RIP 'The Cardinals'

Kyle Dosskey · Post by **Kyle Dosskey** » 21 Mar 2009 7:14 am

Sadly, The Cardinals (featuring the Steel Guitar Forum's own Jon Graboff on pedal steel) passed away and went to alt-country heaven after the group played what was announced as their final gig in Atlanta, GA last night. Here-here to a great rock'n'roll band and thanks for the memories boys.

P.S. Feel free to chime in Jon and give us the scoop on what's coming up next.

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 21 Mar 2009 7:25 am

wow--where'd that come from? I can only hope that for Jon & company the time was right or at least clearly seen on the horizon.
OTOH it would be easy to imagine the next RA incarnation heavily involving Jon. But what do I know? (nothing).

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 21 Mar 2009 8:02 am

I think I read somewhere he's been having major hearing and balance issues.

Rick Batey · Post by **Rick Batey** » 23 Mar 2009 3:49 pm

I'm sad to hear it, but best wishes to Ryan and to all the guys in the band.

In the short time I've been playing, Jon Graboff has become one of my absolute favourite pedal steel guitarists. He's melodic, tasteful, original, heartfelt, and plays 100% for the song (and in Ryan Adams’ case, what incredible songs).

Here are two Youtube clips of Jon with The Cardinals that I've listened to time and time again...

Let It Ride

I Taught Myself How To Grow Old

Thanks, Jon!

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 23 Mar 2009 4:50 pm

Whoa.....for a minute there, I thought you meant that Jon had passed away. Whew.

Jon was busy before the Cardinals, and I'm sure he'll continue that way. I got to hang out with Jon a while back in Montreal at a Cardinals gig. Great guy and fabulous player.

Jon, hope you're treating my blonde Pro 1 well.

Mike Poholsky · Post by **Mike Poholsky** » 23 Mar 2009 5:32 pm

WOW! Really nice clips. Good stuff Jon!

Alvin Blaine · Post by **Alvin Blaine** » 23 Mar 2009 8:47 pm

Didn't Ryan just get married, to some teen pop idol, last week?

Greg Gefell · Post by **Greg Gefell** » 24 Mar 2009 8:21 am

I wouldn't be surprised if they are just taking some decompression down time.

Darren James · Post by **Darren James** » 24 Mar 2009 8:26 am

The Cardinals have ruined Ryan Adams. It wasn't Graboff's fault, but his last 2 albums haven't been very good.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 24 Mar 2009 8:30 am

In your opinion, the last two albums haven't been very good. In my opinion, they are among his best.

Darren James · Post by **Darren James** » 24 Mar 2009 8:37 am

There are moments of brilliance, but songs like Halloweenhead and Magick don't stand up to his other stuff

Duncan Hodge · Post by **Duncan Hodge** » 24 Mar 2009 4:34 pm

Ya gotta love Jacksonville City Nights. Come to think of it, ya gotta love Cold Roses too. Ya gotta love Jon's playing...hey...I guess there's a lot to love about Ryan Adams' music.
Duncan

Scott Hiestand · Post by **Scott Hiestand** » 24 Mar 2009 7:21 pm

I just picked up "Easy Tiger" and while "Halloweenhead" certainly isn't my favorite, "Two" and "Rip Off" I think are outstanding songs.

BTW, I can't make out what kind of steel Jon is playing on those clips posted above (except that it's a single neck), nor in the liner of Easy Tiger (a D-10 there, but I do not recognize the fret markers). I'm sure one of you more hardcore fans can tell me.

From everything I have heard, Jon's playing is extremely tasteful...he sounds like one of those "just enough" players that doesn't play a lot of notes, but makes every single one count. I really like what he does.

Darren James · Post by **Darren James** » 25 Mar 2009 6:33 am

Duncan Hodge wrote:Ya gotta love Jacksonville City Nights. Come to think of it, ya gotta love Cold Roses too. Ya gotta love Jon's playing...hey...I guess there's a lot to love about Ryan Adams' music.
Duncan

Those 2 records are great. That was when Cat was still the bass player and JP was the guitar player. Seems like things started going downhill after they left.

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 25 Mar 2009 10:52 am

Hey Jon G---I used to think you and the band were real good but now that I've learned from an expert that you all suck--and that's a fact!--I don't care to know you any more. Go away.

Russ Wever · Post by **Russ Wever** » 25 Mar 2009 2:25 pm

. . . what was announced as their
final gig in Atlanta, GA last night.

Atlanta was the final gig of
this particular tour, ya know.

~Russ

Greg Gefell · Post by **Greg Gefell** » 26 Mar 2009 6:22 am

I agree with Scott - Jon's playing brings a nice blend of tasteful confidence to the music.

I think this is a good example of his style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdVljYP7o08

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 26 Mar 2009 6:32 am

I saw the current lineup Cardinals live in Montreal, as I already mentioned. I have to strongly disagree with Darren's assesment of the current line-up. In fact, I think it's very inaccurate. They were actually one of the tightest bands I've ever seen live, bar none. It was an incredible experience - tighter than any earlier incarnations, to my ears.

Jon, the music you guys have made has been incredible. Congrats on creating an enduring body of rock and roll, my friend.