No Santo, Just Johnny.

Archie Nicol R.I.P. · Post by **Archie Nicol R.I.P.** » 24 Jan 2008 4:59 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iKzxotJ ... re=related

Arch.

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 24 Jan 2008 6:35 pm

A poor copy of the original...and opportunistic blatant misdirection, leading the public to think he was the one who played the steel guitar on the original, when in fact it was SANTO..

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 24 Jan 2008 7:01 pm

Comparing the styles of Santo & Johnny, Johnny.....

[1] Plays very few chords. It's almost all individual notes.

[2] Picks the strings too much. Where Santo would slide from one note to another, and compensate with the volume control, Johnny picks too many notes.

[3] Johnny misses notes. He's often out of tune. Maybe that's not fair because all Santo's recordings were in a studio, and there were probably many retakes.

[4] Puts emphasis on the wrong notes, or the wrong
phrases.

Come back Santo....

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 25 Jan 2008 7:28 pm

The story I heard is that Santo & Johnny had a falling out many years ago, then Santo moved to Italy.

Maybe JODY CARVER can verify this info.???

Roger

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 26 Jan 2008 2:07 am

A poor copy of the original...and opportunistic blatant misdirection, leading the public to think he was the one who played the steel guitar on the original...

I felt that way for many years, and I posted so here many times... with somewhat more subtle language.

But forum members don't seem to care. One member said "that’s interesting, Doug". I was appalled when I saw Johnny's web site touting him as Johnny Farina “of the original Sleep Walk”. Yes, he played rhythm guitar on the original Sleep Walk... he did Not play steel guitar on the original. And now, to further confuse matters, Johnny has re-recorded Sleep Walk and he sells the new version.

Lately I have come to the conclusion that Johnny is no different than any other oldie act that re-packages itself, changes members, often having only one original member, sometimes no original members. The general public doesn’t care, but I think that STEEL PLAYERS should know the SANTO played steel guitar on the classic, original Sleep Walk, Tear Drop, and other S&J songs of the 60’s and early 70’s. Santo quit in the late ‘70s and Johnny put together a new band and switched over to the steel guitar. At least he's out there featuring steel guitar, playing shows, and keeping it going. That's the upside. The downside is... a lot of people are getting fooled, even some steel guitarists.

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 26 Jan 2008 4:36 am

Well said Doug, and also subtle.!!

I felt that way for many years, and I posted so here many times... with somewhat more subtle language

As for me, well, I'm known for my "Vitriolic Pen" and unforgiving nature. I Love all aspects of the Steel guitar and live steel guitar, as does my wife Pat.
I'll never change what I feel, and maybe to my detriment I will not budge from my own viewpoint when challenged, Except when proven to be wrong, then I'll sulk and eat large quantities of "Humble Pie" and go into my music room and play myself happy again..

I stand by the "opportunistic blatant misdirection" statement, because it's true. Johny's claim perpetrated such a slight on the character of the ORIGINAL player of Sleep Walk I felt it needed to be said..

BTW I notice you also use the correct spelling : Sleep Walk, as two separate words..bravo for your diligence.

And now, to further confuse matters, Johnny has re-recorded Sleep Walk and he sells the new version

I believe that was not to confuse matters, but a DELIBERATE move to validate his claim as having recorded it.

I better get of my 'Soapbox' before the powers that be slap me on the wrists and I endanger Archie's post..

Archie Nicol R.I.P. · Post by **Archie Nicol R.I.P.** » 26 Jan 2008 11:35 am

I like your posts, Baz. Your words are those of an experienced all round steel player.
Tell 'em like it is!

Arch.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 26 Jan 2008 11:42 am

I think Brummies have a habit of being forthright and honest, and damn the consequences. I'm not without stirring the pot a little myself from time to time...

Tell it as it is, Basil.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 26 Jan 2008 4:10 pm

Yes, tell it like it is Baz! We like that!

Here's food for thought...

I wonder what Santo thinks of Johnny's current act, and Johnny's claim to "the original Sleep Walk"?

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 26 Jan 2008 4:17 pm

If I was him I'd be thoroughly p***ed off..

Arch, how did you know I'm as tall as I am broad ?

all round steel player

Pat says I'll have to get a Cutaway pedal steel soon..

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 28 Jan 2008 12:31 am

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 28 Jan 2008 12:52 am

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 28 Jan 2008 12:53 am

shoot!

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 28 Jan 2008 12:54 am

oh forget it

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 28 Jan 2008 1:32 am

Jim, Shoot who ?

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 28 Jan 2008 1:35 am

Me...

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 28 Jan 2008 2:11 am

Jim, quite a small target from this far away..

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 28 Jan 2008 3:18 am

Well lucky for me, eh?

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 28 Jan 2008 3:47 am

For identification of the subject!

Bernie Gonyea · Post by **Bernie Gonyea** » 28 Jan 2008 6:00 pm

Arch; thanks for the exciting post about the two above mentioned musicians. I agree whole-heartedly with Basilh and Alan; that clip surely doesn't do justice for Santo. The original recording of " Sleep Walk", in my estimation was one of the most beautiful steel guitar songs ever put on a record. Jim; was the photo your target to aim at?? Bernie

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 28 Jan 2008 7:42 pm

I'm always astonished that such a great sound came from such a young man. At the time Santo recorded it he made the arrangement up on the spot. What a great talent he had, and what inspiration. I bought the single as soon as it was released, and bought all the subsequent Santo & Johnny singles as they came out.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 28 Jan 2008 8:13 pm

I'm always astonished that such a great sound came from such a young man.

Me too. I have thought about that many times. Santo was only 21 when he recorded Sleep Walk. Some steel guitarists describe Santo's playing on Sleep Walk as "simple". My answer is... try duplicating it! He had a unique vibrato, attack, and incredible harmonics.

Bernie Gonyea · Post by **Bernie Gonyea** » 29 Jan 2008 3:50 pm

Hey, you guys think so much like me, it's scary.I do believe that his talent was definitely God Given. How could anyone compose such an out-standing piece of music, right on the spot and have it become one of the most superb steel guitar hits of all time. Doug, I agree that many always had " SLEEP WALK" pegged as a very simple rendition to play; It certainly is a most difficult number to perform and come anywhere close to Santo's playing. He was surely ONE OF A Kind, in the field of music.. Good post, gents.. Alan; would you send me an MP 3 of Santo's original, if you can..Thanks..Bernie

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 29 Jan 2008 5:13 pm

Bernie :-
Right click and "Save As"

Bernie Gonyea · Post by **Bernie Gonyea** » 30 Jan 2008 6:02 pm

Basilh: Thanks a million for sending me that recording of them; I know its buried in my record collection somewhere; now I can listen to the great Sleep Walk any time I wish.
You definitely hit the subject right on the head about the johnny trying to make it look as he was doing the original.[ On Steel ] That's not a nice tribute to a person whom brought you fame & fortune, is it..Bernie