The Steel Guitar Forum

Sadly, The Cardinals (featuring the Steel Guitar Forum's own Jon Graboff on pedal steel) passed away and went to alt-country heaven after the group played what was announced as their final gig in Atlanta, GA last night. Here-here to a great rock'n'roll band and thanks for the memories boys.

P.S. Feel free to chime in Jon and give us the scoop on what's coming up next.

wow--where'd that come from? I can only hope that for Jon & company the time was right or at least clearly seen on the horizon.
OTOH it would be easy to imagine the next RA incarnation heavily involving Jon. But what do I know? (nothing).

I think I read somewhere he's been having major hearing and balance issues.

I'm sad to hear it, but best wishes to Ryan and to all the guys in the band.

In the short time I've been playing, Jon Graboff has become one of my absolute favourite pedal steel guitarists. He's melodic, tasteful, original, heartfelt, and plays 100% for the song (and in Ryan Adams’ case, what incredible songs).

Here are two Youtube clips of Jon with The Cardinals that I've listened to time and time again...

Let It Ride

I Taught Myself How To Grow Old

Thanks, Jon!

Whoa.....for a minute there, I thought you meant that Jon had passed away. Whew.

Jon was busy before the Cardinals, and I'm sure he'll continue that way. I got to hang out with Jon a while back in Montreal at a Cardinals gig. Great guy and fabulous player.

Jon, hope you're treating my blonde Pro 1 well.

WOW! Really nice clips. Good stuff Jon!

Didn't Ryan just get married, to some teen pop idol, last week?

I wouldn't be surprised if they are just taking some decompression down time.

The Cardinals have ruined Ryan Adams. It wasn't Graboff's fault, but his last 2 albums haven't been very good.

In your opinion, the last two albums haven't been very good. In my opinion, they are among his best.

There are moments of brilliance, but songs like Halloweenhead and Magick don't stand up to his other stuff

Ya gotta love Jacksonville City Nights. Come to think of it, ya gotta love Cold Roses too. Ya gotta love Jon's playing...hey...I guess there's a lot to love about Ryan Adams' music.
Duncan

I just picked up "Easy Tiger" and while "Halloweenhead" certainly isn't my favorite, "Two" and "Rip Off" I think are outstanding songs.

BTW, I can't make out what kind of steel Jon is playing on those clips posted above (except that it's a single neck), nor in the liner of Easy Tiger (a D-10 there, but I do not recognize the fret markers). I'm sure one of you more hardcore fans can tell me.

From everything I have heard, Jon's playing is extremely tasteful...he sounds like one of those "just enough" players that doesn't play a lot of notes, but makes every single one count. I really like what he does.

Duncan Hodge wrote:Ya gotta love Jacksonville City Nights. Come to think of it, ya gotta love Cold Roses too. Ya gotta love Jon's playing...hey...I guess there's a lot to love about Ryan Adams' music.
Duncan

Those 2 records are great. That was when Cat was still the bass player and JP was the guitar player. Seems like things started going downhill after they left.

Hey Jon G---I used to think you and the band were real good but now that I've learned from an expert that you all suck--and that's a fact!--I don't care to know you any more. Go away.

. . . what was announced as their
final gig in Atlanta, GA last night.

Atlanta was the final gig of
this particular tour, ya know.

~Russ

I agree with Scott - Jon's playing brings a nice blend of tasteful confidence to the music.

I think this is a good example of his style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdVljYP7o08

I saw the current lineup Cardinals live in Montreal, as I already mentioned. I have to strongly disagree with Darren's assesment of the current line-up. In fact, I think it's very inaccurate. They were actually one of the tightest bands I've ever seen live, bar none. It was an incredible experience - tighter than any earlier incarnations, to my ears.

Jon, the music you guys have made has been incredible. Congrats on creating an enduring body of rock and roll, my friend.