Austin City Limits - Robert Randolph in DEC.

seldomfed · Post by **seldomfed** » 17 Dec 2002 9:08 am

Check your local listing for :

Robert Randolph and the Blind Boys of Alabama

ALSO

Nickel Creek and Ralph Stanley
http://www.pbs.org/klru/austin/tvschedule/index.html

My local PBS sched. does not match the web sched. - so check with your local stations.

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Chris Kennison
Ft. Collins, Colorado
"There is no spoon"
www.seldomfed.com

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 24 Dec 2002 3:33 pm

I caught the show on tape, and I must say, I was a little disappointed, This was essentiall the exact same show I saw when I caught Randolph live. At the time I loved it, but I find that it wears thin the second time around.

Randolph is great at what he does, but I question what else he can do, and what will he do after his current thing runs it's course.

There are many artists who say something brillinatly, and then, having made thier statement, have nothing left and can only repeat thremselves. More often than not, the follow up efforts of these artists are disappointing retreads of their earlier work.

I fear Randolph may fall into this catagory.

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 24 Dec 2002 4:11 pm

Mike, RR's schtick gets tiresome and one tune sounded like a rip off of The Allman Bros. "Jessica". Just my opinion.

Rich Weiss · Post by **Rich Weiss** » 24 Dec 2002 5:37 pm

I kinda feel the same way as Mike. I listened to the tunes on his web site maybe a year ago, and he did the same songs on the TV show. I'd love to hear him deliver a ballad. I know he's recording his album right now and I hear he has some different and interesting stuff he's working on.

ajm · Post by **ajm** » 26 Dec 2002 9:05 am

What did I not like about the ACL show?

I guess the number one thing would be (IMHO) the excessive bar shiverring and vibrato, particularly on the extreme high pitched notes. I would have liked to have heard more actual playing, instead of riding one note forever. But that probably comes from really getting into what you're doing, and he did appear to do THAT. Also, the songs seemed to sound the same, and they may have all been in the same key.

What was I impressed by or did I like?

There is no denying that he has a lot of energy and attempts to put on a show.

It did not sound like your average PSG or PSG player. It also did not sound like a guitar most of the time, but there were a few times when you really had to listen to tell. (Particulary the opening number with the BBoA.) I'm talking both in terms of the licks/chords played, as well as the phrasing, tone and attack.

There were a couple of licks/runs that he played that were very fast and very impressive, but did not sound like PSG licks. They sounded more like a 6 stringer.

I also got the feeling that he paid attention to and worked on his distorted tones more than the average PSG player. Anybody can throw a fuzz box in their signal chain and play a few blues licks to fake "a sound", and I've seen a lot of guys do just that. But his tones and licks sounded more authentic (read, "like a regular guitar"). IMHO the achilles heel for distorted PSG is the extreme high notes; you either need to be very careful or stay away from them altogether or it can sound too piercing or abrasive or "whiney". I thought his distorted tones in the mid to lower ranges sounded as good as any I've yet heard on a PSG.

I'd recommend watching the show if it comes on in your area. Even if you end up just stealing one little thing from it, it's worth it.

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Artie McEwan

Eddie Malray · Post by **Eddie Malray** » 28 Dec 2002 3:58 pm

The Austin City Limits Show-----it sounded like Jimmie Hendricks on a steel. It all sounded the same. But you have to admit he a musician and entertainer. I heard in Nashvill testerday that he can play traditional steel with the best. Excuse typos/

Leslie Ehrlich · Post by **Leslie Ehrlich** » 28 Dec 2002 4:24 pm

I watched Robert Randolph too, and the only thing I was disappointed with was that he used a silver face Fender Twin. The amp sounded like it had the stock speakers in it (Jensen?) and those speakers sound horrible with distortion. The amp would have sounded better if it had Celestion speakers. Better yet, a Marshall half stack.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 28 Dec 2002 6:29 pm

