Paul Franklin - Brent Mason

[Dick Wood]

Where could I get some of these noodles?

[Jamie Lennon]

I want some too!!!

[Don Brown, Sr.]

I think whether or not a person's bag is liking Jazz or not, the main focus was on the musicianship, of those doing the playing. And what I heard were some very talented musicians. Who've proven time and again, that they not only can play, they can play any type of music.

Whereas, I've seen Jazz players, who couldn't play a single lick of country, and I've also seen country players who couldn't play anything other than country.

But even those not liking Jazz, surely must admit to the fact, that there is an entire group of very talented musicians in those videos. One's of which I'm quite certain, I for one, am not worthy of carrying in their instruments, as compared.

A real nice job, super picking & playing........

[Clete Ritta]

Caution: Be careful should you try to touch those noodles, they're VERY HOT


Clete

[Jamie Lennon]

[Franklin]

Thanks guys, I really enjoy the freedom of improvisation

........"Noodling" is actually a condescending and derogatory term used by employers to describe the sounds musician's make between songs.......It is not a term used to describe improvisations by polite musicians......I appreciate Richard's and Dale's honesty as to why they don't understand Jazz improvisations......However, James comes off as if he is somehow musically above it all.........Its impossible to better musical skills with that outlook.......

Paul

[James Kerr]

I'm musically below it all, its a bit like the Kings new clothes, everyone can see them except me.

James.

[Franklin]

The first time I ever heard Jazz players was at age 12, at my first DJ convention...I heard Emmon's, Curly, Anderson, Jernigan, Thumbs Carlisle, Julian Thorpe jamming over the week......Almost all of it was way over my head but I was still amazed at their abilities....They made everything look so easy......Jack Mollette and others from Michigan were raving at how deep they played........Because it was all over my head, I started asking Jack questions about what it was they were doing, and as I started to learn more about the theory behind some of the jazz stuff I was hearing, it became more understandable......By the time I was 17, I was listening to the Jazz legends, Miles, Corea, Peterson, etc......after years of studying jazz, what these legends were playing did not sound as foreign as it once did.......Listening and playing Jazz is a life journey......What I love about Jazz is it has very few limitations and it is all about self expression.......Improvisation is the hardest skill to acquire. Tomorrow I gig with some of the heaviest Jazz cats in town at the Nashville Jazz Workshop on songs I am just learning for the first time.......This gig for me will be like someone who can't swim jumping into the deep end of a pool struggling for every breath.........I'm thankful to Mollette and others who inspired me to open my mind to listen beyond the melody into a world where improvisations live.....I highly recommend learning to play some jazz to any musician........Paul

[Don Brown, Sr.]

Paul

This old boot licker (thought you'd remember that one from a ways back ) know's you'll have a real blast and you'll do a mighty fine job as well.

Don

[David Wright]

Paul,
When you have time , could you post how it went? I think we all would love to hear about your experience with this one... As A Steel player and Jazz lover, I feel "we" were well reped by YOU...

You really hit it on the head
What I love about Jazz is it has very few limitations and it is all about self expression.......Improvisation is the hardest skill to acquire.

David

[Franklin]

Don and David,

The gig is exciting.........I'll let you know if I'm wearing crutches in the morning.

.......Paul

[Frank Freniere]

Sorry this is a bit off topic but... Paul, can you tell us a little bit about Jack Mollette: was he your first steel teacher, is he still playing, is he on recordings, how did he open your ears etc.?

[Bo Borland]

Improvisation is IT

[Franklin]

Frank,

Jack Mollette played guitar, not steel......He was the last guitarist to team up with Charlton as a troubador........Wanda Bruning taught me hawaiin lessons for 6 months....I took one lesson at 18 from Reece in Texas....And two lessons with Lenny Breau......I really had to teach myself pedals and all forms of music...There were no local teachers in Detroit which is why I started teaching at Freemans store as a teenager until I left........

Paul

[Earnest Bovine]

Almost all of it was way over my head ..... as I started to learn more about the theory behind some of the jazz stuff I was hearing, it became more understandable..........did not sound as foreign as it once did.......Listening and playing Jazz is a life journey......

I have the same experience as I get older. It seems hard to believe now that Stravinsky and even Sibelius once sounded so strange, exotic, and incomprehensible to me. But what we listen to becomes familiar. In a way I enjoy Sibelius more nowadays when my ear can follow the harmonies. But in another way, I miss the old days. Now that the mystery is gone, some of the magic is gone too.

[Billy Carr]

I've always said PSG is unlimited. Exploring new territory is usually only tried by players with an open mind for new things. Most players don't want to go outside of there comfort zone, which is fine. Personally, I prefer Classic Country but I don't close the door on anything else. I like what PF is doing but at the same time, I also admire players like Charleston, Emmons, Tharpe, Green, Hughey and all of the rest for what each one has done in our little steel guitar world.

[Clete Ritta]

Any music made with a tonebar is interesting to me these days.

Clete