Star Trek Theme!

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 13 Aug 2001 7:08 pm

Man, I LIKE that! This week I've been listening to some CDs in my collection that I haven't really given a good hearing to, at least not in a long while. Here's one called "Steelin' the Hits" by steelers Mike Fried and Marty Rifkin, both left coast dudes. The opening cut is the theme from Star Trek, and Man! I LIKE that! I might just hafta find a way to squeeze that into my radio show tomorrow night.

My only frustration with this CD is that it doesn't tell me which songs Marty is on and which ones are Mike. That's not nice, boys. Don't do that again, okay?

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www.jimcohen.com

Ernie Renn · Post by **Ernie Renn** » 13 Aug 2001 7:13 pm

I've got that one, too, Jim. It'a great CD. Star Trek's theme took me by surprise, too. Way cool! Oops, Or should I say "Logical", eh.

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My best,
Ernie

The Official Buddy Emmons Website
www.buddyemmons.com

David Pennybaker · Post by **David Pennybaker** » 13 Aug 2001 7:56 pm

That sounds like a great song for steel to me.

. . . to boldly play steel where no man has played before . . . .

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The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 14 Aug 2001 4:25 am

There were THREE steel players on that CD. The third is Mark Switzer. Mark, in addition to playing steel, also plays killer banjo, mandolin, and lead guitar, and is an outstanding vocalist to boot.

Don't you just hate people like that

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 14 Aug 2001 4:52 am

Jim
I have that ST Theme cut on a compilation CD misleadingly named "Totally Hot Nashville Steel Guitar" or something like that- (great cover of a scantily clad female stretched out on an old Fender...of course!) THNSG combines some of that record with some other stuff by Robby Turner and others... the liner notes state who played what cut
If I can find the CD, after work/before air time I'll email ya who it is (if someone else knows please post it here)[This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 14 August 2001 at 05:54 AM.]

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 14 Aug 2001 5:23 am

My "Totally Hot Nashville Steel Guitar" CD lists Marty Rifkin as the player on the Star Trek Theme.

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Jim Smith jimsmith94@home.com
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=-
-=Fessenden Ext. E9/U-13 8&8=-

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 14 Aug 2001 6:15 am

My apology in advance, but I am too weak to resist the temptation: "BEAM ME UP SCOTTY"!

Greg Vincent · Post by **Greg Vincent** » 14 Aug 2001 6:55 am

Yes indeed! Marty played the Star Trek theme on that album. Marty's one of our L.A. players and is a very cool guy --always has time to show me a lick or two. Marty has his own studio here in L.A. and is always busy recording. I see him at Ronnie Mack's monthly Barn Dance where he plays in a great house band on his Fender D-8 non-pedal. Smokin' stuff!

I think that's a great treatment of the Star Trek theme. It uses "country" instrumentation, which often makes us think of the "Old West" --the 19th century's "Final Frontier". And what were Kirk, Spock & co. if not pioneers of space? They even got there before Apollo 11!

(Can you tell I'm a Stak Trek geek?

)

--GV[This message was edited by Greg Vincent on 14 August 2001 at 07:59 AM.]

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 14 Aug 2001 6:55 am

You're right, Mike. In addition to Marty and Mike, there was Mark. Dunno how I missed that on the liner notes: I guess I got tired of reading names that started with "M".

So, anyway, what are these guys up to these days? I presume they're working in LA studios, yes? Anyone know what artists they've been working with? They don't seem to hang much with the steel community; I guess, as Bob Hoffnar would say, they're too busy out there 'doin' it' and making money (unlike some of us)

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www.jimcohen.com

Frank Estes · Post by **Frank Estes** » 14 Aug 2001 7:22 am

I heard David Spires do the "Star Trek Theme" live at a steel show a few years ago. He was lightening and flawless in his performance. Wow! And, that on an MSA of all things!

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 14 Aug 2001 7:28 am

I'm more of an "I Dream Of Jeanie" fan myself.

But after reading this thread (I also have that CD) I'll have to pull out the ol' E-Bow and Trek away for a few minutes tonight!

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 14 Aug 2001 7:32 am

Dave Van Allen does a lot of that obscure(?) steel music at steel shows, too. He even does the theme from The Avengers"!

Wayne Baker · Post by **Wayne Baker** » 14 Aug 2001 8:15 am

what about DEVO with a steel???

wayne

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Emmons Legrande d-10 w/8&5 Nashville 400, peavey ultraverb II.