Randolph is NOT a pedal steel player. He is a slide blues player using a pedal steel. It looks like he is going to be a one act play and I have to agree with Mike. Great performer with lots of energy, but real talent with lasting appeal is so much more than that. Its a jam band maniac act. It lasts for awhile but gets old soon. He is great at what he does and knows how to move a crowd.
We are getting ready to do a Snoop Doggy Dog song (Gin and Juice). Its vulger loud and shocking. Just what the youngsters want.
We're doing it Bluegrass with me on mandolin. The lead singer is wireless and goes into a rap. It cooks. Will it get everyone in the place on their feet at the end of the night? You bet. Will they come back to see it? You bet. Does it take alot of talent? Nope. Just turn up and go balls to the wall. Its easy.
Still I guess I have to agree with what I'm hearing that Randolph is good for steel guitar exposure. [This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 28 December 2002 at 06:30 PM.]

seldomfed · Post by **seldomfed** » 6 Jan 2003 3:20 pm

Been on vaycay, anyway.

I was dissapointed as well. I thought what he did with the Blind Boys was better than his set. I've seen him live and it's a lot better bing there. It seemed that it was REAL loud in the room - you could see some cat in the audience sort of wondering what was going on

But, he is good for steel and you can't deny the showmanship. Tell me the last time you saw a steel on the front of the stage anywhere on TV. I watched an Opry tribute to Hank W. the other day and as always the steels are in back - but on that show at least they give some camera shots once in a while. Wish Austin City limits would do a steel show with some guys like Franklin, Wallace, Jernigan etc. - I think people would fall out.

oh - nice surprise to see David Lindley doing lap steel on that show too.

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Chris Kennison
Ft. Collins, Colorado
"There is no spoon"
www.seldomfed.com

Bill Fulbright · Post by **Bill Fulbright** » 6 Jan 2003 6:31 pm

Chris,

Now THAT would be something. Having Jernigan, Franklin, White with the spolight really on one or all of them... What a show that would be.

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Bill Fulbright
Mullen D-10 8x7; Gibson ES-165; Peavey Vegas 400;
ICQ# 2251620 My Music Site

Glenn Shankle · Post by **Glenn Shankle** » 7 Jan 2003 7:15 am

Maybe since I had never seen him before I was too easily impressed, but I thought it was way cool. He did things that were very uncharistic (which is good) of steel. I learned a few things.

Glenn Shankle · Post by **Glenn Shankle** » 7 Jan 2003 7:17 am

Pardon my spelling. Its early here.

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 7 Jan 2003 8:17 am

Maybe since I had never seen him before I was too easily impressed, but I thought it was way cool.

I wouldn't say that. He IS impressive the first time you see him. And what he does IS cool. And he really is a great showman, and he really is exposing the steel to a new audience.

I just wonder what he's going to do for a follow up.

seldomfed · Post by **seldomfed** » 9 Jan 2003 4:22 pm

A followup? Hmmmmmm.....
I hear he's getting a record deal so we'll see. But he's a young man - so I expect growth and surprises that come with maturity and experience. I heard an interview on PBS a couple years ago and Robert said he'd just heard Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray V. for the first time not long ago! and was absorbing that material - so many things are new to him. The church's music culture (any culture) insulates to some degree.

I heard him do a killer version of Voodoo Child live last year that just made me weep with that wonderous delight - you know when you hear great music you just cry sometimes? I do anyway. Just amazing - esp. to hear it coming from a steel, and seeing a younger audience appreciate it. (plus I like Voodoo Child!) So be prepared - I do think we'll hear a lot of good stuff from bro. R. over the years.

btw, if ANYONE knows ANYONE linked with Austin City Limits, or PBS - drag them to Scotty's next Fall, and get them to sit and listen for a couple of days. We need someone to do some focused TV specials on the steel - it's high time it's made more visible. Steel history in a documentary tracing lineage from hawaiian > country > jazz > classical > sacred steel > etc. realizing it's not linear of course) OR run thru the hall of fame as well in a mini series. Who's the guy who did that PBS Jazz special? Burns? Drag him to Scotty's!! Drag him to an HSGA convention or Sacred Steel convention. Come on folks - call your buds, leverage this network, pull some strings. This is what the internet is really good for - connections.

