Question about...Robert Randolph..

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 7 Jan 2004 5:15 pm

The guy has IMMENSE and unique talent to be sure ,,, very few of us can play a steel guitar in that style... My question is this... Does he ever use a traditional pedal steel sound?? Everything I have heard by him sounds like it was played by a world class fusion/ rock/blues guitarist.. Very immpressive certainly... just wondering if anyone has heard him use a clean sweet pedal steel sound.. I know he certainly can.. just wondering if he ever does.. this is CERTAINLY not a knock,his formidable talent makes mine look pathetic in comparison. just curious .... bob

Post by **Joey Ace** » 7 Jan 2004 6:21 pm

I don't think so. It would be quite difficult to play straight conventional songs in tunings and setup the Sacred Steelers use.

Aaron Garrett · Post by **Aaron Garrett** » 7 Jan 2004 6:32 pm

There are a few moments on Live at the Wetlands where he goes to a more classic pedal steel sound. It sounds cool amidst the Duane Allman/Stevie Ray runs at lightning speed.

He is amazing, his pedal work is so fast you can hardly hear it as he makes those runs. But apparently the steels have to be rebuilt after every show. And he's on the horn nearly every day to Jerry Fessenden (or so I was told).

Can't wait to see him in Boston next month!

Dan Tyack · Post by **Dan Tyack** » 7 Jan 2004 8:30 pm

Joey wrote:

It would be quite difficult to play straight conventional songs in tunings and setup the Sacred Steelers use

There's nothing in the Sacred Steel players copedents that would restrict playing 'conventional' steel. I have been playing a modified Sacred Steel tuning for a while, and I don't sacrifice anything in terms of conventional E9th playing. Chuck Campbell plays very convincing E9th on his setup, which was the source of Roberts copedent. I think the reason why you don't hear a lot of traditional playing is that the audience would rather hear them play their own thing (I know I would).

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www.tyack.com

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 7 Jan 2004 10:01 pm

Bob, I am not convinced that he can play clean steel. It takes alot more talent and control than what he currently does. Anyone can play dirty guitar.

Jim Palenscar · Post by **Jim Palenscar** » 7 Jan 2004 10:48 pm

Kevin- I admit to not seeing RR play "clean" sounds on his guitar but neither have I seen the likes of John Hughey or Tom Brumley play what Robert plays. If you are implying that anyone can play what he does you are wrong. I cannot do that but would love to be able to. He is an immensely talented individual. "Balance, Daniel-san, balance" in the immortal words of Mr. Miyagi.

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 7 Jan 2004 10:57 pm

Somebody mention JOE WRIGHT??

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 7 Jan 2004 11:06 pm

SG/ No kidding...

I think there's a difference in skin though.

Joe's is much thicker..

EJL

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 8 Jan 2004 4:40 am

Well anyway,I have listened to several "sacred steel" clips on the net.I must say that to me it sounds just like good blues guitar playing. I am a fair 6 string guitarist and a lot of my basic blues/rock/r&b bag of tricks sounds like some of this sacred steel playing. It certainly is VERY cool if thats what you like,and the players are VERY VERY talented,but I guess I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to pedal steel.Give me the playing of Tom Brumley,Ralph Mooney,Lloyd Green,JD Maness ANY day over this sacred steel music. I guess I want my pedal steel to sound like it has pedals on it. I will admit that the SS style of playing WILL appeal to a big number of folks that have little use for the sound of a traditional pedal steel. I just prefer a clean sound about 90-95% of the time, and a good crunchy warmly distorted bluesy tone used as an effect in a few tunes here and there. I love a good crunchy blues sound on steel.. Me personally though,I would not care to base my whole playing style on it bob

Post by **Joey Ace** » 8 Jan 2004 6:39 am

I respect Dan Tyack's above comments.

Dan has way more experience with Sacred Steelers than I'll ever have.

My comments are based on Chuck Campbell explaining the tuning is sorta like an autoharp. The pedals are used to get different types of chords, then the licks are played as if on a non-pedal guitar.

Of course, the masters vary this technique, but it is the basic concept.

If my understanding is not correct, please educate me.

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 8 Jan 2004 6:57 am

Wow. Since "anyone can play dirty guitar", I'd love to and pay good money to see Robert and Kevin go head to head someday...

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 8 Jan 2004 7:40 am

The one commonality of a the various Robert Randolph threads is that someone always wants to denigrate his steel playing. And it's usually the reaction to his unique, rock-oriented style.

Joe Wright is one of the best steel players I've ever seen or heard, and I agree that he's the man when it comes to playing the full range from soulful country steel to heavy metal rock steel. However, I don't believe that the soulful country chops are a prerequisite to being a good rock steeler. I don't believe RR has any interest in playing music that is traditionally associated with pedal steel. I think the successful pros here probably appreciate what he's doing and many of the rest of us react with a bit of envy or jealousy.

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HagFan

Post by **Joey Ace** » 8 Jan 2004 8:20 am

Joe Wright is a master for sure.
But remember he plays a U12. That gives him the basic E9 tuning and changes available to do the straight Steel licks.

I agree that RR is blazing his own direction, and that's good for everyone.

