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Topic: Sacred Steelers-Chuck Cambell |
Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
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Posted 20 May 2006 7:33 pm |
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| We had a job cancellation tonight which was pretty unusual for us and I noticed in the paper that The Cambell Brothers were playing in a small town not too far from me at a church. I've been looking forward to seeing the Cambell brothers live for a while now as the Cracker Barrel Sacred Steelers CD is one of my favorite steel CD's and I love listening to the Cambell Brothers on it in my shop. So I took a ride over and saw the show. All I can say is that if you EVER get a chance to see The Cambell Brothers live go see them. I had a long candid talk with Chuck Cambell after the show and he educated me a little on the Sacred Steel players. He also demonstrated to me on his 12 string universal several styles of Sacred Steel, some swing jazz, and classic country. His level of understanding of the pedal steel guitar and its many styles took me by surprise. It was pretty deep. He expressed his admiration for Jimmy Day, Buddy Emmons and explained what an inspiration they were to his journey in playing the steel guitar. He also told me about his Sacred Steel mentors and what tunings they used and some of their style differences. He knew them cold. We also had a candid talk about any of the controversy on the Steel Forum some of which I am guilty of myself. We had a VERY pleasant and revealing discussion. I invited Chuck to PLEASE participate in the Forum and to invite other Sacred Steelers to also participate. After talking to Chuck I really feel that we need participation by the Sacred Steel community here, and I can understand why some would not want to post given some of the controversy the arises here. The Sacred Steel community has alot to offer the rest of us in the way of introducing different ways to play the steel as opposed to standard traditional country. I will probably never be a Sacred Steel player, but I found great value in the conversation that I had with Chuck. He showed me his keyless Excel. A beautifully precision made instrument. He also showed me some of the other tools that he uses in playing Sacred Steel. I am hoping that we can get some of the Sacred Steel players to post and participate here regularly. We all would benefit. Thank you again Chuck for taking the time out to talk to me. It was greatly appreciated. |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 20 May 2006 8:14 pm
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Kevin, that is a really cool story. Sounds like a wonderful time. i really would like to see the sacred steel guys if I can find a show in L.A.
jim |
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Rick Garrett
From:
Tyler, Texas
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Posted 21 May 2006 2:55 am
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That sounds like a real fine time for sure. I hope the Sacred Steel guys will post here. I agree that we could learn a lot of stuff from them. Thanks for a great story!
Rick |
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Dave Mudgett
From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
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Posted 21 May 2006 3:06 am
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Great story, Kevin. I want to second (third) your sentiments about opening ourselves up to the sacred steel community.
You can believe that I will see any sacred steeler any time I get the chance, but especially Chuck and the Campbell Brothers. What they are doing is important for our instrument - it's a whole 'nuther range of expression that could add a lot to any style of playing. IMHO. |
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 21 May 2006 7:06 am
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The Sacred Steel community has a rich and deep history, from what I've read and heard. I would love to see a show sometime. I saw a few of them play on Austin City Limits one time, and it was awe-inspiring.
I visited their website recently and one of the guys is pictured with a Fender Deluxe 8. Seeing that I have one of these coming to me next week, what better place to start learning the 8-string non-pedal?
I also find it interesting that my local record store only carries one steel title: Chuck Campbell's latest CD, which I'm going to buy today. |
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Joe Miraglia
From:
Jamestown N.Y.
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Posted 21 May 2006 7:57 am
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Kevin, where did he play? I would like to have met him. Our band had the night of last night also. Joe
www.willowcreekband.com |
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Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
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Posted 21 May 2006 9:27 am
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| United Methodist Church, Clarence, N.Y. [This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 21 May 2006 at 11:36 AM.] |
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John Macy
From:
Rockport TX/Denver CO
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Posted 21 May 2006 9:55 am
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| Nice post, Kevin. Chuck is a true gentleman and marvelous player. |
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Henry Nagle
From:
Santa Rosa, California
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Posted 21 May 2006 10:42 am
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| Right on! That's a nice thing to see on the Forum. |
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Tony Palmer
From:
St Augustine,FL
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Posted 21 May 2006 1:55 pm
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I've met Chuck three times, once in
St. Louis hanging out in one of the steel rooms and twice at performances in Providence, RI.