And as I dream (drone) on - let me throw out a crazy idea - Instead of just talking about what strings and picks work best, or how everyone hates Shania - could we also ( I said ALSO, because strings and picks are cool!) actually do something as a virtual team?

Could we leverage this international forum to create broader value? Is there power in this network to influence the right people? There's passion here - how can it be directed towards making something happen?

I would propose as a set of goals:
1) Influence and get Austin City Limits to showcase 3-4 top steel players by the end of 2004.
2) Based on the acceptance of that - get a documentary on steel history on PBS by the end of 2006.

I suggest PBS because of the broader audience. If something like this were on one of the country music channels it would be too narrowly focused and watched by a limited audience. And it may perpetuate the stereotype.

I don't know if the general public would care for this anymore than a documentary on a glass harmonica - but I would. And I don't sugest this idea for direct monetary gain because with increased visibility everyone who loves this instrument will benefit directly or indirectly in some form thru increased gigs, more students, more recording, validation, something.

How do we do it? I have no clue. Brainstorm now.......

The question to brainstorm on is this;

"How do we influence Austin City Limits to present a steel showcase"? (goal 1).

Write one sentence per idea. Stick to the topic. A brainstorm of who would play in the showcase is not the question. There are no bad ideas. I volunteer to summarize the list. We'll go from there.
If anyone is interested in helping - email me.

cheers,
chris
cbk@seldomfed.com

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Chris Kennison
Ft. Collins, Colorado
"There is no spoon"
www.seldomfed.com

Bob Knight · Post by **Bob Knight** » 9 Jan 2003 4:44 pm

Recently, a couple of steel guitar "super and legendary picker" friends were at my house, and I pulled up a couple of clips from the internet by Robert Randolph. They both looked at each other and asked if this was a joke............. I personally am appalled at this aberration of our unique instrument being protrayed as steel guitar music.

I welcome pros and cons on this. Anyone that thinks that this mess resembles a steel guitar needs to go back to the drawing board.
PLEASE be as honest as I have been if you have comments.

I don't think we need this kind of promotion for our beloved instrument.

I am very sincere,
Bob

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 9 Jan 2003 5:07 pm

If you want to keep steel guitar an obscure instrument at the back of a country band playing music on the verge of extinction, then you and your pals have the right attitude, Bob. I understand you are sincere, and just being honest about what you think. And I don't mean to put you down and start a fight here, but I have never understood musicians who put other people's music down just because it is "different" from what they themselves like. I just don't get it. Robert Randolph and the other gospel/blues steelers make beautiful music of their own kind in their own way. And that will be true whether you and I like it or not. So let's let it be, and more power to them.

Again, please don't take this the wrong way. I appreciate your honesty, and I'm just trying to be polite here and stand up for different strokes for different folks.

Bill Fulbright · Post by **Bill Fulbright** » 9 Jan 2003 5:20 pm

RR is not as disciplined a player as some of the players with eloquent execution, true. He may never be.

But he is authentic. He comes from an authentic gospel culture. In that culture it isn't about being well defined as much as it is about being full of expression. That is something he has no shortage of!

Let's give Robert a chance to show off the instrument in a new way, and let him mature into his playing style.

No, he hasn't demonstrated the "classical" form of steel playing we are all used to, and appreciate because we all know how demanding it is. But he might one day.

If RR can develop depth and breadth in his repertoire, he may have some staying power.

REMEMBER, when Bill Hayley, and Little Richard came along, not to mention Jerry Lee...and the others, it was Devil Music and anybody who played it or listened to it was shunned by the previous generation. Because it wasn't music. It did evolve into many things.

