The Steel Guitar Forum

Dear Anita, I'm sorry to hear this news. I knew y our dad back in the 50's when he was known as Pete Medcaf. he pla yed a 4 neck fender, and carried a ton of equiptment. a t that time he probably weighed 120 lbs. he played a t the Blue Flame in Misha waka In. He and my friend John Harbison drove a 49 ford to california. he was way ahead of his time. I have fond memories. YES---we remember Pete. L arry Self

"Jackson Browne's Take It Easy"

The two greates steel parts ever, for me, are that ride in Take it Easy and the little descending lick after "...eyes..." he used in Christine's tune - which he would turn on its head and use in other tunes as well.

The Christine's tune lick is the Holy Grail for Sneaky fans, it seems. It's so atypical of "normal" steel and is one of those things that case you to hit "rewind" over and over and over.

The Take it Easy "outro" sounds unearthly. It's being played by angels. Put headphones on, and you get taken somewhere else. It's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever created. Sneaky always said to "play from the heart" - that outro is love.

Sorry to hear about Pete's condition. He was a huge inspiration for me when I first took up steel. I couldn't get enough of Christine's Tune! I still enjoy hearing his music.
Anita, if there's anything we can do to help, don't hesitate to give me a hollar. My wife and I are 15-20 minutes away from Petaluma.

Sincerly,
Dave Zirbel
707-953-3163<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Dave Zirbel on 20 August 2006 at 10:26 AM.]</p></FONT>

Hello Anita,
I'm sorry to hear about your father. I work for a hospice down here in Florida. I see every day the cruelty of Alzheimer's Disease. It is possibly the meanest of all the affilctions that take our lives. I pray and hope for the best for your family.
Your father, with a little help from Mr. Parsons, provided the soundtrack in my head for the greater part of my life. Please tell him so, and thank him for me.
Duncan

When living in LA in the 1980’s, I asked someone I met in the film industry about Pete Kleinow. The person knew immediately who he was and was in awe of his special effects talents, just as we feel about him in the steel guitar world. If you search emmys.org you’ll find this:

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT - special visual effects - 1983
The Winds of War - ABC - Jackson De Govia, Production Designer; Leslie Huntley, Special Visual Effects; Peter Kleinow, Special Visual Effects; Michael Minor, Art Director; Gene Warren

In fact, Sneaky Pete’s steel guitar playing is itself a “special effect” on probably the most complicated musical instrument in the world. Here are a few of his many incredible studio moments:

1) “Take It Easy” Jackson Browne 1972 This is one of the truly great all-time tracks from the California country-rock era. Sneaky adds a phase shifter to his sound and proceeds to rip through this classic original version of the future Eagles hit song. The first solo is a masterpiece....the second solo (during the outro) is a moment snatched from heaven.

2) “Christine’s Tune (Devil In Disguise)” The Flying Burrito Brothers I never knew what the steel guitar was capable of until I heard this. Sneaky switches from tele-like country tone in the verse and chorus to a wild distortion sound in the turnarounds and outro that never second guesses itself; it’s just fearless. And the 3rd verse is sheer reckless abandon. To me, this track is the epicenter of the country-rock movement.

3) “Sail Away” and “You Can Almost See It” from Linda Ronstadt’s Don’t Cry Now 1973 Here’s a beautiful demonstration of creativity on a recording session. Sneaky plays melodic fills around Linda’s beautiful vocal, never getting in the way. AND, he perfectly imitates a string section at the end of “You Can Almost See It.”

4) “Too Shy To Say” Fulfillingness' First Finale Stevie Wonder 1974 This is another Sneaky masterpiece; just Stevie Wonder on piano and Sneaky on transcendent steel guitar. Check it out at iTunes.

5) “I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You” Linda Ronstadt Heart Like A Wheel 1974 Some classic country licks in Sneaky’s inimitable style.

Sneaky teaches us that true artists never imitate --- their work is always unique and immediately identifiable. That is Pete’s legacy and his gift to the many fans of the steel guitar. Thank you so much, Pete.