On all three times he took the time to explain his tuning, play and demo it for me and invite me to sit down and try his steel.
What a great guy!
We should get him to teach a seminar sometime.
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Larry Weaver
From:
Asheville, North Carolina, USA
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Posted 21 May 2006 2:25 pm
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Yea! GREAT post Kevin! I'm a big fan of Chuck and all the Sacred Steelers. I credit them with generating the interest for me to start back with the instrument after being away for 20+ years. I think their music will have a tremendous influence on the next generation of steel players, and I think it's also an amazing bonus that their message is so positive. Great, great stuff!
best,
-LarryW |
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Curt Langston
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Posted 21 May 2006 4:44 pm
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| Quote: |
| I will probably never be a Sacred Steel player, but I found great value in the conversation that I had with Chuck. He showed me his keyless Excel. A beautifully precision made instrument. |
Wow! I never knew Chuck Campbell played a pedal steel. I thought he played a Sierra Laptop. A Keyless ExceL?
I've always like the Campbell Brothers.[This message was edited by Curt Langston on 21 May 2006 at 05:54 PM.] |
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Mark Eaton
From:
Sonoma County in The Great State Of Northern California
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Posted 21 May 2006 4:54 pm
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Chuck's brother Darick plays the Sierra 8-string in the Campbell Brothers. He is also a long-time Fender Stringmaster man.
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Mark
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Joe Goldmark
From:
San Francisco, CA 94131
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Posted 21 May 2006 7:48 pm
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Hi Kevin,
Chuck is a true gentleman and an excellent player. His band has played a few times at our (Amoeba) record store, and like everyone says, he tried to explain his tuning to me. However, it took me years just to comprehend the E9, so his tuning didn't exactly sink in.
I have a great Chuck Campbell story. He was at my store one time, and asked if we had any Charlie Christian CDs. So I lead him into the jazz section. He pulled up a CD and just stared at it. Finally I asked him what was up. His reply was "I didn't know Charlie Christian was black!" |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 21 May 2006 8:18 pm
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I wish every steeler could see the Campbell Brothers show. It is a thing of beauty to behold. Very exhilirating high power R&B Gospel that really features the two steel guitars - Darick on one side of the stage playing the heck out of a lap steel with his finger curled around the tone for wah, and Chuck on the other side playing the heck out of his pedal steel with a wah pedal. If you find fault with Robert Randolph's wilder style, you wont find the same faults with Chuck, who was RR's mentor. Chuck is of course a more mature player, with more polish to his virtuosity. If you don't have religion, you will by the end of their show. It's just pure joy from beginning to end - one of the best shows I have ever seen on a stage. And their latest CD has the best from the show, although it can't quite give the thrill of the live show.
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Student of the Steel: Zum uni, Fender tube amps, squareneck and roundneck resos, tenor sax, keyboards
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Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
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Posted 21 May 2006 10:17 pm
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| Dave, I agree. Its one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Its pure, uncorrupted, uncommercialized, R&B, blues, gospel and soul. They are all incredible soulful players. They are truly blessed as a family and have been given a great inspirational gift. I almost cried when I saw them. They are the real deal. World class heavenly inspired music messengers. [This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 21 May 2006 at 11:18 PM.] [This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 21 May 2006 at 11:19 PM.] |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 22 May 2006 12:55 am
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Thanx for the thread Kevin
along W: Aubrey Ghent, Chuck C are my favorites
i agree that the forum would benefit from the sacred steelers bein' here among us[This message was edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 22 May 2006 at 01:56 AM.] |
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Don Walworth
From:
Gilmer, Texas, USA
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Posted 22 May 2006 5:45 am
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I'd like to add my comments about the third brother of this great trio. Plays a fantastic lead electric 6 string guitar. I have the Darick Campbell Lap Steel Guitar DVD from Homespun. All three are very good players, but they also appear to really enjoy their instruments and playing them.
