3 New videos by Susan Alcorn at YouTube!

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 2 Jun 2007 4:27 am

I've just played all 3 and I can tell you for sure, if you like Susan's music, these are real gold. I personally lack the vocabulary and writing skills to give Susan the kind of review she deserves but I'm going to do my best anyway. Forgive me if I seem overly dramatic... but this is very dramatic music.

There have been some videos lately where people have wondered if the player was actually playing live, or perhaps was miming along with a pre-recorded track, including pre-recorded steel with who-knows-how many punch-in/outs... as you watch these you'll see that Susan is playing every note absolutely live. Here she is playing solo steel; there is no backup track, drummers, midi, nothing except Susan and her steel. You can even hear her pedals creaking as she's playing. There are no edits, punch-in/outs or fixes of any kind, and none needed.

Her music may not be for everyone; those who believe that country shuffles are the only thing that belong on a pedal steel guitar, probably will not enjoy Susan's playing as much as I do, and that's fine for them. We all have the freedom to choose and listen to what we like. I like all kinds of music.

Those such as myself, who love innovative, imaginative yet emotional music with a truly original style, played on such a unique instrument as the pedal steel guitar, will be moved by these new videos.

Not only is Susan's playing innovative and original - her beautiful use of harmony, dissonance, textures and dynamics readily displays her vast knowledge and understanding of music theory and mechanics, all done with flawless execution.

Knowledge of music theory doesn't guarantee beautiful music. Knowledge without understanding often leads to disappointing results at best and disastrous at worst, and not only in the area of music....but Susan uses her knowledge with heart, taste, expression and emotion, with hauntingly beautiful results.

Susan draws the infinite possibilities of the universe into her heart, and somehow manages to organize and translate it to song, bringing it to life in sound through her pedal steel guitar.

There are at least a few modern innovators of the pedal steel guitar, and these clips are proof positive that Susan Alcorn certainly is deserving of a place at the top of that list. She is a modern-day master, I sincerely hope she gains the recognition and appreciation she deserves.

This is music to listen to in a quiet room, undisturbed... close your eyes, clear your mind and just listen.

Twin Beams:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x5UEEbnVQU

Adios Nonino:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvtVs47A ... ed&search=

You and Me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9NAPHpU ... ed&search=

Billy Wilson · Post by **Billy Wilson** » 2 Jun 2007 7:50 am

Fantastic!!

George Redmon · Post by **George Redmon** » 2 Jun 2007 10:08 am

This is so beautiful, thanks for posting it. I really appreciate the wonderful things the steel guitar is capable of. And susan is very talented. This just goes to show the versatility of this wonderful instrument, here demonstrating it's harp like quality. So beautiful.

Billy Wilson · Post by **Billy Wilson** » 4 Jun 2007 12:26 am

Is that a Red Baron?

George Redmon · Post by **George Redmon** » 4 Jun 2007 6:25 am

oh my goodness no, she's not playing a Red Baron.

James Cann · Post by **James Cann** » 5 Jun 2007 8:49 am

This is a fine example of two things: discipline in balancing human physical and mental energy, and the musical potential of the steel guitar.

Micky Byrne · Post by **Micky Byrne** » 8 Jun 2007 2:57 pm

Billy.....that an M.S.A universal, usually 7 pedals and 5 knee levers.

Micky Byrne United Kingdom www.mickybyrne.com

Gary Rue · Post by **Gary Rue** » 11 Jun 2007 2:31 am

A perfect example of how musical thought can be transfered to any instrument. Thankyou for the posting.