The Neighborhood Trio (steel, vibes, upright) TV Spot

[Dan Schwartz]

Here is the segment that aired last night on Twin Cities Public TV's MN Originals about my group The Neighborhood Trio.

http://www.mnoriginal.org/art/?p=4547

There are complete takes of the studio tunes and a nice interview with Steve and his vibes on their site, as well as the previously posted interview with me.

I am really pleased with the segment, but if I may throw one disclaimer in. I'm not a fan of the tone they got in the studio performances - all direct does not do justice to that guitar.

It was a big day for the trio yesterday with this and the finishing of tracking for our first record. We are excited to get a batch of tunes out.

[Mike Neer]

I enjoyed that very much, Dan. Looking forward to your record. I have to disagree with you about the tone--I know what you mean about direct recording, but in this case, especially in "puddles," I thought it really worked and made the vibrato really stand out.

[Eric Ebner]

Way cool. If I could dream of being in a band this would be it! Looks like fun too. Hat's off to the musicians;-)

[Twayn Williams]

Very nice! I see what you mean about the DI on the guitar. Why didn't you get a mic like the other guys? Or at least a mic on the amp! Still, an acceptable tone on the pass/fail scale

The 7-string really makes sense in your trio setting. Gah, you're really making me want a Weissenborn! Course I don't actually play steel in any of my current projects and I'd don't think a Weissenborn has nearly enough volume to cut through a gypsy jazz jam -- my Beard Goldtone barely manages it!

[Jim Gilliam]

Very tasty indeed! I played guitar in a guitar/vibes/upright bass trio before moving to North Carolina and your music made me miss it. Steel guitar is about the most intriguing instrument ever made. You Weissenborn sounded really nice, DI or not.

[Robbie Daniels]

Great, fantastic. Love the sound. Looks like the steel uses a Roeder stand. Refreshing great sound.

[Dan Schwartz]

.....I think the disappointment about the tone is that they did have a mic on the amp, and didn't use it. I love my live rig (Fishman pu - Radial pre - AER amp), just not direct. The sound guy kept saying how much he liked the direct sound - I wanted mics. Oh well.

Thanks a lot for the comments. It is a dream group to be in. It constantly pushes me beyond my limit which is humbling, challenging and inspiring. I look forward to sharing more of our music with all of you.

[Jerome Hawkes]

boy i'll never complain about lugging a triple neck steel around anymore after looking at them vibes

[Isaac Stanford]

very cool!

[Jim Brobeck]

I am grateful to you for posting the link. The video is beautiful, really high quality production. The groove of the music, the repoir between the players and the instrumental expertise all stood out. I agree about the thin tone of the Marcio on the recording, but your fine playing overrode the direct box tone.

[Brad Bechtel]

The Neighborhood Trio is one of my current favorite groups. Check out their website for more information and some samples of their recordings.
Thanks for sharing that video, Dan, and congratulations!

[Rickey Mitchell]

Excellent ! most original sounds I've heard in years.
I've been trying to get together with a vibe player in my studio for a year now.

[Stephan Miller]

Dan-- loved the music... great grooves with plenty of air, and supernice playing. Will stay tuned for the album!

Wondering: what's your tuning, and do you modify it for certain tunes?

Also, a big +1 on your description of your instrument as simply "steel guitar", and the explanation.

--Steve

[HowardR]

Way cool.....you guys play to express......and I'm impressed.....

[Mark Roeder]

Yeah, what Howard said. I am diggin' that and the video quality just adds to the music. I'll look for an up coming CD?

Dan, I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Roller at our gig Friday night. He said you directed him to my stands, a big thank you. A great guy to talk about steels with.

[George Keoki Lake]

Great combination guys! Vibes, Acoustic Steel and Acoustic Bass! Very unusual and so cool ! Wow ! Sadly, there are not too many young folks taking up the Vibes these days. I'm impressed with the 4 mallet work...no easy task !

[Andy Volk]

Wonderful music, Dan. I really enjoyed the overall vibe and the way the three instruments mesh in your band. Very tasty steel playing. It's a pleasure to
NOT hear sleepwalk!

[Tom Pettingill]

Cool group Dan! I enjoyed the piece a lot
I like and agree with your comment on how the steel can bring a "vocal" component to an instrumental setting.
The steel is such a versatile instrument and is only limited by ones imagination.

[Brandin]

I love it!! Lookin' forward to your CD.

GB

[Dan Schwartz]

Thanks again for the nice comments guys.

Stephan you asked about the tuning. Yes, I do make one small modification for certain tunes.

Either

D A D F# A B D (low to high)

or

D C D F# A B D

It is about a 50/50 split between these tunings. I would love to get an 8-string Weissenborn made that will have both the 5th and dominant 7th down there. Tuning that one string wreaks havoc on all the others - I need to retune all 7. Excessive tuning live is a buzz kill for us.

[Mike Bagwell]

Sounds great!!

[Drew Howard]

Nice!

[b0b]

Thumbs up! Nice tone and touch, Dan.

I play vibes too, so I especially enjoyed the combination of instruments.