John Steele · Post by **John Steele** » 14 Aug 2001 8:24 am

Jim, I'm sure you are familiar with the old standard "Out of Nowhere" (I know B.E. did it on one of his swing albums).
I play this tune on gigs alot, and when I'm feeling silly, I quote the first 8 bars of the "Star Trek" theme... the chords are identical !
It usually turns a few heads. (!)
-John

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 14 Aug 2001 8:28 am

Great idea, John. I might have to start playing that tune, just so I can use that quote!

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 14 Aug 2001 10:16 am

I'm partial to the Andy Griffith theme myself. I think the name of it is "The Old Fishin' Hole" or something like that. It's a good C6 piece.

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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 14 Aug 2001 10:42 am

back in the 70's a silly band I was in did the Star Trek theme as a break song- just a short, not so nearly elaborate a version as Marty's. We called it "Star Truck" (this was at the height of the CB radio craze)

I was glad to find the "Totally Hot" album... I just KNEW there were other guys who grew up practising in front of the tube like I did, absorbing all those TV melodies

the version of "I dream of Jeannie" is fun too...

Hey Jim- good luck on "Kids' Corner" tonight- I'll be listening with Christopher, my genuine "Kid" and excuse for listening to Cathy's great show...(we used to listen to her before he was born too)!

what about DEVO with a steel???

Crack that Whip... if it had more of a melody it would be easier

[This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 14 August 2001 at 11:44 AM.]

HOWaiian · Post by **HOWaiian** » 15 Aug 2001 8:54 pm

The main theme to ST is great, but can someone PLEEEEZ come up with a non-pedal arrangement of...THE FIGHT MUSIC?!?!? [ba-ba-BA-ba-ba-ba-BA-ba-ba-ba....]

now THAT is the stuff!

not kill I,

how

Dave Robbins · Post by **Dave Robbins** » 15 Aug 2001 9:14 pm

Hey all, have you ever noticed the similarity between the Theme from Star Trek and the I Love Lucy theme? Seriously! Check them out.

Dave

Ernie Renn · Post by **Ernie Renn** » 16 Aug 2001 1:13 am

Dave;
Both shows were made by Desilu. "Desi" for Desi Arnaz and "Lu" for Lucille Ball. It wouldn't surprise me if the themes were similar. They were probably done by the same orchestra. Mission Impossible was also on the Desilu lot. Right next door to Star Trek as I recall. Desilu was bought out by Paramount Pictures.
(Been a Trek fan since '66

)

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My best,
Ernie

The Official Buddy Emmons Website
www.buddyemmons.com

Dave Robbins · Post by **Dave Robbins** » 18 Aug 2001 5:46 am

Ernie,
I believe the "Trek" theme was an Alexander Courage arrangement, wasn't it?

Yeah, I'm a long time "Trekie" too. But I like the old version. Not the new ones. Sorta' figures don't it? (Are we gettin' old or what?

)

My wife is a "Lucy" fan, that's how come me to notice the similarities. Me watchin' 'Trek and her watchin' Lucy! We live a very "sheltered" life! (We're also big Mayberry fans, as well)

Oh yeah, have you got "Spock's" hand sign down yet?

Dave (Live long and prosper!)

Dave Robbins · Post by **Dave Robbins** » 18 Aug 2001 5:48 am

OOPSIE! Sorry for the double post!

[This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 18 August 2001 at 02:18 PM.][This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 18 August 2001 at 02:23 PM.]

Ernie Renn · Post by **Ernie Renn** » 19 Aug 2001 4:29 am

Dave;
You're right about it being written by Alexander Courage. The Lucy theme was written by Adamson/Daniel.
I was just pointing out that it was probably the same bunch of guys recording it, as both shows were done at the same studio.
I'd say, yes, we are getting older. Next month is the 35th anniversary of Star Trek's premiere. (Got the hand sign down the first time I saw it.

)
Lately, I've been watching a lot of Get Smart and another one of my favorites, The Munsters. They're both on TV Land.
The Munsters theme would probably be pretty cool on steel guitar, too. I may have to see... Hmm...

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My best,
Ernie

The Official Buddy Emmons Website
www.buddyemmons.com

chas smith · Post by **chas smith** » 19 Aug 2001 10:14 am

What about DEVO with steel??? I've gotten more calls from Mark Mothersbaugh for recording in the past 3 years than from anyone else.

Dave Robbins · Post by **Dave Robbins** » 19 Aug 2001 10:17 am

Yes, TV Land is a wonderful thing!

By the way, I can do the the Spock hand thing with the left hand but not the right!

Dave