The Steel Guitar Forum

Just found this cool group on the internet. I think, they're great, check out their videos:

http://www.alcatrazislanders.com/

Wow. Great stuff. Thanks for the link.

Mikiya Matsuda on steel, Lee Jeffriess on bass. I love these guys like fam.

Great stuff. That's the real deal.

Great instrumentation, fabulous shirts, and they're having a lot of fun--and look at those slants Matsuda is making.
Beautiful music.

Thanks for the link - I didn't know about the Alcatraz Islanders. Over the last few months I've been watching Mikiya Matsuda's YouTube videos repeatedly for inspiration - or at least to remind myself of how far I have to go to get to that level.

Check out "On The Sunny Side of the Street"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeMQuljkH80

He also has a nice "Monk's Mood" video.

Another vote here! They're awesome. And kudos to the great Steel Player Lee Jeffries for backing up another steel player. Love this sound.

Thanks for the kind words, fellas.

Abe, I’ve been learning upright bass this past year. Once I get good enough, I’m hoping Lee will agree to switch instruments!

Nicely done boys! How about bringing it up to Portland?

Someone posted about them on Facebook recently. I really like what they're doing musically. I aspire to get good enough to be in a band like that.

Great stuff, guys!

Aw love it. Sounds like a 6th tuning on the rear neck and a major tuning with 1/3/5 on top on the front neck.
Love the irony of the band name too. Alcatraz isn't your typical resort island that you might hear this music at.

Haha! I hope you don't switch! Love your playing. How about twin steels like in the west coast ramblers? That sound is awesome.

I loved the videos too. Great tone and balance. I think the tasteful and restrained drumming deserves praise also.

great band! beautiful sound,
thanks for posting

That is soooooo cool. Fantastic steel guitar. Man, that's what good music is all about. Very inspirational.

Just found this...worth bringing up again in case others had missed it...great music !!

I cant get enough of this group...makes me want to go to San Fran to check them out in person ! To me, that is the perfect set up...wonderful musicians, very tasteful ! Seriously, it brings tears to this silly old mans eyes...love it !

I'll add my compliments to Makiya Matsuda and his wonderful group. The classic guitar-less rhythm section is clean and powerful. Hapa haole done right!