For sure country was affected by it because the blues, boogie woogie and country are not too far apart at the roots level.

Now we are all clear about what country music isn't, and RR isn't country. But he IS entertaining to the public. For experienced and trained musicians, it is "jam band" stuff of boogie/groove R&B 1-4-5-1, but people went crazy for that stuff at Woodstock! and for many years before and since. RR is getting by on his delivery and energy for now.

As I see it.

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Bill Fulbright
Mullen D-10 8x7; Gibson ES-165; Peavey Vegas 400;
ICQ# 2251620 My Music Site

Bob Knight · Post by **Bob Knight** » 9 Jan 2003 5:20 pm

David and Bill,
You are right to an extent. The pedal steel is a very versitile instrument, Robert Randolph is a great musician in his own right. But he is NOT a steel guitar player,(average or less blues slide player on the outside.)This kind of $hit can be played on most anything with a couple of strings on it. RR is an off key blues player that has little respect for meter or progression that is extortoring the most beautiful instrument on this earth.You can call it "sacred steel" or anything you choose. With his out of tempo, unconventionial style, I don't think he is doing the commercial steel guitar, or any other musical instrument any favors.
This is just my opinion, and I try not to vary from reality. The further you can go away from anything that is real or usual seems to be the main stream of most of the "politically correct" people today.

We complain about today's steel sounds coming out of Nashville.

PEOPLE, Get real. We don't need this, we are letting ourselves be raped!!![This message was edited by Bob Knight on 09 January 2003 at 08:27 PM.]

Russ Young · Post by **Russ Young** » 9 Jan 2003 8:29 pm

So you don't like Robert Randolph's music, do you Bob? Then vote with your feet -- don't buy his albums, don't pay a nickel to see him, don't even watch him on public TV.

But does the fact that you don't like it mean we're getting "raped?" What does your opinion have to do with "political correctness?" And what in the heck are we supposed to "get real" about?

I have a simple rule with my kids: it's perfectly okay not to like some music, art, clothing, food, etc. But all you need to say is "I don't like it." You don't need to convince everyone else that it sucks, or that it's stupid, or especially that it's "$hit."

It's okay that you don't like Robert Randolph's music, Bob. Matter of fact, I don't like it -- period. More power to those of you who do ...

Bob Knight · Post by **Bob Knight** » 9 Jan 2003 8:49 pm

Russ,
You have got a handle on it. We are constantly flooded with the praises of RR. That's great, but there's a lot of things better than "sliced bread" and in my opinion RR as a steel player AIN'T one of them. Any true steel guitar advocate knows this. It has been an avenue of marketing for some of the steel guitar manufactuers' that were not possible otherwise. Again, this is only my take on this. There have been posts on this that I know weren't true feelings. I'm just me and not trying to change anyone's mind. The adage, "the cream always comes to the top" will prevail.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 9 Jan 2003 9:59 pm

I agree with Bob Knight. There's been too much overhyping of Randolph. He plays slide blues on steel guitar, uses practically no knee levers or pedals and yet some here are putting him in the category of a revolutionary pedal steel player. Randolph is
nothing more than a rehash of Jimmy Hendrix and Stevie ray Vaghn on steel guitar. There's nothing NEW about it. What he does is not technically difficult. Just because you call something sacred doesn't make it new or revolutionary.
He is an outstanding performer and is also excellent at what he does and I would pay to see him, but it has very little to do with good pedal steel guitar playing. Most of it could be done on a lap steel.
Have any of you ever seen Joe Wright at the convention playing "House of The Rising Sun" live? If Randolph is a revolutionary then Joe Wright is George Washington.
[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 09 January 2003 at 10:10 PM.]

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 9 Jan 2003 10:33 pm

Was gonna let this one go...

I saw the ACL show, and like many others, I'm sure it didn't do justice to the "band".

Gotta say it though.

I SAW Jimi Hendrix. I was "Experienced".

