The Ultimate Version of Night Life

Sonny Jenkins · Post by **Sonny Jenkins** » 24 Nov 2011 12:39 pm

Here is clip of Steve Palousek doing Night Life. Looks like it was posted by Bobby Dardeman with pics of several San Antonio and Central Tex area steelers.
A younger Jimmy Day, Emmons, Anderson, Overby, Reinhart, Mathis, Morrell and ???? Of course Palousek, Curtis Potter, Barbara Fairchild and ???
How many do you recognize?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PETTnjeY ... re=related

Mark Greenway · Post by **Mark Greenway** » 24 Nov 2011 7:07 pm

Dadgummm!!!! That is some good, I mean awesome, playing.

Way to go Steve. Thanks Sonny

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 25 Nov 2011 4:36 am

I have to say it's the best I've ever heard, Steve is a MONSTER player in my book!

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 25 Nov 2011 4:43 am

Brilliantly played, and the album that it was taken from (Let The Games Begin) is incredible (one of my top five favourite steel albums of all time). I agree that Steve is a monster player.

However, Steve's version is built around Buddy Emmons' black album original version, and as such I think that Buddy's version will always be the ultimate.

Not to say that any musical piece can't be improved upon, but in this case Steve has the benefit of more modern studio facilities and time as it is recorded in his own studio. Bottom line - Steve has used the original recording as a template and after all .......it is a copy.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 25 Nov 2011 5:04 am

Ken,
You have a valid point, Buddy laid the ground work for so many great players, and you hear it in Steve's playing on the C6th...We all have Heros, and try to play like them, but, one has to inject" your" own Ideas of the song also. and make it your own...Growing up in the steel world, Buddy and Curly were the 2 guy's that sat the standards on C 6th, Buddy being the more single not player, and Curly cords...in my eyes....But, there were less known players also, Anderson , Morell , that were playing a different style than Buddy & Curly...bottom line Steves cd let the games begin is one of my favorite steel cds ever...

Joe Rogers · Post by **Joe Rogers** » 25 Nov 2011 1:02 pm

I second what David said....some of the most tasteful playing you will ever hear on that CD...!!

Joe Rogers

Brendan Mitchell · Post by **Brendan Mitchell** » 25 Nov 2011 5:26 pm

Jeez , I thought it was Buddy !

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 26 Nov 2011 12:11 am

Brendan Mitchell wrote:Jeez , I thought it was Buddy !

My point exactly! The topic is whether Steve's version is the 'ultimate version' of Night Life. But if you take away any of Buddy's original arrangement, much of which Steve has played note for note, there is not a lot left. I think this is Steve's homage to Buddy, rather than him trying to improve on what is already the definitive recording.

I would encourage everyone to get a copy of Steve's CD. There are some moments of real originality and greatness throughout, and it is a classic steel album.

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 26 Nov 2011 1:03 am

Awesome !

John Davis · Post by **John Davis** » 26 Nov 2011 2:17 am

"to be, or not to be ? That is the question!! Should we be inspired by this shameless demonstration of pure excellance and try a little harder? or put the steel back in its box slide it under the bed for 20 years and go fishing!!!!

David Graves · Post by **David Graves** » 26 Nov 2011 8:25 am

Night Life is my #1 favorite song of all time!! Steve is a monster for sure. A few weeks ago I got to do an amazing show and Night Life was our closer. Ray Carson sung it to perfection and Jerry Thurmond played the deepest feeling, most emotional steel guitar I've ever heard!!! I'm a lucky man!! I downloaded Steve's version on my IPOD and go to sleep with it every night. WOW!!! What a picker!!

Dennis Lee · Post by **Dennis Lee** » 26 Nov 2011 10:34 am

This is why I love the pedal steel guitar. I believe I just heard the harp of the angels! Buddy will always be the undisputed king, at least for me, but just look at what he inspired. Steve made this song his own, nothing more to say.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 26 Nov 2011 11:01 am

Buddy Emmons may have done the most memorable version. and anyone playing it now will have his version in their mind, but it takes a lot of talent to copy what he does, let alone improvise around it.

Sonny Jenkins · Post by **Sonny Jenkins** » 26 Nov 2011 12:32 pm

Many years ago, in the VERY early days of the Texas SG Jamboree, I happened to overhear Buddy make a very complimentary comment about Steve and his future (Steve was probably around 16, 17 maybe 18, maybe younger). Later I told Steve about it,,,and,,typically humble Steve couldn't believe it,,,the Big E would say something good about him!!!!,,,,you would have thought he had been awarded a gold medal or something! Lo and behold,,,25 years later he has picked his way to the top of the heap (IMHO). I remember back in the mid 80s we were trying to get a little SG club started here, and Steve was pickin' with Frenchy Burke,,,Steve brought the whole band out and played for us one Sunday afternoon. Not just a super picker,,,but a super great guy!!!!,,,JMHO

Mike Ester · Post by **Mike Ester** » 28 Nov 2011 5:09 pm

I remember that Sunday afternoon! Has it really been that long ago?

Gary C. Dygert · Post by **Gary C. Dygert** » 28 Nov 2011 6:15 pm

What Alan said.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 28 Nov 2011 6:48 pm

great scary playing. i give credit to those who can learn from other monster players. dave robbins scared me many years ago with his emmonisms also. but then i think there is also room for those with possibly lesser technical abilities but more creative , unique soul.

when you realize buddy created so many sounds we take for granted, it's mind boggling.

course i heard some curly in steve's version also.

i can't play anything like these guys.

