Why "Expedition E9" Is The Greatest Steel Record Ever Made

Frank Freniere · Post by **Frank Freniere** » 6 Jul 2001 8:13 am

Can you say "tour de force?"

This 8-song gem has it all: wickedly fast yet melodic right-hand plectrum, all completely clean; gorgeous, tuneful harmonics as well as a "Dung Chow Ping;" rich, supple tone; masterful touch and shading on the pedals/knees; impeccable bar movement - not just improbably fast and precise hammer-ons and -offs but lovely sweeping glisses, vibratos and sustains, every note crystal clear and accounted for. And the sheer musicality of the set dominates everything. This isn't just an exercise in technique - it's genuinely interesting, great music.

Let's examine just a few of "Expo's" elements.

THE SONGS: 2 shuffles, Western Swing, contemporary, bluegrass, a standard, a TV theme song (an original BTW) and a weeper. Come on! This is essential, fundamental pedal steel guitar music. It's not an experimental exercise or an attempt to extend the instrument's boundaries further than the artist already has. It's a perfect showcase for the breadth and scope of the E9 tuning in the hands of a master.

THE BAND: Excellent musicians who set a nice table for the main course. Check out especially "I Love You Because."

THE ARRANGEMENTS: Tight, no filler. This makes "Expo" the ideal introductory steel album - it's short, varied and excellent. Give it to all your 6-string friends for Christmas, birthdays, etc. Ernie probably has a couple of extra copies for sale.

THE TONE: Check out the rich, fat tone on "I Just Destroyed The World." The right hand attack and execution is breathtaking throughout the album - I find my right hand twitching involuntarily, trying to keep up with the artist. The bar in his left hand flashes like D'Artagnan's sword or Picasso's brush: perfection. The tone on "Nashville Alive" is to die for, from the harmonics to the 32nd note runs to the AB pedal mashes. And check out the ending to "Brian's Song" - the lower range has the presence and majesty of a big church pipe organ.

THE EXECUTION: Blind murdering speed? We got your thrills right here on "I Love You Because," "Nashville," and "Flinthill Special." Harmonics? "Destroyed's" wraith-like notes paint a vivid picture, kind of like an aural Edvard Munch "Scream," and reminiscent of Gogi Grant's "Wayward Wind." (Well, sort of). Is the artist playing a 10-string guitar or 5-string banjo on "Flinthill?" Darned if I can tell, but you'll laugh out loud, the ending is so quick and so tight.

THE ARTIST: Buddy Emmons.

All the above elements exist in various combinations on other albums Buddy has done but never IMHO all together and all in one place. "Expedition E9" is an encyclopedia in 8 songs.

BTW, just to clarify: the greatest C6 steel record ever made IMHO is "Steel Guitar Jazz."

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 6 Jul 2001 10:24 am

But, did you like it?

John Wall · Post by **John Wall** » 6 Jul 2001 12:44 pm

Frank,
I've got a hunch you're not from around my neck of the woods. Now where's my dictionary so I can translate all them fancy words?

Just kidding!!! Nice article.

Kenny Davis · Post by **Kenny Davis** » 6 Jul 2001 1:34 pm

I had Dung Chow Ping for lunch today. #12, I think!

Sounds like I gotta get this -

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 6 Jul 2001 1:38 pm

It don't get any better than The Big E and E9TH Expedition. Jody.

Bill Bailey · Post by **Bill Bailey** » 6 Jul 2001 7:11 pm

Frank,
I kinda feel like that about "Half Dozen Shuffles" Thanks for the discription. I guess I must now order the Expedition.
Bill Bailey

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Bob Carlson · Post by **Bob Carlson** » 7 Jul 2001 8:49 am

And then there Is "Expo E9th" which comes with tab and CD that has Buddy playing It all just like on Expedition E9th, plus rhythm tracks.
A lot of people say you can't learn to play steel from Tab.....but this will teach you a bunch. Some of the stuff he plays sounds so hard to play...and It Is, but some of It Is so simple.

Bob Carlson

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 7 Jul 2001 1:49 pm

Buddy who?

Bruce W Heffner · Post by **Bruce W Heffner** » 7 Jul 2001 1:57 pm

It is a work of art from the Master. My favorite cut is "Rose Colored Glasses".

Bruce

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www.pedalsteel.net

slick · Post by **slick** » 7 Jul 2001 3:10 pm

I want it,where do i get it???

Wayne

Mike Weirauch · Post by **Mike Weirauch** » 7 Jul 2001 6:06 pm

I got mine from Ernie Renn. Email Ernie, he will get it to you fast.

RichardMcKinney · Post by **RichardMcKinney** » 7 Jul 2001 9:22 pm

Whats Ernie's E-mail address? I want this recording.

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Keep on Steelin
Carter 4/k 3/p

Mike Weirauch · Post by **Mike Weirauch** » 7 Jul 2001 11:14 pm

www.buddyemmons.com is his website and email him at Ernie@buddyemmons.com

Ernie Renn · Post by **Ernie Renn** » 8 Jul 2001 4:20 am

Expedition E9: The Recording
Expo E9: The Course
They are available separately.
I think it's a great album, too! Now if there was just an Expedition C6...

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My best,
Ernie

The Official Buddy Emmons Website
www.buddyemmons.com

Post by **Joey Ace** » 8 Jul 2001 5:39 am

The web site indicates only cassettes.

Is there a CD of the rhythm tracks?

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<img align=right src="http://pedalsteel.tv/img/joey.jpg" width="80" height="100">
-j0e-

Ernie Renn · Post by **Ernie Renn** » 8 Jul 2001 5:55 am

Sorry, Joey. Cassettes only, (so far.

)

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My best,
Ernie

The Official Buddy Emmons Website
www.buddyemmons.com

Bob Carlson · Post by **Bob Carlson** » 8 Jul 2001 3:13 pm

Golly, I just thought everyone already had both of these......You'll feel so much better when you get them. Makes Mondays seem like Friday and all kinds of other good things!
I have a lot of steel courses that are on CD, but as Ernnie said....both tape. Sorry.

Bob Carlson

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bob Carlson on 08 July 2001 at 04:15 PM.]</p></FONT>

wayne yakes md · Post by **wayne yakes md** » 12 Jul 2001 7:18 am

I love Buddy's version, and thus his tribute to Joachin Murphy, on "Oklohoma Stomp". I agree and "Rose Colored Glasses" is my favorite as well.

Mel Culbreath · Post by **Mel Culbreath** » 14 Jul 2001 6:51 pm

I saw Buddy play "Rose Colored Glasses" at the St. Louis convention one year. We (the audience) were spelbound. I went right out and bought E9 Expedition and nearly wore it out the first month.

Every steel player should have this one.

Mel

Frank Freniere · Post by **Frank Freniere** » 15 Jul 2001 4:57 pm

While we're at it, don't forget to pick up Mike Ihde's video cassette which features the Maestro performing "Rose Colored Glasses" back in the day. Cool.