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Topic: Emmons at ISGC '77 |
Roger Rettig
From:
Naples, FL
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Posted 25 Jan 2004 8:35 am |
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I pulled this CD off the shelf after a long hiatus, and I've been playing it a lot.
It occurred to me as I listened that, if I had to recommend a steel guitar CD to an 'unbeliever', this might be the one I'd choose. The band is super, even though I'm less-than ecstatic about Buddy Spicher's contribution - his tone is a little 'off the wall' for me.
It sounds as though Buddy Emmons was having a particularly good day - the jazz is wonderfully exhilarating, there's more than a 'nod' towards classic country, and 'Once Upon A Time In The West' never fails to bring a tear to my eye. This one track may be my very favourite steel recording.
One thing strikes me - the dramatic difference in the tone of Buddy's guitar on this album compared to his sound on 'Suite Steel'. The '77 sound is warm and full, while I confess that the tone on the earlier work is, to me, somewhat abrasive and harsh.
Anyway - if I want to extol the virtues of pedal steel to anyone, Emmons' 'ISGC '77' will be my choice!
Roger Rettig[This message was edited by Roger Rettig on 25 January 2004 at 03:24 PM.] |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 25 Jan 2004 9:40 am
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I have warm memories of that album being recorded. I have often felt Buddy was at his all time best during that session at the ISGC in '77.
And like you, "Once Upon a Time in the West" is one of Buddy's greatest accomplishments. Not only for what he did on that song, but just his choosing it was indeed unique.
I had the pleasure of being with Buddy in the spring of that year in Atlanta (NAMM show), when he purchased his Ebow for the first time. So I was not suprised to see him use it on that tune; and also on "Mansion on the Hill"; as others were scrambling to see where that awesome sound was coming from.
Like always, Buddy wants to emulate specific sounds perfectly, and he nailed that high soprano's theme song during that movie with his use of the Ebow. Just one more inovative things Buddy has done soooo many times over his unprecedented career. Like the pot boiling in "Witches Brew". Sure others might do it now, BUT he came up with it. And therein lies the secret.
I love his tone on "Suite Steel". His rendition of "Yesterday" with Sneaky Pete, is one of my favorites. But my all time favorite of course is "Once Upon a Time..".
So the '77 convention; Suite Steel; his black album and the latest CD by Ray Price called "Time", are to me, Buddy's finest work. I have never heard him do anything including tuning his guitar that I did not like, except one note (actually a chord) on one recording. 
He is truly the greatest ever been.
May jesus continue to nurture his awesome and unbelievable talents, and bless all of you always,
carl
[This message was edited by C Dixon on 25 January 2004 at 09:43 AM.] |
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Buck Dilly
From:
Branchville, NJ, USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 25 Jan 2004 9:52 am
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| I really like live recordings, in general. They offer the "real deal". I love the '77 stuff but I think that the '79 Denver stuff is really amazing as well. The band is smaller and there seems to be more breathing room. The Rhythm section is smoking, even when they seem to be a little lost. The steel tone in '77 is great. I would love to hear a recent live CD with a small band. |
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Mark van Allen
From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
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Posted 25 Jan 2004 10:59 am
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Carl and Roger, I couldn't agree with you more! Buddy's "Wichita Lineman" off 'Suite Steel' was the beautiful push I needed to find and start on PSG, and it still moves me today. I was fortunate enough to be at the '77 ISGC- I swear I can hear myself hollering on the recording! I do think it may be one of Buddy's best live recordings, a document of a Master at the top of his game. I had seen "Once Upon A Time In the West" and was stunned by his ebow emulation as well. Amazing. When I pull out one CD to turn someone on to what Steel can do and be, it's always "Live '77". Thanks Buddy, from the bottom of my ears.
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Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com
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Ernie Renn
From:
Brainerd, Minnesota USA
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Posted 25 Jan 2004 1:26 pm
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I really like the "Suite Steel" recordings. Yes, they are crisp, but totally "Buddy!"
Live '77 has always been one of my favorites!
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My best,
Ernie
www.buddyemmons.com
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Walter Stettner
From:
Vienna, Austria
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