Mike Johnson-Glen Campbell-Adios

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 18 Jun 2017 1:59 pm

Just got Glen's final CD today, was a bit apprehensive, and melancholy, but was happily surprised when I put the needle down.

4 Jimmy Webb songs, duet with Willie, and great steel playing by the afore mentioned player. I have to say it's one of Mr. Campbell's best records and Mike's playing is superb.

I was lucky to see Glen on his farewell tour and have to say his final CD fares well, as well.

Great job Mike!

John Brabant · Post by **John Brabant** » 23 Jun 2017 9:55 am

Hmmm...have to check it out. Thanks Craig.

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 23 Jun 2017 11:17 pm

I heard from a reliable source that Glen hated pedal steel sounds. Could have changed his mind, I suppose. Don't recall ever hearing steel on his records.

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 24 Jun 2017 3:47 am

John, that's what I thought, but Mike is on more than half the cuts,and the steel works really well with them.

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 24 Jun 2017 5:48 am

On "Live At The Dome" he had a steel player on stage (nice comping!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjgoGIv1kTQ

On his album from '91 there's Paul Franklin playing.

Peter Freiberger · Post by **Peter Freiberger** » 24 Jun 2017 5:54 am

Many years earlier, Buddy Emmons was on Campbell's "I Remember Hank Williams", "It's Just A Matter Of Time", "I Knew Jesus (Before He Was a Star)", and "Reunion, The Songs Of Jimmy Webb" albums. JayDee is on "Pecos Promenade" with Campbell and Tanya Tucker, and "Any Which Way You Can".

Tim Hurst · Post by **Tim Hurst** » 24 Jun 2017 6:50 am

I saw Glen Campbell at Dollywood maybe twenty years ago. Never expected to see a steel in his band, but he actually had a pedal steel and twin fiddles!

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 24 Jun 2017 8:28 am

Tim, You reminded me of about the same time, I saw him in Rahway, NJ for a Christmas show and he had a steeler in the band, also switched playing guitar. His older daughter was also with him singing.

Thanks for those songs Peter, I'll have to check them out.

One of my favorites of his is Brian Wilson's 'Guess I'm Dumb' what a singer Glen is! and he plays a pretty good guitar too

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 24 Jun 2017 8:50 am

Craig Stock wrote:One of my favorites of his is Brian Wilson's 'Guess I'm Dumb' what a singer Glen is! and he plays a pretty good guitar too

Not one of my favorite Brian Wilson efforts, altho it comes from my favorite period of his career.

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 24 Jun 2017 8:59 am

Yes Mr. Bovine, It was from a great era of Brian's, but I really like the melody and lyrics, may sound a bit dated now, but lots of emotion and Glen really puts his heart out on the song.

I just got Brian's autobiography and he mentions the song and situation as to why he had Glen sing it. I'll find it and get the specifics.

admin · Post by **b0b** » 24 Jun 2017 9:37 am

There's a very small bit of steel in this Beach Boys medley:
https://youtu.be/5Zbuliy3dzs?t=1m14s

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 24 Jun 2017 10:00 am

Craig Stock wrote:Yes Mr. Bovine, It was from a great era of Brian's, but I really like the melody and lyrics, may sound a bit dated now, but lots of emotion and Glen really puts his heart out on the song.

I just got Brian's autobiography and he mentions the song and situation as to why he had Glen sing it. I'll find it and get the specifics.

Maybe Glen was the only one who could sing it.
Brian said that originality was his highest priority. Still I feel that in this case he may have gone a little over the top with the odd melody. And he has written better chord changes.
He loved the Phil Spector wall of sound, which he imitated well in this song. Same with the Bacharach-inspired trumpet parts.
... IMHO , Ã chacun son goÃ»t, usw.

Marty Rifkin · Post by **Marty Rifkin** » 24 Jun 2017 3:29 pm

I played on a couple of Glen's recent records (Meet Glen Campbell & Ghost On The Canvas) and played some live dates, including tv with him. Glen always seemed excited to have steel in the band. He often mentioned Curly Chalker to me...he was a real fan of Curly's.