The Steel Guitar Forum

And like Django, Jerry invented his style on his own and perfected it with a singular kind of musical tunnel vision. He heard the music in his head and he willed his hands and the instrument to make it real.

You could make any number of critical arguments about the varying quality of his recorded work, but his technique is unsurpassed and probably, unsurpassable.

This blurb on the back cover on "Satin Strings of Steel" is kind of interesting. The full orchestral background was Jerry's attempt to bring the steel guitar to a wider audience as a featured instrument. I do remember hearing a couple of JB tunes with orchestra on AM radio back in the 70s and 80s... on an easy listening and oldies station in my area. I was amazed to hear them on the radio. They also played Alvino Rey cuts on that station. Interesting that Alvino also featured steel in a big band setting, as opposed to a small band C&W or Hawaiian setting.

There was a market for the "easy listening" stuff in the '60s. I imagine record producers were encouraging guys like JB to venture into it. One might ask was it really Jerry's ambition to "put the steel guitar on the musical map" in this way, or simply a commercial decision?

Jerry's artistry aside, this stuff is as schlocky as any of its ilk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgE-ggk8p3s

The great players like Byrd, Joaquin, etc. set the bar so high in terms of playing that it would be difficult to surpass them technically. Of course, they were much more than just technique. But artistically, the music they played is not appealing to me for the most part.

Artistry is always something that offers the slightest bit of hope for steel guitarists; it’s something that we should cultivate in line with our own aesthetic. Get the chops you need to perform at your highest level and build from there.

this stuff is as schlocky as any of its ilk

I guess I'm in the minority, but I like Memories of Maria w/full orchestra. At first I didn't like the "Satin Strings of Steel" album, but when I focused on Jerry's backup playing during the orchestral sections I came to appreciate the record. Now I can't imagine the songs without the orchestra. Maybe it's my age too... I remember hearing this style of instrumental music in my youth, just prior to British Invasion music of the mid-60s, which I also loved!

Doug Beaumier wrote:

this stuff is as schlocky as any of its ilk

I guess I'm in the minority, but I like Memories of Maria w/full orchestra. At first I didn't like the "Satin Strings of Steel" album, but when I focused on Jerry's backup playing during the orchestral sections I came to appreciate the record. Now I can't imagine the songs without the orchestra. Maybe it's my age too... I remember hearing this style of instrumental music in my youth, just prior to British Invasion music of the mid-60s, which I also loved!

I feel the same way. Like I enjoy hearing the Ray Charles Singers and that kind of elaborate arranging. It’s not music that I listen to frequently, but when I do it satisfies me in a complete way. I also really like the vocals on the early Jimmy Day record, like on Bud’s Bounce. I can remember spending a lot of time with my grandpa and he listened to WNEW here in the NY area, and they played a lot of stuff like that, maybe even the full Ray Price 60s stuff, Al Hirt, Floyd Cramer and Sergio Mendes Brasil 66. Great times!

That's it, Mike. It brings back memories. Not something I listen to often, but it's part of the soundtrack of our youth.

Mike Neer wrote:I also really like the vocals on the early Jimmy Day record, like on Bud’s Bounce.

Me too!
Absolutely loathed those vocals when I first heard them. Now I can't possibly imagine that record without 'em. Some of Jimmy's very best.

Ditto. I know that artistically speaking, those vocals are the kiss of death, yet they hold a place in my heart from my youthful listening. My mom had a few records by the "Mystic Moods" Orchestra that featured sound effects. I usually despise SFX but somehow it fit with "Theme from Grand Prix" to hear engines in the background and "Born Free" with animal sounds under the syrupy strings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7e6_dp4Qe8

I dunno, I kinda like the dated arrangements. Great for a cocktail party, when you're wearing your lime green leisure suit. I'm juz sayin'.

My guess is that he's playing his Rick Byrd console guitar.