad BITT. Gotta mention a non pedal man a little here. Actually i dont really think Robert was using pedals. How could he when his feet was out to the side dancing most of the time LOL LOL
P.S. While i'm thinking of it the guy at St. Louis i think he was from Australia that played in the smaller room late at night, He was killer to. And like you all know has an awesome personality to go with it. at 2:00 in the morning here in Ohio Robert made me want to come to my steel and MOCK him but my wife was in BEDD>>> SHUCKSSS

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 22 Dec 2002 8:35 am

Gary-He used the E to A pedals on the low strings. Played mostly in E major.Played a lot of runs in a minor key.

He sure is whipping up exitement for the younger crowd. Maybe that will create more interest in the Steel Guitar..
Happy Holidays..al

[This message was edited by Al Marcus on 22 December 2002 at 08:39 AM.]

Gary Steele · Post by **Gary Steele** » 22 Dec 2002 9:16 am

Al, That might even make some OL'E Guys shake a LEGG.

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 22 Dec 2002 9:45 am

All you Dallas area pickers, set your VCR. RR is listed to be on ACL tonight at 6 PM on KERA channel 13!

Jim Palenscar · Post by **Jim Palenscar** » 22 Dec 2002 3:20 pm

Thanks to Tony Dingus for sending me a copy of the show- I am in your debt~~ Jim

Jim Vogan · Post by **Jim Vogan** » 22 Dec 2002 4:06 pm

Most of us steel players look like we're dead on stage. This guy has plenty life in him!

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Jim Vogan Emmons Sd10
G.D. Walker Stereo Steel Combo
Bakelite Ric
Hilton volume pedal

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 22 Dec 2002 5:30 pm

I don't think Scotty's is the place for this guy. IMHO.

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 22 Dec 2002 5:35 pm

Al M., I wonder how many in that crowd of gyrating people went home knowing what that thing was that RR was playing?

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 22 Dec 2002 5:36 pm

I don't think Scotty's is the place for this guy.

David, why do you say that?

This ACL show will be a great stepping stone to get more young people interested in the steel guitar.

I think RR would do great at the St. Louis show, the Dallas show, or anywhere that other steel players, or potential steel players, can get the opportunity to see what he does with our wonderful instrument!

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 22 Dec 2002 6:52 pm

I think so too Jim. It'd be great to have Robert and his band there. Would be great to have Chuck Campbell back too, maybe with the Campbell Brothers!

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 22 Dec 2002 7:43 pm

Jim, I just don't think a crowd that loves what Buddy,Lloyd,Tommy,Jeff,Paul Jr.,Herby,Hal and all the great players do at ISGC would be receptive to R.R. That's just my gut feeling on the matter. I'm more impressed by great talent than how far a guy can kick a Pac-a-Seat.:rolleyes

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 22 Dec 2002 7:51 pm

I also remember people walking out when Paul Franklin played jazz, and people laughing when Jeff Newman's steel was cut in half by a chainsaw!

Talent has many forms.

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 22 Dec 2002 9:27 pm

Jeff was cut in half with a chainsaw?!! Oh, wait you said his GUITAR. Must be the eggnog. Sorry.

Gary Steele · Post by **Gary Steele** » 23 Dec 2002 5:19 am

It always seemed to me that most anyone can stand or put up with anything for 30 minutes.Remember that could be me or you that is really different getting all that attention. No big deal, I dont really care who Scotty has there. I just like being in the basement of that hotel and not having to worry about anything, And getting to here all the many styles and a great place to see old friends and meet new ones. With Robert Randolth and the guy that continually dances at the end of the stage, That guy will have a time of his life. They may have to have an Emergency Squad on duty, You've heard the ole say'in GIVE HIM A BREAK.

Randy Pettit · Post by **Randy Pettit** » 23 Dec 2002 8:38 am

I watched RR last night on ACL and was jumping around my den, almost like the folks in studio. I'd heard RR but that was my first "visual". Man, what a show! I personally believe having RR at a show like Scotty's or Dallas wouldn't do much for increasing the popularity of PSG. Being on a popular show like ACL potentially watched by millions is much more productive than winning over a few fifty-something white guys at a steel show

(Nothing against fifty-something white guys - I aspire to become one!). RR is FOR REAL - he's an original who will inspire many who want to play like him. Who knows, Jerry may get a rash of orders for 13-string Fessy's in the next few months.

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 23 Dec 2002 9:39 am

Randy, the object of bringing someone like Robert Randolph to St. Louis would not be, in my view, to win anyone over to anything. It would simply add another interesting element to the weekend, and a lot of people would really enjoy it. In all probability, some would not, but despite the "fifty-something" demographic there are a lot of diverse musical interests represented in the St. Louis crowd. Scotty has always understood that, and has endeavored to introduce variety in different ways over the years. Lots of us haven't had an opportunity to see Robert's show and would like to.

Randy Pettit · Post by **Randy Pettit** » 23 Dec 2002 10:02 am

Bob, I guess my comments about RR's appeal were more in the "big picture" context of a larger audience. I apologize if anyone was offended. I would love to see RR at ANY steel show, especially the big ones like Scotty's and Dallas. It would be way cool to see him play up close, visit with him about his set-up and gear, watch him jam with other greats, etc... Has Scotty or the TSGA folks tried to book RR for upcoming shows?

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 23 Dec 2002 10:09 am

I certainly wasn't offended Randy, and don't see how anyone could be. Just wanted to make the point that the reason for bringing someone like RR to one of the shows would be, pure and simply, because it would be cool!

Gary Steele · Post by **Gary Steele** » 24 Dec 2002 11:31 pm

What's the old say'in, Variety is the spice of life? Look also at all the different guitars and amps.