The kid has got spirit, and like I said, probably didnt' get a full showing of his talents on ACL. Christ, John Mayall's spot some years ago looked like he was pleading for euthanasia...

Anyhow. He's no Jimi Hendrix.

Jimi took not only guitar to places it had never been, he also took the spirit of those that listened to him places we had never been. With his poetry, as well as his playing, (and especially the production quality of his records). It was a time when we needed to "go there" too.

Im not sure I ever really made it back....

Possibly this young feller will be providing some "escape" for the young people of today in this terribly volatile world, and indeed I hope he can. It would be a positive spiritual turn.

I also, in fairness haven't heard where "he" claims to be the new Jimi, or Stevie Ray.

I don't think John Lennon was much of a Sitar Player by Ravi Shankar's standards, but it got "it" out to an otherwise unreached audience. Until I found out about being chained to a tree for 5 years, and the 64 note scales, I was wanting to get one...

Hell, Our band with lame cover tunes and a "girl harp player" played at the Oregon State Prison here in the 80s the week after the T-Birds. We were told a dozen times that our band was "better"... Thank god those kind of people are locked up...

We'll see, I guess, Huh?

Possibly I am missing the point, or taking a passing dog by the ears, but it's been a long day paving...

I did get a kick out of catching the tail end of the TNN show, and watching how obnoxiously RR was treated by the hosts as he tried to play the "end tag". He seemed a lot more "unflapped" than some would have been.

EJL

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 10 Jan 2003 2:05 am

Many Paths go through the Forest
and they All come out on the Other Side
Go Robert, Go --->

(in all Honesty, i am moved more by the Sacred Steel in Church than the Jam Band in MSG)[This message was edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 10 January 2003 at 02:07 AM.]

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 10 Jan 2003 2:32 pm

Well, I guess it's just a matter of what you like. I grew up in North Mississippi and I love the blues. When I hear Robert Randolph, I don't compare him to Buddy Emmons or Curly Chalker or Don Helms. I compare him to other people who played blues on a lap steel. Like The Black Ace, who played blues on a square-neck National Tricone in the '30s and had his own radio program in Texas. Or Good Rockin' Robinson from L.A., who played Chicago style blues in the '50s and '60s on a Fender 6-string lap steel. And he also played great blues fiddle, and sang the blues. Now here comes this young Robert Randolph basically playing lap steel style blues on a 13-string E7 Fessenden. I think it is refreshing that the Sacred Steelers mostly completely ignored the traditional E9 and C6 necks, and created their own E7 neck. It's interesting, and really expanded a lot of people's minds on what could be done on a modern steel guitar in that direction.

I didn't see Robert's performance on Austin City Limits. I saw him first live in a small club in Philly. He had the whole place standing and jumping up and down and screaming for 3 hours. These were all young white city kids who had never seen or heard a steel guitar live. And I don't think they had ever seen a blues performance like that.

It is true that he is probably way better live than on TV or CD (but who isn't). And his blazing fast stuff is more interesting than his slow soulful stuff. Frankly, at his age, he just may not have paid enough dues to do the kind of soulful stuff people like B.B. King are famous for.

Now when he starts mixing in the Jimi Hendrix stuff, that's interesting, too. Nobody ever complained about Junior Brown doing that (another guy who is way better live).

So I hope Robert keeps at it (you know, his church elders frown on his going commercial, just like they frowned on Robert Johnson and Son House in their day) and takes his own way of doing things as far as he can. No, it's not traditional country and Western steel guitar, it's another dimension of the instrument, and it is firmly in the less known blues steel guitar tradition. [This message was edited by David Doggett on 10 January 2003 at 02:36 PM.]

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 10 Jan 2003 8:06 pm

Man, sometimes this forum smokes the Comedy Channel...

"PEOPLE, Get real. We don't need this, we are letting ourselves be raped!!!"

??? I have heard much more rape committed by bad country bands/players...