I've got this new CD out

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 14 Sep 2016 5:55 pm

And I think it's really happening!
Most of you don't venture into the non-pedal section, so I just wanted to post a little thing here.

I started a project of Thelonious Monk's music for steel guitar, but I didn't want to shoehorn the steel guitar into a jazz setting--instead, I wanted to bring the jazz into the steel guitar realm, which I think we did successfully. This is not a jazz record, and yet it is! It's complicated. I like to think of it as Jazzotica.

I played one 8 string Clinesmith aluminum steel guitar, a few Fender amps, used fairly minimal effects (no volume pedal whatsoever) and basically used one tuning with only minor variations (C13).

I owe a great debt of gratitude to all the steel guitarists who have influenced me, and I hope that's evident in the recording--from Sol Hoopii, to Buddy Emmons, Tom Morrell and Jimmy Day, and even Susan Alcorn and Chas Smith. I don't like to get bogged down in styles and hate that there seems to be a division between non-pedal and pedal steel.

Anyway, if you are so inclined to want to check out some preview clips, they are available here: http://www.steelinstruction.com/?page_id=257

The level of musicianship by my band is extremely high, yet we were having the time of our lives. Also, the recording was done live with minimal editing (all steel), and sonically it was captured beautifully by the great engineer Paul Wickliffe.

I'm just bragging a little because this project has consumed almost all of my energies over the last 10 months and I'm extremely proud of the way it turned out. Definitely the high point of my musical life.

Thanks for listening.

scott murray · Post by **scott murray** » 14 Sep 2016 10:39 pm

I'm blown away by this album Mike... bravo sir.

I've always been a little surprised that more steel players haven't taken a crack at Monk's compositions. to me, he is the epitome of modern jazz yet so rooted in tradition. he is also one of the most original and harmonically interesting composers in my opinion.

some of his songs lay so well on steel and standard guitar, I'd just love to hear more folks playing Monk. as for me, I just added Epistrophy to my repertoire

do yourself a favor and get this album if you haven't already. Monk's music is so playful, so fun... and Mike and his band completely capture that spirit. it's a joy to listen to and a great introduction to the Monk catalog for the uninitiated.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 16 Sep 2016 8:03 am

I appreciate that, Scott.

Joe Ribaudo · Post by **Joe Ribaudo** » 16 Sep 2016 9:42 am

Wow.
Just... Wow!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 18 Sep 2016 6:33 am

Thanks, Joe.

This group is a tough nut to crack, so I appreciate all who have checked it out.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 20 Sep 2016 5:28 am

I'm still not sure this is not a jazz record, but then, I like jazz.

Mike himself says:

The critics will ask, "Is this jazz?" I don't know, is it?

It does push the boundaries of 'jazz,' whatever that is, but surf was bound to work its way in there eventually,
and it is a steel record that expands the repertoire, so no, it isn't a jazz record. It still smells like jazz to me.
I imagine I'm not the only one looking forward to a second album.

Bill Sinclair · Post by **Bill Sinclair** » 20 Sep 2016 6:06 am

Speaking of a second album, what happened to that really sweet western swing teaser of "Well You Needn't" that you put out a few months back? I love the album but I was really looking forward to that one. Please tell me it's slated for volume II. I guess "Bemsha Swing" is kind of similar structurally.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 20 Sep 2016 6:26 am

Bill Sinclair wrote:Speaking of a second album, what happened to that really sweet western swing teaser of "Well You Needn't" that you put out a few months back? I love the album but I was really looking forward to that one. Please tell me it's slated for volume II. I guess "Bemsha Swing" is kind of similar structurally.

We recorded Well You Needn't, but in the end the takes we recorded didn't capture the feel I was looking for. Very fine line--originally, it was conceived as sort of a Klezmer/Polka/Punk romp, which is how the demo sounded, and then we rehearsed it as a Surf tune, which is where I wanted to take it. The sessions yielded a crazy Funhouse Polka vibe with heavily vibratoed organ that just misses by this much.

scott murray · Post by **scott murray** » 20 Sep 2016 9:21 pm

missed that the first time around... would you consider posting that demo again Mike? i can't get enough

Mike Daly · Post by **Mike Daly** » 30 Sep 2016 1:32 pm

Mike... You have recorded an incredible album. Whether you are a fan of steel guitar, straight steel ( no pedals), jazz steel, Monk's music; you should hear this CD. This should be a classic of stylistic achievement by any musician for years to come.!!!

Brandin · Post by **Brandin** » 1 Oct 2016 8:20 am

It's everything everyone says and more.
This would be a must have album!
Thanks Mike for all your hard work, and original thinking.

GB

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 1 Oct 2016 6:37 pm

Whoa! Many thanks, gentlemen!