The Steel Guitar Forum

OK...So I'm a little behind in the game. I've only been playing PSG for a couple of years. But today I found Paul Franklin and the whole world has changed. Anyone have an opion on what is the best DVD or CD with him on it. I really like the stuff with Knoffler and Dire Straights that I've seen. Is the night in London the most recent thing he's done with Mark? I gotta hear more. I have to go practicing now!

You can't go wrong with any of the Alan Jackson stuff that Paul played on. If you want to hear a really mind-blowing solo, look for a Jerry Reed instrumental called "Nervous Breakdown."

Did PF do the steel on the studio version of George Strait's "When did you stop loving me?".
Inquiring minds want to know...
(Sure sounds like Paul's pickin'...)

Can you go wrong with anything that Paul played on??

I think NOT!!!

Larry

Ray - yes thats Paul.

Cody - see if you can track down a copy of "The Players" DVD - Paul is all over that of course.

With Dire Straits I can recommend the "On the Night" live DVD

Did PF do the steel on the studio version of George Strait's "When did you stop loving me?".

I could be wrong.It's been as while since I've heard the song. But my memory tells me Buddy Emmons on that cut....bb

Larry - Very good point!
The Alan Jackson recordings just came to mind because the steel is always featured prominently in the mix, and it takes a lot of the solos and fills.

It was Buddy on "When Did You Stop Lovin' Me. Paul played on "Oceanfront Property", "What Do You Say To That", and many other songs that George recorded after the "Pure Country" soundtrack. Paul's played on a lot of records, and some weren't country. Paul's one of my heroes too. If you want some good instructional stuff by Paul, check out his "Musical Concepts for E9th Pedal Steel Guitar video. He teaches everything from pickblocking, palm blocking, chiming, and everything else about the steel guitar.

Brett

That's what I'm wonderin... is on what album and/or DVD do I get the most PF bag for my buck. I really enjoy his style and want to own something with alot of him on it. That Alan Jackson sounds like what I'm looking for. Thanks David. As well as the Dire Straights "On the Night" DVD cause I like Dire Straights anyway. Any other suggestions would also be appreciated. Thanks guys.

Have you found that instructional video on DVD. I checked out his website and it said that one was just on VHS.

Cody,
As far as specific CD's by Alan Jackson, I'd recommend "Who I am" and "Don't Rock the Jukebox" as a good place to start. There's some really great Franklin signature stuff on both of those.

Cody, you can't go wrong with any of the Alan Jackson albums, but if you want something more comprehensive, then check out "The Greatest Hits Collection" from 1995. That has a lot of the "classic" Franklin solos (I Don't Even Know Your Name, Don't Rock the Jukebox) as well as some tasteful backing work.

Every time I transcribe a Paul Franklin solo, I learn something new. He has a knack for executing familiar PSG sounds and melodies in places you wouldn't first expect them to be (sometimes they're on the other neck entirely).

Who is this Paul Franklin Guy ?

Paul put out a great Christmas CD you buy on his site along with a bunch of other things.

http://www.paul-franklin.com/

Paul's Christmas album is a must have
look up " the Players" w: Brent Mason on youtube
like the Bro's posted, anything w: Paul on it is good to have
his courses too are tops !

Allways tasteful. Just what the song needs. I saw a
Christmas special with Toby Keith and he played a dobro solo that so good I laughed out loud and screamed yeah. Total command of his instruments and
a nice guy.

Bob and CrowBear are right about the Christmas CD. I've been spinning it the past couple of days in the car. You've never heard Jingle Bells played like that! But it's not just hot lick city... there are a lot of unusual harmonines on there. The only thing I don't like about it is there is too short of a pause between songs-- not enough time to catch a breath and say holy cow!

I have most of AJ's CD's and quite a few of George Strait with Paul on them. I think Rodney Crowell's "Diamonds and Dirt" CD features Paul with a lot of the up-tempo country stuff, e.g. the Buck Owens hit "Above and Beyond".

Has anyone heard PF on six string? Not bad.

Paul Franklin is one of my fave players, him and Mike Johnson !!!

Rodney Crowells song Above & beyond , some of the best steel playing ever IMO

Paul, when you read this, merry X-mas and a happy 2008!!
Johan

Totally agree with Robbie about "Above and Beyond". Rodney Crowell's CD Diamonds and Dirt (it has Above and Beyond on it) is start to finish Paul Franklin pedal steel - nice!

"Diamonds and Dirt" ranks right up there with "Charley Pride In Person" for a backup pedal steel clinic. I also have a Tony Booth album from the 70's that I'd put in that class; that one has a lot of Jay Dee.

BTW: Let's give credit where credit is due. I believe Ralph Mooney played on the Buck Owens hit, "Above and Beyond".

Paul played some great stuff on Lee Ann Womack's first cd as he has on her other cd's.

Tony

thanx brett...i just saw the post on 'when...did you stop...lovin' me' i knew that...it's my favorite 'buddy playing country the way it's supposed to be played' cut...paul's great....buddy's magic!