The Steel Guitar Forum

Just got Glen's final CD today, was a bit apprehensive, and melancholy, but was happily surprised when I put the needle down.

4 Jimmy Webb songs, duet with Willie, and great steel playing by the afore mentioned player. I have to say it's one of Mr. Campbell's best records and Mike's playing is superb.

I was lucky to see Glen on his farewell tour and have to say his final CD fares well, as well.

Great job Mike!

Hmmm...have to check it out. Thanks Craig.

I heard from a reliable source that Glen hated pedal steel sounds. Could have changed his mind, I suppose. Don't recall ever hearing steel on his records.

John, that's what I thought, but Mike is on more than half the cuts,and the steel works really well with them.

On "Live At The Dome" he had a steel player on stage (nice comping!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjgoGIv1kTQ

On his album from '91 there's Paul Franklin playing.

Many years earlier, Buddy Emmons was on Campbell's "I Remember Hank Williams", "It's Just A Matter Of Time", "I Knew Jesus (Before He Was a Star)", and "Reunion, The Songs Of Jimmy Webb" albums. JayDee is on "Pecos Promenade" with Campbell and Tanya Tucker, and "Any Which Way You Can".

I saw Glen Campbell at Dollywood maybe twenty years ago. Never expected to see a steel in his band, but he actually had a pedal steel and twin fiddles!

Tim, You reminded me of about the same time, I saw him in Rahway, NJ for a Christmas show and he had a steeler in the band, also switched playing guitar. His older daughter was also with him singing.

Thanks for those songs Peter, I'll have to check them out.

One of my favorites of his is Brian Wilson's 'Guess I'm Dumb' what a singer Glen is! and he plays a pretty good guitar too

Craig Stock wrote:One of my favorites of his is Brian Wilson's 'Guess I'm Dumb' what a singer Glen is! and he plays a pretty good guitar too

Not one of my favorite Brian Wilson efforts, altho it comes from my favorite period of his career.

Yes Mr. Bovine, It was from a great era of Brian's, but I really like the melody and lyrics, may sound a bit dated now, but lots of emotion and Glen really puts his heart out on the song.

I just got Brian's autobiography and he mentions the song and situation as to why he had Glen sing it. I'll find it and get the specifics.

There's a very small bit of steel in this Beach Boys medley:
https://youtu.be/5Zbuliy3dzs?t=1m14s

Craig Stock wrote:Yes Mr. Bovine, It was from a great era of Brian's, but I really like the melody and lyrics, may sound a bit dated now, but lots of emotion and Glen really puts his heart out on the song.

I just got Brian's autobiography and he mentions the song and situation as to why he had Glen sing it. I'll find it and get the specifics.

Maybe Glen was the only one who could sing it.
Brian said that originality was his highest priority. Still I feel that in this case he may have gone a little over the top with the odd melody. And he has written better chord changes.
He loved the Phil Spector wall of sound, which he imitated well in this song. Same with the Bacharach-inspired trumpet parts.
... IMHO , à chacun son goût, usw.

I played on a couple of Glen's recent records (Meet Glen Campbell & Ghost On The Canvas) and played some live dates, including tv with him. Glen always seemed excited to have steel in the band. He often mentioned Curly Chalker to me...he was a real fan of Curly's.