Al Brisco & Steve Smith

joe long · Post by **joe long** » 27 Mar 2006 6:39 am

Not to take away anything from all the other great players at the Texas Show I believe it's time to give Al & Steve some exposure in "prime" time. My wife and I have listend to them the past couple of years at Dallas and St. Louis and they are always on Sunday morning. Their sets are flawless and incrediable.

I realized there are many great players on these shows and I'n not suggesting anyone be replaced. I believe that sometimes it's good so shuffel some time slots around for the good of the show. A little change doesn't hurt anyone.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 27 Mar 2006 7:07 am

My last visit to St Louis, in 2004, Al's set which was I beleive the last one on Fri night,
was in my little opinion one of the best sets of the entire weekend.

Al's CD , Pickin up the Dust is real fine too.

t

Bill Simmons · Post by **Bill Simmons** » 27 Mar 2006 7:23 am

I agree!! Those 'ol Canadian boys can really play. Terrific players!

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 27 Mar 2006 7:53 am

They are both also wonderful people and a tribute to the steel community.

Chris Latta · Post by **Chris Latta** » 27 Mar 2006 12:53 pm

Have to bump this one up for my fellow countrymen Al Brisco and Steve Smith.

Had the pleasure of hearing Steve Smith play with The Wilkinsons about a month ago here in town. I also heard Steve jamming with Bob Taillefer and others at Al's store when I went to pick my first steel back in December. Awesome.

Al Brisco is not only a wonderful player but also a great guy to do business with. We traded many an email when I was finally ready to take the plunge and buy a steel.He was very patient and helpful, answering all my questions and offering his opinions about certain instruments and helped me make the right decision. I'd recommend his services to anybody and everybody.Al's bio and playing dates can be seen at SteelGuitarCanada.com.

Cheers,

Chris

Don Discher · Post by **Don Discher** » 27 Mar 2006 2:15 pm

Ditto for Al,a few weeks back I posted having a problem with LKL not returning to pitch so Al was able to coach me through it and everything works fine whereas he could have said pack it up and ship it to him.This saved me about $100.00 in shipping and an hours labour.The world needs more guys like this.Plus he sold me a couple of great guitars.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 27 Mar 2006 2:50 pm

Yes, I agree about Steve and Al. Both great players and great guys.

I bought an MSA Universal last summer from Al, and it was a great guitar. I get most of my stuff from him, including my bars. He advised me to get the BJS a long time ago, but stupid me kept buying cheaper bars until I almost drove him out of his mind!! Finally I bought the BJS from him, and never looked back. Al knows best, I've learned the hard way.

He was also nice enough to have a brand new Mullen waiting for me at the Joe Wright seminar last November which allowed me to leave my 'Bud on terra firma.

I had the pleasure of spending an evening jamming with Steve Smith here in St. John's last December. A very fine and effortless picker, he showed me a lot of new licks, chords and runs which I have employed in my playing ever since. Great guy, and SMOKIN' on the C6! While he was in town, he also got under my Sho-Bud and adjusted all the pulls, fine-tuned all the changes, and generally gave it a great tune-up. What a guy.

An Overdue thread about two Canadian steel greats.

Post by **Joey Ace** » 27 Mar 2006 6:10 pm

Al and Steve in Dallas this year.

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 27 Mar 2006 7:25 pm

Al and Steve are definitely a class act. Jody.

Roy Rosetta · Post by **Roy Rosetta** » 28 Mar 2006 8:41 am

Al and Steve are two of the nicest people in the world and they are great steel guitarist. It is always a pleasure to work with either of them. I too think they should have their own slot on any of the steel shows they are invited to play.
I'm looking forward to the next time.
...Roy

------------------
Music is a "gift" with many wrappings....
....Roy

Al Brisco · Post by **Al Brisco** » 28 Mar 2006 6:00 pm

Thanks to all for your kind words. We all bring different styles to the table...I guess that's what makes the world go round?

When I listen to Steve play I think he has 'tone to die for'.

In fact, on stage at the Dallas show I thought his tone was so good, while I thought mine was the worst I've heard in some time...But speaking with players in the crowd, they said it was fine....so go figure?
Thanks from me for both Steve & I.

Paddy Long · Post by **Paddy Long** » 28 Mar 2006 7:29 pm

Al I heard you play in a lot of different places over the Dallas weekend and you sounded really good in all of them -- that little blue lacquer guitar is just great mate. It was great meeting both you and Steve and I really appreciated the chance to hear you both play.

Had a great time in BC as well, but didn't manage to catch up with your friend over on the island - but we emailed.

joe long · Post by **joe long** » 29 Mar 2006 7:01 am

Al, my wife and I sat in front of you and Steve on the Sunday morning slot. I can assure you that both of you had tones to die for.

I just believe that you and Steve need to be in a time slot on Friday or Saturday nights.

Bob Taillefer · Post by **Bob Taillefer** » 30 Mar 2006 9:50 pm

Steve Smith and Al Brisco along with Bob Lucier and Ollie Strong set the standard in Canada. I am delighted that their great talents are being recognized abroad. Jamming with these guys can be a little daunting!

Regards Bob

Buck Grantham · Post by **Buck Grantham** » 31 Mar 2006 8:23 am

Every time I see Steve I have to ask him again how he chimes. He does it better than any one I know. Steve and Al are truly super nice people.

Andy Greatrix · Post by **Andy Greatrix** » 1 Apr 2006 12:45 pm

I've known Steve Smith since 1966 and Al Brisco since 1968. They were both very good players even then. They have always been technically sound and very knowledgeable, but more importantly, they play with a lot of soul. It's good to see them get the recognition they both deserve.