The Steel Guitar Forum

And yes after reading the list about the third time I saw they had Les Paul listed.

So many voters on the list,
have the historical and technical perspective
of debutants to the music world.

That Jack White gets rated so high says volumes...

That rolling stone article it just makes me smile to think that they included a steel guitarist! Personally I think where you will find talant is in your local clubs, some of those guys are very sharp, and they never get noticed.

Robert is WELCOME..he is respected and appreciated..

I don't think it has anything to do with RR, there are those that really like that style and there are those who don't..

Some folks just plain like traditional Country Music, some folks only like good ole R+R and Blues, some like em' both..

It's not the player, it's the Music, not everyone likes or should be expected to like every style of Music.

RR knows there are many that like what he is doing, I think to him thats all that matters. Most , if not ALL of the players on this forum at some level are associated with Country Music, that doesn't mean thats ALL we listen to or play but for the most part we are connected to Country music, it is a common thread amoung us. Robert is outside of this little circle so thats probably why it doesn't appear that he is well received, but I think he is.

He's a fine player.

t

I think maybe the steel community is a bit snobbish. There are alot of people who don't feel welcome here and that is a real shame

Rick Garrett

Do you think hardcore classical guitarists are hailing Willie Nelson as a savior just because he plays a classical guitar?

to answer the original post:
anyone can make a racket on the steel but it takes a musican to make music on it

Calvin, the traditional racket-making material was bamboo, but carbon composites are common now. I don't think steel is used at all.

Well RR certainly is making music on it.
And having fun.

So basically it comes down to if you are not playing Music I like then it's "racket" ?


IF you are not playing Music I like then you are not a Musician ?

My oh my , we certainly have reached a new plateau...

Arnold Schoernberg is in a lot of trouble!

He must not be decomposing as we speak,
because he was not a composer of music,
since someone doesn't like it...

Stockhousen was only a banger of assorted animate objects.

Anthony Braxton was just an abstract artist.

And Robert Randolph is a tennis equipment manufacturer.

Yeah it all begins to make sense now!

I front my own band.....

just because a child bangs on a piano does not make it music. it is what it is.... racket
just because an adult makes noise on a steel does not make it music
i don't much care for jazz or marching bands but at least they quilify as music

Tony you hit the nail on the head, I would tend to agree that the steel guitar family and even the forum is mostly country music based, RR has a different taste, but would you not admitt that it does seem that he (RR) is not welcome? This is really ashame since he has brought so much attention to our intsrument. Ever read those post's where will the PSG be in the future? I think we only need to look in the present cause RR is thinking that one up!

RR is doing his thing and has done that with much success.If you don`t like what he does don`t listen his music,plain and simple.I`m not a big fan of his music but I do respect the man and I don`t think he is making a noise at all, and for someone to call his music a noise is very delicate critic and that person would have to have a big fat credibility to stend behind that,so far in this topic I don`t think that any of us are credible enough to judge RR`s music.

Db

Ok Calvin, so noted...

It's no wonder players like RR want no part of this happy family..

Jeez Calvin would you not be happy that RR is getting alot of attention to the steel? While you think it is racket the guy has accomplished alot based off of his racket! Calvin I can't think of one person as of late whome has brought so much attention to the steel. I think RR is the first PSG to be on MTV. So after your post it just show's that the steel guitar family and forum doesn't welcome RR and personally if I was him I could care less.

I've heard both Joe and Sarah,and though they are both great players, and decent performers, they are not great singers! Not trying to slam anyone, but I'd like Sarah more if she just played. Same with Joe. RR is no great singer either, but he does have that bluesy funky voice, and a killer band, and he is a superb performer, regardless of whether or not you like his style. It is almost always about vocals, with very few exceptions. JP

Tell you what Calvin. Until you can actually play the instrument yourself, why don't you refrain from criticizing successful musicians.

Calvin Walley wrote:i don't much care for jazz....

Reminds me of what John Daugherty sent me:

"A curious music fan once asked the seasoned veteran piano player why he
chose to make his career playing jazz.

The old pro lit up another cigarette. 'I don't like crowds,' he replied."

[Moral? To each his own?]

Maybe Robert Randolph doesn't like crowds unless he's playing in front of them.

I can just hear what they said about Charles Ives or Picasso: "My aunt can play/paint better than that!"

Another friend sez: "If you can't say something nice, come sit by me."

So maybe you should post some of your playing, Calvin. I have. Step up to the line.

Dan Tyack wrote:I front my own band.....

I've seen them. You guys are great!

I have no doubt Dan's band is killer.

Calvin, you have every right not to like RR's music.
But I think it's more likely you just
don't like his TONE!

If he DIDN'T have the screaming tone
and still played hot blues music,
I am not sure you would like him better,
but it wouldn't seem like 'racket'
to a pure country fan.

But it seems you can't get past the 'tone' to hear the music.
Your loss.. the music IS there,
and it's resonating with a wide spectrum of people;
black, white, funk, rock, blues, soul, RnB, and more.

Just apparently not with hardcore old school country players.

Me, I have heard screaming guitars since I was a pup.

It's just another of the available sounds in
the pallet for a good player. And one that
makes money in almost any mainstream genre these days.

when saying anything about a musician or their music on this site it is important to remember:
1. the musician may (more like probably will at some point)read this, would you say what you are saying to their face? actually ....just apply that question to any conversation on the net and the net will be a better place.
2. that musician might have many fans on this site who strongly disagree with and are actually offended by your criticism of something they really like.

does that mean you cannot say anything critical? no...just be polite and considerate about it and things will go alot more smoothly and your viewpoint is more likely to be considered

Charlie
i have no way to record my playing otherwise i would be delighted to

Dave
tone ??? what tone? he has none

Ben

i never say anything here that i am not willing to say to anyone's face. i am just that kinda guy

i would bet that if i revved a chain saw mixed it with a jet engine and stepped on my dogs tail a couple of times, 25% of the folks here would call it music