Wally Moyers · Post by **Wally Moyers** » 28 Nov 2011 7:16 pm

WOW!!

Rick Plunk · Post by **Rick Plunk** » 28 Nov 2011 7:36 pm

Willie drew the picture. Buddy painted it, for the world to see. Steve sent it to the moon!

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 28 Nov 2011 10:10 pm

Really, compared to what?? First off, Don't get me wrong. I love Steve's playing. No doubt, one of the best in the business. Is it more advanced than what Buddy played over 40 years ago on the Black Album? Yes I think it is. But I was blessed many times during the mid 70's and early 80's to hear Buddy along with a hand picked rhythm section, really stretch out and play the tune in a Jam situation. I've heard him play every note Steve played plus the Pat Martino licks. Surprised there were none used in this cut.

My point, if you remove all the licks that that Buddy has long since played. This 5 min song might last 15 seconds.

I'm sorry guys. But the entire song is just re-hashed Buddy Emmons. Is it great?? No doubt. Was there any new ground broken there? Sorry, but no. I'm actually surprised that a player of Steve's caliber would even record it this way. Unless, it was done as a tribute to Buddy? But that makes no sense. Buddy's retired. But still very much alive.

This is only my opinion. And worth no more than yours. I just felt the need to point out. That if there's a real hero here? It's the man that created and or inspired most every note played on this clip.

This is in no way intended to bash Steve. Who is indeed a monster player.And if Steve or anyone is offended. My sincere apologies. Just calling it the way I hear it.

bb

Ransom Beers · Post by **Ransom Beers** » 29 Nov 2011 5:34 am

It's all done with mirrors,isn't it?

Joe Rogers · Post by **Joe Rogers** » 29 Nov 2011 4:42 pm

Bobby,

I am going to throw my two cents in here...

First off, I do respect you sharing your opinion, you are a terrific player yourself and you brought up valid points. Personally, I think Steve recorded the song as a tribute. There are a lot of tribute albums recorded to pay homage to singers and players who are very much alive....whether they are still working or retired. There are tribute CDs done to pay homage to Haggard, the Eagles, etc. Why did Steve not use any of Martino's licks....?? He wasn't paying tribute to Martino. Can Steve play the Martino licks...?? No doubt in my mind he could have.

As much as I love the way Steve flavored Night Life, it is his C6th playing on Quien Sabe Que and How High The Moon as well as his E9th voicings on I Love You So Much It Hurts Me and I Won't Mention It Again that draws my ear closer to his playing.

As you eloquently stated, you weren't bashing Steve, and again, neither am I bashing your opinion. It is no secret that Emmons was a huge influence on Steve (as well as any steel player currently breathing), and it is reflected in Steve's choice of having Buddy himself write the liner notes. All in all it is a great CD, not only for the playing, but also in regards to the sonic quality of the mix and mastering.

P. S. - I too was blessed to hear Emmons live several times...and it was definitely an unforgettable experience...!!!

Joe Rogers

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 29 Nov 2011 5:07 pm

Joe, thanks so much for your informative post. I think the thread title just rubbed me wrong.

The Ultimate Version of Night Life. Man that's a strong statement. However Mr. Jenkins is entitled to his opinion just as every Forum member. If it's the ultimate version to him? I'll agree to just disagree.

I would have just liked to have heard more Steve licks and less Buddy. But if it was tribute? I'll admit it is a good one. Personally I've never cared for tribute's.They seem pointless to me. But as you stated. They're everywhere. Myself, I'd much rather listen to the original artist.

As for Buddy's take on Martino licks. I've yet to hear anyone get in the same ball park with him on those. I don't look for a tribute from anyone doing Emmon's take on Martino licks.

bb

Joe Rogers · Post by **Joe Rogers** » 29 Nov 2011 5:35 pm

Bobby,

I hear what you're saying and I totally understand it. As for musical tributes, I personally think they are a "Thank You" to the mentors who gave us the musical direction in our own lives. And I feel it is better to thank those mentors while they are still with us rather than after they are gone and it is too late to tell them what we wish we could have expressed to them....what their gifts have meant to our own lives.

I missed such wonderful opportunities to do so when it was available to me, that I try to thank those mentors verbally every chance I get. I had a golden opportunity to take lessons from Curly Chalker and a year of 245 dates in 11 months left me so burnt out that I passed up that opportunity. I would give anything to have had that time with him.

Buddy set the bar high for us....really high...!! Not only in the evolution of the mechanics of our instrument, but the tuning as well as the proper approach to tone, taste, and technique. Someone once said we are all imitators until we find our own voice. Steve can imitate as well as innovate....I have heard both in his playing. As for Buddy's take on the Martino licks, you won't hear any argument coming from me.

P. S. - I could be wrong (and please correct me if I am), but Buddy's introduction to Martino's playing didn't just seem to give him a few catchy licks. It seemed as if it sent his musical mind in 1000 different directions inspiring him to play things we had never heard from him before.

Joe Rogers

Murnel Babineaux · Post by **Murnel Babineaux** » 29 Nov 2011 7:33 pm

Steve possesses all of the greatest attributes of a pedal steel guitar player.. PERIOD

NEXT !

Murnel

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