The Steel Guitar Forum

I'm posting this here along with the Bar chatter section, just in case some non-pedlars don't go there- I've just got to rave about this video- I recently got a copy of this incredible documentary video from the Arhoolie foundation, directed by Bob Stone. If you haven't gotten turned onto the "Sacred Steel" scene, basically different forms of Praise Music played mostly in House of God
churches by black musicians, you're missing one of the most astounding chapters in the history of steel guitar. No exaggeration! The two CDs out featuring this music are truly wonderful, but this video is a true gem, and I believe something every single steel player would love and be inspired by. There's background and history on the development of the style, lots of interviews and tons of playing clips on non-pedal, lap, pedal and even stand-up Melobar guitars- and the music! Wow! such variety and expression, from rootsy blues chording through slick distortion, hot licks and some of the most expressive single-note work you'll ever hear. The clips of Aubrey Ghent alone are worth the price of admission. I played this in the band bus last week and my whole band was mesmerized- rewound it and immediately watched it again. All I can say is, Thanks, Bob, great job- and guys, PLEASE don't miss this one. Available from Arhoolie foundation at: foundation@arhoolie.com
and I'm sure from Bob Stone, do a search on the forum.

------------------
Mark van Allen-"Blueground Undergrass" Pedal, Non-Pedal, Lap, and Dobro

Hey Mark, that is one cool looking video. I have got to have a copy. I found it for sale at www.half.com for $10.99, but because of their security policy, I refuse to register w/ their site and therefore cannot purchase anything there. For those who don't mind having their internet activity and other personal info monitored by unknowns, that's a pretty good price. But I would read (completely) their online security statement before registering. Arhoolie has a security statement that is well hidden, but can be found by clicking on the contact tab. I was gonna pay the full whammy for their copy of this video, but their security statement is suspect as well. Guess I'll have to order it thru a store.
I bring up the security issue because of recent problems i have encountered with my system becoming very unstable as a result of "spyware" installed (unknown to me)by websites, for the sole purpose of tracking my activity online for purposes of what is called "market research", among other things. I'd be willing to bet that virtually everyone using this site has spyware installed on their system. If anyone wants to know more, I'll post a couple of sites that address this scary trend, and y'all can draw yer own conclusions.
Glad you posted this info about the video, Mark. I'm gonna find myself a copy somewhere. I like historical/documentary type films about just about anything musical.

Geoff- Bob Stone, the man behind this fantastic video has made these videos available to us at a good price. He is selling them direct, no spyware. Pull down events and announcements from the past 20 days and you will see it, Sacred Steel Video posted by Bob Stone. Please support him.

------------------
T. Sage Harmos
Musical Instruments

Thanks guys. It's rewarding to get your positive comments. This is wonderful music that has been "kept a secret" from the rest of the world for 60 years. It's a real honor to document and present these great artists and get to know so many fine folks.

Mark, there are 5 CDs in the Sacred Steel series. Please check the Arhoolie web site. Although pedal steeler Chuck Campbell plays most of the leads on the "Campbell Bros" and the "Sacred Steel Live" CDs, the solos Darick takes on his Fender DeLuxe 8 lap are well worth the price, in my opinion. Besides, much of what the pedal steelers do can be done on lap steel.

I still have a few videos and the best deal going--no strings attached--to my knowledge. $20 postpaid in the US.

The 6th CD, "Train Don't Leave Me," which was recorded live at last year's Sacred Steel Convention, is scheduled for release in April. However, we will have advance copies late this week or early next and for sale at this years Convention 3/30-31. Of course it's hard for me to be objective, but I believe this is a very strong album. Previously unrecorded artists Josh Taylor, Dante Harmon, Lonnie Big Ben Bennett and Elton Noble will knock you out. Whoops, almost forgot 17-year-old Roosevelt Collier playing with his late uncle Glenn Lee and the Lee Boys band. And, of course, stellar performances by Aubrey Ghent, Calvin Cooke, Ted Beard, Robert Randolph and the Campbells.

Send your check or money order (sorry, no credit cards or Pay Pal) to:

Bob Stone
3826 SW 2nd Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32607

Thanks again,

Bob

Glad you signed on here, Bob, I didn't want to give out your contact info without your permission. You have done a tremendous service to music lovers and especially steelers everywhere with all your efforts to make this stuff available. I was moved, inspired, and amazed, and I for one can't thank you enough.

------------------
Mark van Allen-"Blueground Undergrass" Pedal, Non-Pedal, Lap, and Dobro

I agree with Mark 100%. If you love inspired steel guitar playing (and would also embrace a documentary that speaks to the joy within the human heart) you must own this video!

