Some Western Swing Thelonious Monk?

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 30 May 2016 1:19 pm

This track really makes me smile. It's a rough unmixed track from Steelonious, but all the ingredients are there. Call this a sneak preview.

I can't keep it up for long, I hope you understand, but I feel so good, I have to share.

[Link has been removed -- thanks for listening!]

Chris Allen · Post by **Chris Allen** » 30 May 2016 1:27 pm

Great! Gives me happy feet. You've really got it going on there.

Cheers...

Cartwright Thompson · Post by **Cartwright Thompson** » 30 May 2016 1:44 pm

Just out of curiosity, who is playing the keyboard and what kind is it?

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 30 May 2016 1:49 pm

That is my compadre Matt King playing a Steinway. The tracks were recorded live by Paul Wickliffe, a great engineer.

The only instruments used in the recordings sessions were Clinesmith cast aluminum, Steinway, Hammond and Leslie, acoustic bass and drums. I may have another session for another song or two using vibes and uke with steel.

Scott Duckworth · Post by **Scott Duckworth** » 30 May 2016 1:56 pm

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII like it!

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 30 May 2016 2:06 pm

Cool stuff, Mike. An interesting blend of styles!

Frank Agliata · Post by **Frank Agliata** » 30 May 2016 2:13 pm

Western swing meets Jersey jump!

Very nice Mike, some tasteful pickin'

Cartwright Thompson · Post by **Cartwright Thompson** » 30 May 2016 2:31 pm

[quote="Mike Neer"]That is my compadre Matt King playing a Steinway. The tracks were recorded live by Paul Wickliffe, a great engineer.

The only instruments used in the recordings sessions were Clinesmith cast aluminum, Steinway, Hammond and Leslie, acoustic bass and drums. I may have another session for another song or two using vibes and uke with steel.[/quote]
Sounds great Mike. My ears always perk up when I hear a good piano sound, which is rare these days.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 30 May 2016 2:37 pm

Well, this Steinway used to belong to Keith Jarrett. It was recorded beautifully and tuned just beforehand.

John Mulligan · Post by **John Mulligan** » 30 May 2016 3:00 pm

Swingin! Who's on vocals?

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 30 May 2016 4:21 pm

John Mulligan wrote:Swingin! Who's on vocals?

MC Bob Wonts

Guy Cundell · Post by **Guy Cundell** » 30 May 2016 4:48 pm

Wow! Great stuff. I'm really looking forward to the album.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 30 May 2016 5:18 pm

That is a sweet sound and fine playing. Very enjoyable.

Jeff Au Hoy · Post by **Jeff Au Hoy** » 30 May 2016 7:03 pm

Lucky we don't have to wear socks much over here because I think mine were just permanently blown off.

Todd Clinesmith · Post by **Todd Clinesmith** » 30 May 2016 9:08 pm

Great vibe, great playing and excellent musicianship .

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 30 May 2016 10:01 pm

Super job Mike.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 31 May 2016 7:39 am

Beautifully realized from conception to execution by great musicians! I am so in awe of what you've accomplished with this project, Mike, and I can't wait for the final mixes. I love everything I've heard so far except I stand by my opinion re the Wills-like rap.

A comparison case in point where it probably cracked everyone up in the studio and seemed like a great idea ... yet, IMHO .... wasn't.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2criOeGGY

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 31 May 2016 7:57 am

Andy, I respect your opinion, which you are entitled to. I can't say for sure whether or not I will use it, but to me it promotes the vibe that I am looking for which is fun. The placement of the call-outs in editing will be key. I can't take this stuff too seriously, though!

Truthfully, when I first started listening to Bob Wills in the 80s, his call-outs bugged the hell out of me--even ruined it for me. Somehow they grew on me.

Scott Thomas · Post by **Scott Thomas** » 31 May 2016 8:44 am

That was fantastic. What a pianist, and the steel is great! It's the right mix of traditional, staying true to the genre, and moving it forward. Like the next step in the line from Jimmy Rivers, The Time Warp Tophands, and now Mike Neer and "Steelonious". I really do think this will be a watershed in the evolution of the steel guitar and what it's capable of. You are a monster player!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 31 May 2016 8:51 am

Scott Thomas wrote:That was fantastic. What a pianist, and the steel is great! It's the right mix of traditional, staying true to the genre, and moving it forward. Like the next step in the line from Jimmy Rivers, The Time Warp Tophands, and now Mike Neer and "Steelonious". I really do think this will be a watershed in the evolution of the steel guitar and what it's capable of. You are a monster player!

I don't know about all that, but it feels good and that's what counts. I want to make some new steel guitar lovers and Monk lovers, that's all.

Russ Blake · Post by **Russ Blake** » 31 May 2016 9:32 am

Super fun, Mike! Love it. Looking forward to hearing the whole record!

Jonathan Lam · Post by **Jonathan Lam** » 31 May 2016 10:18 am

sweet! sounds awesome!

Chris Templeton · Post by **Chris Templeton** » 31 May 2016 11:05 am

Great playing, great steel tone and a very nice tune

Mick Hearn · Post by **Mick Hearn** » 31 May 2016 2:45 pm

Loved every note. Keep it up Mike.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 31 May 2016 2:48 pm

I'll add my congratulations to the group as well. This sounds really nice. I'm looking forward to the release!