The Steel Guitar Forum

The cant' remember the first time I heard the classic and enchanting lap steel instrumental "Sand". I think that growing up in Hawaii, it just seeped into my subconscious through osmosis.

But I clearly remember the first time I heard "Sand" with lyrics.

It wasn't that long ago that a friend let me borrow Owana Salazar's Wahine Slack and Steel (a beautiful Wahine player btw).

The song starts out like the familiar instrumental and then ... WORDS???!!!

At first I kinda didn't like it, almost like the song was spoiled a bit.

However, recently have been exposed to this Jerry Byrd video clip with Gary Aiko singing the lyrics, and it's just magical.

But where'd the words come from??? I noticed that they're different in the version linked below and the Owana version, do people just make 'em up to fit the melody?

Anybody have the history of this....would be very interested to know the background.

Here's the link

http://www.steelguitarmojo.com/jerrybyrdplayssand.shtml

Josh Cho wrote:
The song starts out like the familiar instrumental and then ... WORDS???!!!

But where'd the words come from???

Here's the "original" ... written by Andy Iona & Billy Abrams ...

http://www.horseshoemagnets.com/sand.mp3



Courtesy of Cumquat Records ... www.cumquatrecords.com.au ...

Please support them ... Pick a Cumquat today

There's a CD still available with Gary Aiko backed by Jerry Byrd. Gary is a fine singer. It was done by Genoa Keawe records (Gary's mother). The CD is called MAI POINA 'OE IA'U

Rick,

Just beautiful, thanks so much.

I'm listening to it (again) as I type, just can't beat that old dayz sound these recording get...it's just magic...

So this song is old, but when did it take on its instrumental only reputation? Any ideas?

And Bill, thanks for the suggestions, I've seen this album at Mele but only just now started listening to the samples, a definite for the wishlist...Thanks2U!

Josh Cho wrote: So this song is old, but when did it take on its instrumental only reputation? Any ideas?

I don't know ...

Jerry Byrd recorded it ... with the vocals ... on his 1958 album ... Hawaiian Beach Party ...



One of my favorite JB records ...

Josh - Do you plan on making an instructional video of this song,like you have of several other hawaiian songs ?

Rich, Yes, I'll be doing Sand and How Dya Do, both in B11. Shall I reserve you a copy??

Yes - Email me when it's ready. Thanks

I ONCE ASKED JERRY ABOUT HIS EARLY RECORDINGS, SPECIFICALLY ABOUT REX ALLAN SINGING "STEELIN' THE BLUES". HE SAID THE RECORD COMPANY FORCED HIM TO HAVE A SINGER ON HIS RECORDINGS.

SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS.


ROGER

There are some (Me included) who think the Hawaii Calls version from the EARLY 50's was the definite one, certainly Jules Ah See is superb on this..

http://www.waikiki-islanders.com/assets/01sand.mp3

From Aloha Dream Magazine










Part two later.
and a link to the audio (Just for educational purposes)

Part Two

From Aloha Dream Magazine









and a link to the audio (Just for educational purposes)


http://www.waikiki-islanders.com/assets ... essand.mp3

Basil,

Thanks for the article, I read it with much interest and esp. regarding the rhythm guitar part: that Db9 is a vague chord indeed, at times I've used Abm here, but you're right it depends on what the bass player is doing at this point.

It's also interesting that while Sand is usually played in C, the version of Jerry Byrd that's linked here starts in the Key of D, then modulates to C when Gary Aiko starts singing.

You'll also notice Jerry switches necks at this point.

Any idea of the different tunings Jerry may have been using???

I'd bet he's using B11 in the first section based on where he's placing his bar, but why switch necks when the song modulates?

I've linked it again here for reference: Jerry Byrd video clip of Sand.

many moons ago I asked Jerry if he ever played Sand in any tuning other than B11. Shortly after he sent me an argmt in A9. E C# B G E C# A low A and a cassette of him playing this tuning. He later included this argmt in some pub I can"t remember. On our haw gigs I use B11 when we do it as a vocal however at sometime during the gig I play it as an instrumental and use A9. If anyone is interested and has some smart(I don't) to post I will send you a copy so the forum can see it. cc

I always liked David Keli'i's version of Sand.

CC : please send it to me through my site or PM me thru forum and I'll gladly post it for the forum

Andy, I'll have to check David Keli'i, I don't think I'm familiar with that one.

Josh, I'll need your snail to send you a hard copy. cc

Wouldn't you think CC that after 10 years as a forum member and 1641 post that you'd at least know how to post a picture ?
"Go stand in the corner"

basil

CC, when youre done, please let me know if you received my PM, I wasn't sure if it went thru.

Hey Josh, I couldn't find Keli'i's version of Sand but I found his equally great rendition of How D'Ya Do. His slow playing was gorgeous but he had a bouncy swing to his uptempo playing that was unique - even if this particular recording kinda makes him sound like his amp is underwater.

https://home.comcast.net/~aevolk/music/HowDoDavidK.mp3

I believe this is JULES AH SEE's B-11th Tuning.

HI---LO: E-C#-A-F#-D#-B-A-B


ROGER

I'm a slow learner Baz. I guess I have associated with mad dogs and Ehglishmen too long. cc

not here Josh. Try again please. cc

Roger Shackelton wrote:I believe this is JULES AH SEE's B-11th Tuning.

HI---LO: E-C#-A-F#-D#-B-A-B


ROGER

You ARE correct Roger and the Tablature is in that tuning, the tuning named at the bottom of page numbered as 13 in the tab (Page 2 of the actual tab pictured)is incorrect, but if you look at the actual tab and notation, it's obvious that the intervals on the bottom 3 strings are as I said in the second part description :-






Nevertheless, thanks for pointing it out as less observant viewers MAY conclude the tuning is as on the bottom of the Tab page. BAD "Dobby" now goes and hits head on wall continuously..

CC I tried again please let me know if you received it. Although I've noticed there's a delay sometimes with messages sent thru the forum.

Andy, thanks for the link to the Keli'i version of How Dya Do, love that EZ going sound, man.

basilh wrote:BAD "Dobby" now goes and hits head on wall continuously..

My babies and I love Harry Potter ... especially the books/movies which include ... Dobby ...

There are some (Me included) who think the Hawaii Calls version from the EARLY 50's was the definite one, certainly Jules Ah See is superb on this..

I'm gonna have to go with the "definitive" version of Sand ... being the "original" done by ... Andy Aiona Long ...

As is my pick for the "definitive" version of How'd Ya Do ... it has to be the "original" by ... Andy Aiona Long ...

http://www.horseshoemagnets.com/ic15.mp3