Steve Fishell

Well said, Steve.

Anita, I spoke with Gib Guilbeau the other day and he told me what is happening to Pete and it just broke my heart-I'm at a lost for words and offer my best hopes and wishes for you and Pete and I have such fond memories of playing music with Sneaky-this is a hard one to take,God Bless all of you.Mickey.

Ditto, Steve. Those are some of the songs I heard in the '70's that the steel really gave me chills and still does. Although I'd heard and appreciated other steelers, the Nashville and Texas greats, Sneaky's playing really spoke to my heart the most. I never tried to be a clone because I knew I could never be, but Sneaky's playing really got to me more than anyone else's, because he was more than technically precise, his playing has such a strong soulfullness, sounding from sweet and angelic to incredibly lonely and sorrowful, a heartfelt quality that's hard to describe but can certainly be felt. Sneaky you're one of a kind.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 21 August 2006 at 12:00 AM.]</p></FONT>

Essentially I dig steel because of Pete, Pete is the first steel player I knew of.

He also played Beatles style rock and roll with Sir Raleigh & The Cupons in 1964-65, they cut some records that still show up on comps. (that's because they're great)

Sorry to hear his health is thus, Anita we all love Pete.

So sorry to hear this sad news Anita, and I know how hard a illness like this can hit the caregiver.

All our love, and thanks for posting the news, your father touched most of us on the forum, with his beautiful soulful steel playing. One of my favorites was "Blackbird" on the Suite Steel album.




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Dave Wren
'96 Carter S12-E9/B6,7X7; Twin Session 500s; Hilton Pedal; Black Box
www.ameechapman.com

"Yesterday" on the Suite Steel album is another one that I really love.

Greg Leisz gave me the news, it is indeed a sad day.

A number of years ago, I was working on a stage in Hollywood, some how it came up that I played steel guitar and the co-ordinator told me that Pete had been working on the other side of the wall, the previous day. I told him how disappointed I was that I couldn't just walk around the corner and thank him for the inspiration. I'll send him a card, I wish I could send him a quick recovery.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by chas smith on 21 August 2006 at 10:37 AM.]</p></FONT>

I am so sorry to hear of this, I just went through the same thing with my Pops and we had to put him in a skilled home as well. Sneaky is one of the most unique musicians I have ever heard and a true inspiration. I think of him all the time when I'm playing my fender. If there is anything I could do to help don't hesitate to ask. Sneaky is loved !

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70's Fender S-10,
68' ZB-S10, Emmons Legrande D-10

thank you fish. a truly remarkble player and producer himself steve gave a wonderful list of highlights that have changed many lives around here

I can only echo the heartfelt sentiment expressed in this thread and simply say Pete, thanks for your music and creativity.

Ed, you posted this link in the Music section a while ago, but here it is again...
http://voicemechanic.com/pete_kleinow.htm</P>
<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Greg Simmons on 21 August 2006 at 05:09 PM.]</p></FONT>

I just had to post-in again.

"Dark End Of The Street" - what a beautiful slow start and the way Pete just builds it into the "wild" ending crescendo.

I said to myself back then, "there is just no other way to play this lead"... I was just stunned. I sat and listened and followed along with Sneaky. Half-way thru the solo, it hit me.

I "know" where this is going, or at least, knew what he was attempting.

And at the moment, I realized, this guy has it all together. He knows and feels what he's doing.

The ride was sensational.

I'm having some trouble explaining myself, here, but I hope all you steelers and fans will try to understand what I'm trying to convey.

That simple little song, DEOTS, just would not have been the same song, to me, if Sneaky's great solo wasn't in there. That solo just kicked the hell out of that song.

Once again, Anita, my heart goes out to Sneaky, you, your immediate family, and this steel community, and the whole world.

I'm having a hard time with this.

Thanks for your testimonial, Chip.
It's truly heartfelt. And thanks for reminding me about another great track on that first Flying Burritos album, "Do You Know How It Feels To Be Lonesome." Sneaky gives me chills everytime I hear him in the first chorus, right after the word "lonesome," as he leans into those thirds. Stone country with that high lonesome desert-Fender tone, just as good as it gets.

