The Steel Guitar Forum

Yeah, I'm sure most of us have heard it !!
Everytime I dig out the LP, I have to keep playing over and over. Neil Flanz is just incredible. He can rock out or play shuffles
or make that "thang" cry just as good as anyone I've ever heard. I only wish we had some country music today that resembled that era. Anyway, if any of you haven't heard
this LP (which now is released on CD), go out
and get a copy.
Bob Miano
New Jersey

You´re so right, Bob! That was one of the first records that got me exposed to steel years ago. And Neil´s playing and sound are pretty unique - I couldn´t think of anybody to compare it to. A lot of it is out of the usual country field somehow, but always fits the song. And some pretty TRICKY stuff for sure. Anyone interested in real good country ROCK steel should listen to that album.

If you like that album, Neil has a new one out that has the feel of the Gram Parson era.
The CD Title is "Still Safe at Home", The Back Porch Pickers with Neil Flanz.

I think they are available direct from Neil or at www.grams-inn-tampa.com

Hi Forumites,

To Bob Miano, Joe Henry, and Jack Stoner.

Thanks for mentioning this fine album. I'm sure that there are many Forumites who haven't heard of it and other fans of Gram Parsons and EmmyLou Harris that might be interested in this collector's item. I loved doing it and was given an opportunity to really be featured prominently.

The album title is Gram Parsons & the Fallen Angels live '73 and It was originally released on Sierra Records on vinyl several years ago. It is currently still available on c.d. and Sierra sells it at an Excellent price. Tell John Delgatto that you wish to buy the original gold audiophile version of the c.d. http://www.sierra-records.com .

I've also seen the c.d. in larger record stores and at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville a couple of years ago.

Regarding the last c.d. that I recorded titled "Still safe at home" by the Porch Pickers with Neil Flanz which contains several of Gram's cover songs, it can be ordered directly through me or my friend Mark Holland whose address Jack Stoner provided. Please see my web pages http://www.ambrec.com/Homepages/neil/neil.htm for further details. Wishing all a Very Happy Holiday season. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Neil Flanz on 11 December 2001 at 03:18 PM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Neil Flanz on 11 December 2001 at 03:22 PM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Neil Flanz on 12 December 2001 at 09:03 AM.]</p></FONT>

Neil's work with Gram Parsons was ground breaking. A perfect segue out of the Byrds and into a more country/folk/rock direction. Neil supplied the perfect "bridge" component to make the transition out of folk/rock and into a unique genre still holding its ground after 30 years.

The "Still Safe at Home" Album is again an example of Neil's tasteful and soulful approach. I have said it before and I will say it again, Neil can squeeze more soul out of one note or phrase than anyone I have heard. You would not be sorry for having bought this album. It is another giant footprint in the genre of country/folk/rock while hearkening back to Gram Parsons, forges ahead with new territory.

I have been studying with Neil for about 9 or 10 months, and I am continually amazed at his depth and command of theory and voicing.

I could go on, but I wouldn't want Neil to blush.....



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Bill Fulbright
1998 Sierra U12 7x5; Gibson ES-165; Peavey 50-410
ICQ# 2251620 Bill's Website Launch Pad

I would like to comment on another subject.
I heard that Neil's "Pedal Steel Chord Dictionary" for the C6th neck was available so I ordered a copy. Neil, I just want to thank you for your work on this subject. I don't know what I would do without it! I am in the process of making up some chord charts(picking groups, frets, strings, etc.) and am using your work as my reference. Your excellent work on C6 is really helping to clear the fog away on this rather complicated tuning.
Thanks again!
Erv

Neil's work with Gram and Emmylou was great, and the album has sure stood the test of time. One of the striking features of that live album is how much Neil played, and how he managed to do it without creating the impression of steel guitar overkill. My teenaged kids like it too, and are totally impressed that Neil is a friend of mine! Happily, I was able to show then a (much treasured) picture of Pete Burak and I jamming with Neil a couple of years ago, otherwise they might not have believed me! I hope that Neil gets a chance to work on some more recording projects soon, and encourage everyone to grab a copy of "Still Safe at Home".

This is one of my most played cd's. I had the pleasure of meeting Neil in the mid 70's when he was playing with Marcia Ball(blues, jazz, country) and was amazed as a novice steel player at what he could do in a live performance. To my now aging ears Neil's playing then was a combination of Emmons/Day.
The soul of Jimmy Day combined with the crispness and execution of Buddy. This is not to say he was copying either, but taking the best of both and using it in his own unique way.

billy tam

Billy:
I'm sure your words will bring a smile to Neil's face. He held Jimmy Day in the highest esteem and still considers Buddy Emmons the greatest steel player to ever grace this planet. Neil was no slouch on this instrument either, as his early 60's Canadian record releases show. Great player!! I am proud to call him my friend.

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Rebel™
ICQ 614585

http://users.interlinks.net/rebel/steel/steel.html

Neil Flanz is still Neil Flanz, which is talented and hot on the steel.

"Nuff Said"