The Steel Guitar Forum

Hugh Jeffreys is an award-winning steel guitarist who that, over the years, has developed a method of playing which incorporates the use of all 5 fingers, and with no fingerpicks; he uses only a thumbpick. His techinque enables him to play complete 5-note chords in closed or open position (by stretching the fingers wide apart). Single string passages can be executed much faster using 5 fingers as compared with the usual 3-finger style. He blends the steel guitar with many of the orchestral instruments in unusual ways.. The album, THE DOCTOR OF STEEL, features 10 standard pop tunes dating from the '30's. He employed a full studio orchestra with a string ensemble--also steel guitar solos with a smaller combo. He wrote and conducted all of the arangements (he holds a Master of Science degree in Jazz and Commercial Composition and Arranging from the University of Memphis). The instrument on which he performs is a double 10 Sierra which he has extensively customized with 14 pedals and levers. The album will be released in the near future.

This oughta be interesting!

Sounds very interesting. Hugh, what tunes are on the CD?


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www.jimcohen.com

Hello Jim and thanks for your interest. The tunes are as follows: 1. Here's that Rainy Day 2. Once I Loved (a tune by the Bossa Nova specialist, Antonio Carlos Jobim) 3. Prelude to a Kiss (Duke Ellington) 4. Sunrise Serenade 5. Tenderly 6. String of Pearls (Jerry Gray & Glen Miller tune) 7. Holiday for Strings (David Rose tune) 8. There will Never Be another You 9. A Tree in the Meadow 10. Lush Life - a fabulous tune written by Billy Strayhorn in his days with Ellington. I am happy to say that all tunes are WITHOUT VOCALS, all instrumental. Thanks again for your inquiry. Best, Hugh Jeffreys

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Hugh, I'll be on the edge of my seat waiting patiently for the release of the CD you have mentioned. Meanwhile, please share with us what awards you have earned.

Gary Lee

I have heard pieces of this album and it is "lush", to say the least. Excellent playing, and quite an accomplishment.

I've never seen the word lush used in critiquing someone's expertise on steel guitar. I've now fallen off my perch anticipating some sturdy vigor or an abundance of juicy green foliage.

Gary Lee

OR A B@NJO!! On a serious note , how can you generate power in your pinky?<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Larry Miller on 13 October 2001 at 02:25 PM.]</p></FONT>

"how can you generate power in your pinky?"

As long as your other fingers are grasping a goblet and the pinky is extended, which indicates class and sophistication, thus yielding power to the pinky! I won't even address the banjo dig!
Gary Lee
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Gary Lee Gimble on 13 October 2001 at 03:03 PM.]</p></FONT>

Just funnin'Gary, Have you seen the "Foggy Mt. Breakdown" video with Steve Martin and Paul Shaffer yet?

There's no such thing as lush b@nj* music. I've met several b@nj* players who were lushes, though.

A step in the right direction, having met a banjar picker. There is hope yet and yes, I'll drink to that!
Gary Lee

Curly Chalker used to play with one thumb and 3 finger picks. Buzz Evans plays with 4 picks and at times all 5!!