My thoughts are with Sneaky and his family tonight.

Anita,
Your dad is one of my all time favorite musicians. I owe so much to Sneaky Pete. His fearless style not only was a wonderful sound to me but also introduced me to new ways of playing this instrument. I treasure the times that I saw him perform and got to share the stage with the Burrito Brothers. Please tell him that he is loved.
Chuck

And, of course, Pete is the reason this is my #1...and was instrumental (pun intended) in helping build it, when I knoew nothing about steels. He communicated some early stuff, then more through Anita and Anita helped with most of the detail work. It's an "updated" version...but still has much of the same sound and feel:

Jim that is a gorgeous Fender and I'm envious. My first PSG was a Fender 1000, but back then there was no internet or any way for me to know how I should set it up so I made my own very backward copedant.

If I'm ever lucky enough to find another Fender 400 or 1000 and can afford it, I'm going to do exactly asyou have done; set it up with Sneaky's setup and explore how he gets those so-unique sounds. Of course none of us will ever play or sound like Sneaky, but it would be fun to try to explore and learn some of what he did.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 22 August 2006 at 01:08 PM.]</p></FONT>

I got a call at the house from Sneaky in April of 05 and talked with him at Blissfest in Michigan in July of the same year. It's so hard to hear that his condition has deteriorated so.

It was so great to shake his hand and see him smile. I am truly fortunate.

Blessings to you Sneaky and Anita at this very trying time.

Russ

Who can forget the playing on Joe Cocker's version of "She came in through the bathroom window". Although I'm sure 99% of listeners never realized it was pedal steel. And then Pete turned around and played some of the sweetest country pedal steel on songs like Linda Ronstadt's version of 'I can't help it if I'm so in love with you'. For me, Pete's playing on that is the definitive version.

I was playing in the house band at the Palomino when Pete came in and played on one of the incarnations of the FBB in the early 80s. The band was somewhat forgetable, but Pete totally blew me away, some of the best live playing I have ever heard on any instrument.

My thoughts are with Pete and his family.

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www.tyack.com

<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Dan Tyack on 22 August 2006 at 09:36 PM.]</p></FONT>

Jim - there are a bunch of us working with that setup nowdays. If you ever want any advice on it, post a question and the answers will pour in...plus the "parts trading club" always neds new members...



Sneaky really has inspired a lot of us to get off our backsides and play these neat old Fenders...and we find they are not NEARLY as limited as some pundits would have you think.

Maybe I can put one together "one piece at a time", like the old Johnny Cash song about the guy working at the Cadillac plant, taking home one piece of Cadillac at a time.

If I'd known Sneaky was playing a Fender when I had mine back around '71, I wouldn't have been in such a hurry to get a (never mind the other brand). I didn't know who played what back then and at the time I'd bought into the "gotta have rods and 10-string E9 chromatic" belief.

Again, Sneaky, we all love you, admire and respect you and are in awe of your playing and individuality. Sneaky Pete makes me proud to have grown up on the West Coast and to say I'm a "West Coast steeler". I feel extremely fortunate to have found his playing in the tunes I loved from the '70's and to have had my own playing so influenced by him.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 22 August 2006 at 10:21 PM.]</p></FONT>

Here in Holland, most people don't know the pedal steel guitar. Where ever I play, people come to me after the gig and ask me what kind of instrument this is. But then again, some people do know the instrument. And if they do, they always mention just one player. Sneaky Pete, of course! Sneaky Pete is the reason why I, like so many Dutch players, picked up the pedal steel. Not only for his great playing in the Flying Burrito Brothers, but maybe even more for his goose bumps licks on my all time favourite albums: the first two of Little Feat. And his steel playing with The Lemonheads is thrilling as well. A great inspiration. Anita, all the best to you and your father.

Roland

<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Roland van Beveren on 23 August 2006 at 12:27 AM.]</p></FONT><font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Roland van Beveren on 23 August 2006 at 12:46 AM.]</p></FONT>