If he had chosen to play "A Way to Survive" like Buddy I suspect we would never of heard of him, just like if Hendrix had choosen to play like Chet,or Segovia.

Mark Tomeo · Post by **Mark Tomeo** » 8 Jan 2004 8:29 am

RR has a solo on "Hung Up On You" from the new Fountains of Wayne CD "Welcome Interstate Managers." The phrasing is totally country, but the tone does have a gritty edge to it. So yeah, he can play country with whatever tuning he's using.
The song itself reminds me a lot of "You're Still On My Mind" from the Byrd's "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" in terms of structure and melody. Amazing how much controversy this guy's playing generates.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 8 Jan 2004 8:51 am

I find the blocking techniques needed for playing a really gravelly distorted sound are much harder to do than basic clean steel.

I started using a lot of left thumb blocking & left middle finger with only a bit of the bar un blocked, pickblocking and palm blocking all at once to get it clean.
It is harder than RR makes it seem.
And he is fast and clean.

Last night I found myself playing Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing, without even being told the song title or key before it started.
I listened a second or two hit the nasty tone midi switch and shortly found myself sounding like David Gilmore of Pink Floyd.
I also had never even thought of this song on either neck, ever, a bit disconcerting.

But when it was done the guitarist who had sung the tune turned around and shook my hand... to my great surprise.

I had to improvise with all those blockings and brain on overdrive, but it was the right set of methods for the music.
I really appreciate RR more and more.

As to one of Bob's questions, he does a bit of cleaner stuff on his album, and some acoustic work too. The man is serious.

Rick Aiello · Post by **Rick Aiello** » 8 Jan 2004 9:36 am

I remember hearing a NPR interview with Robert R. where he plays a couple clean, country-style licks ... when discussing his visit to Nashville and hangin' out with some pros there.

The "Word" interview.

Its been a couple years but I think thats the one ...

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www.horseshoemagnets.com

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 8 Jan 2004 3:18 pm

Jerry Fessenden asked me to post this for him.

I went in to see him warming up & all I heard was Don Rich. I wondered if they had a tele guy, but it was Robert. He can also do OBS as fast & clean as anyone else, w/o effects, etc.

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 8 Jan 2004 3:33 pm

When a 25 year old women ask, do you know Robert Randolph? I saw him on T.V. He's cool!

I say he's made a mark and is drawing interest with the instrument. Go Robert!

Theresa

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 8 Jan 2004 3:33 pm

I wonder how his playing would have fit in with Roy Acuff's band? Smokey Mountain Boys.

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 8 Jan 2004 3:43 pm

Jody, I 'spect it would have fit in about as well s Don Rich, or Hank Garland, or Brent Mason...
Robert Randolph is an EXTREMELY talented young man!

Charlie Moore · Post by **Charlie Moore** » 8 Jan 2004 4:05 pm

Well if you like what RR is doing that's cool,but what he is doing NOT something that say's RR is set apart from the steel guitar world,Joe WRight has been doing the same thing for YEAR'S,Paul Franklin would make RR look like he was in slow motion,like i say if you like it cool, i don't.....
Charlie......

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 8 Jan 2004 4:16 pm

Teresa
I dont like him because he dont play a Fender

other than that he is OK.Sorry I mispelled your name...Its Theresa..one of my favorite names

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 08 January 2004 at 04:17 PM.]

Steinar Gregertsen · Post by **Steinar Gregertsen** » 8 Jan 2004 4:16 pm

I've been following these RR threads with interest since I became a member almost a year ago. I still can't understand what the controversy is about. Isn't the pedal steel guitar a musical instrument and not a musical style?

As for his supposed lack of 'clean' playing,- there's a cut of him playing some scaringly fast, superCLEAN stuff on Arholie's 'Sacred Steel' DVD. I'd recommend that DVD to anyone interested in finding out more about this tradition. Also featured is an interesting interview with Chuck Campbell where he tells how he got inspired to pick up the pedal steel after being blown away by a player (sorry, don't remember who) at a Nashville Steel Guitar Convention...........

My only 'problem' with RR is his songwriting, but that's another story. IMHO he doesn't have to prove anything to anybody as a player, he's great at what he does and obviously does it out of love for his music and the steel guitar.

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

Ron Whitfield · Post by **Ron Whitfield** » 8 Jan 2004 4:25 pm

Out of respect to Mike Bagwell or anyone else offended by my statement, I appologize. I'll leave it as posted to let it be viewed and taken as will. *** He would never have been given the opportunity to play steel in any white southern band of that era, and maybe not in this one either. Maybe his increasing popularity will help eliminate that tragic reality, especially if he's as good as many say he is. When I see RR schedualed for an appearence on the 'Opry' then I'll know times and attitudes are surely changing. Til then, no doubt he'll keep doing it his way, and more power to him.[This message was edited by Ron Whitfield on 09 January 2004 at 12:17 PM.]

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 8 Jan 2004 4:35 pm

Charlie & Jody,
I really appreciate the kind words....

Robert is taking steel to another level and we should all appreciate it.
He is talented and helps our small community of steelguitar.
I applaude Robert!

Theresa