Bob - does Darick get that great "harmonica-like" tone at the end of the video by playing through a wah-wah pedal? I love his playing!

That's a great question Andy, I was wondering the same thing. I've seen him use the tone knob a lot for most of his playing but I didn't see him touch it on that segment, nor use a pedal. Maybe he was using an envelope filter or something.

Thanks guys. Believe me it is a great thrill to be doing this work. And your response is part of the reward. I also wish to point out that the video was a team effort. I can't say enough about the editor, Andrew Dean, and the cameraman, Bob Tullier. And of course, the Campbells, besides being great musicians and articulate interview subjects, really made a lot of the location shots possible. And working with the legendary documentarian Chris Strachwitz has been both a pleasure and an honor.

Yes, Darick was using a wah pedal there. I'm pretty sure it was his Morley Pro Series II Volume/Wah. (I bought one about the same time Darick and Chuck did.)

Using a wah pedal and/or envelope filter to change the tone is something Jewell Dominion (another branch of the church) players do a whole lot. Sonny Treadway is one of the few Jewell Dominion players--and the only steeler from that sect recorded by Arhoolie to date-- who doesn't use a wah.

Many Keith Dominion players have borrowed heavily from Jewell Dominion music and some actually were members of the Jewell Dominion for many years (Calvin Cooke and Ted Beard, for example). So there is a lot of cross-pollination between the Keith and Jewell Dominions. We are hoping to have several Jewell Dominion steelers at the Convention.

By the way, Dante Harmon's "Something's Got A Hold of Me," the lead cut on the forthcoming CD, is in the classic Jewell Dominion style: medium tempo boogie and lots of wah for tonal color.

Please don't let this Keith and Jewell Dominion thing confuse you. Suffice it to say they are two churches that share a common origin. Both feature the steel guitar as the lead instrument, but their "classical" musical forms differ. In recent years there has been considerable cross-pollination, mostly the Keith players borrowing from Jewell music.

Gotta go. Thanks again.

Bob
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bob Stone on 14 March 2001 at 08:55 AM.]</p></FONT>

If you read Bob's post here you'll see just why this music is so fascinating- there have been many posts here on the forum relating to the future of the steel guitar, whether steel should break new ground or stay within a reverential traditional form, getting younger players involved, etc. This video answers many of those questions with a big bang- These players reference an entirely different and new (to many of us) tradition of playing, where there are no "rules", no "Nashville Sound", and a wide open field, with new younger players being attracted and encouraged. Anyone who wonders about the direction of steel guitar will come away from seeing these players with new ideas and enthusiasm. Incredible!

------------------
Mark van Allen-"Blueground Undergrass" Pedal, Non-Pedal, Lap, and Dobro

hello bob,

am hoping you still have some of those videos left. just came from bob brozman's guitar seminar in california where a few of the boys had just seen the campbell brothers up at the blues seminar in port townsend, washington. apparently they lit some fires up there with their red hot playing.

do you have any information on when the next sacred steel convention?

thanks very much

Regarding SPYWARE stuff, I use a free program (Ad-Aware 5.5) that checks your computer for installed spyware and "gets rid of it". Again it is free and can be downloaded from this website: www.lavasoftusa.com

Steve

------------------

The last two Sacred Steel Conventions were
held in March in Fl. I'm sure Bob Stone and probably Ann Fabian will post about it when the dates are confirmed.

I attended the last show and it was terrific.
Little kids got up on stage playing 6 & 8 str
laps and tore it up. I bet the next show will be even better- if you love steel you should try your darndest to make it.

Sorry I have not been responsive to the Forum lately. I've been working away on the Sacred Steel book and have to minimize distractions like the internet to maintain productivity.

Thanks for the continued positive comments on the video. I feel very fortunate to be documenting this music and have made some great friends in the process.

I still have videos for $20 postpaid in the US. Foreigh orders please inquire for shipping rates.

Pleas make your check or money order payable to:

Robert Stone
3826 SW 2nd Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32607

The Third Annual Sacred Steel Convention is scheduled for Fri April 5 and Sat. April 6, 2002 in Orlando. Check www.sacredsteelconvention.com for details. The website may be out of service now. If so, just bookmark it and check back later. or Email convention producer Marcus Hardy at marcushardy@aol.com.

By the way, the CD from the 2001 convention will be released in Feb 2002.

Thanks again,

Bob

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bob Stone on 18 August 2001 at 07:23 AM.]</p></FONT>