While I'll never match their playing ability, I do enjoy watching and listening to their playing.
don |
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Mark Eaton
From:
Sonoma County in The Great State Of Northern California
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Posted 22 May 2006 10:02 am
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I'm glad other folks are getting turned on to the Campbells and getting to hang out with them a bit after shows. They are fine ambassadors for their church tradition and for the steel guitar.
Some of the nicest fellows I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
We know that Del Ray Grace has contributed to The Forum, as well as Lonnnie Bennett.
I encourage you guys to check out the Lee Boys, at www.leeboys.com
Roosevelt Collier of the Lee Boys is one fine pedal steeler. He gets some killer tone out of his Carter. I really enjoy their latest CD.
There a bunch of newer, younger guys coming up through the church that are outstanding players.
We are the beneficiaries that are able to hear some of these fine players these days now that the church has given them the blessing to spread their music around.
And thanks to Forum member Bob Stone, who has been a major player in making this possible!
Oh yeah, the third brother on "regular" guitar is Phil Campbell. A very tasty player!
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Mark
[This message was edited by Mark Eaton on 22 May 2006 at 11:03 AM.] [This message was edited by Mark Eaton on 22 May 2006 at 11:06 AM.] |
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Bob Taillefer
From:
Canada
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Posted 22 May 2006 10:43 am
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My band The Royal Crowns were on the same bill as the Campbell Brothers last July at the Ottawa Blues Festival in Ottawa, Canada. Jonathan Candler was also part of the show.
Chuck, Jonathan and myself set up our steels back stage. We exchanged licks for a few hours. It was great! Chuck showed me some really interesting licks and bar technique. Although Daryk and Chuck play the steel in the show, I found out that everyone in the band, except the bass player, plays the steel.
Later on during the evening, I had the pleasure of jamming with the boys on stage in front of a very enthusiastic crowd. David Lindley, Harry Manx, Bill Frisell, Greg Leiz and Jonathan Candler joined us! Needless to say, I will never forget that experience.
Regards! Bob
www.theroyalcrowns.com |
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Dan Tyack
From:
Olympia, WA USA
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Posted 23 May 2006 6:22 am
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If you go to a Campbell Brothers concert, it just might change your life. I know the experience of playing and working with these guys has done so with me (they helped me get in touch with my own personal holy ghost).Anybody who can make it to the Steel and Slide workshop at Centrum in Port Townsend, WA this July should do so. Both Chuck and Darrick will be there, and they are great teachers. Plus the jams are going to be over the top!
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www.tyack.com
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Bob Stone
From:
Gainesville, FL, USA
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Posted 24 May 2006 3:38 am
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Thanks Mark. It's my great pleasure to work with the "sacred steelers" and help them a little in sharing their music with a worldwide audience.
If you like the Lee Boys album you will love them live. They are touring extensively this summer.
Guitarist Phil Campbell has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best among his peers. He's a big part of the Campbell Brothers' sound.
And again, congratulations to the Campbell Brothers band on their Carnegie Hall gig!
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Chris Brooks
From:
Providence, Rhode Island
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Posted 26 May 2006 8:03 am
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Like Tony, I heard the Brothers in Providence. They played one of our outdoor Waterplace Park concerts.
After the gig, Chuck and I and his steel-playing cousin Jason Whitehead over from Hartford had a long conversation. Chuck is the nicest guy in the world, and though I don't play his tuning, we definitely had our own little Single-12 club going!
Chris
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ebb
From:
nj
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Posted 28 May 2006 6:45 pm
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| probably another reason he doesn't post here is because he played a KEYLESS excel brilliantly when i saw him last week. maybe he is more interested in musical discussions rather than belligerent bellicose butt baboon bs |
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Chris Bauer
From:
Nashville, TN USA
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Posted 28 May 2006 7:18 pm
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"belligerent bellicose butt baboon bs"
Ladies and gentlemen - may I introduce this year's reigning alliteration....  [This message was edited by Chris Bauer on 28 May 2006 at 08:19 PM.] |
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