The Steel Guitar Forum

This past tuesday (May 16, 2006) I had the extreme pleasure of attending a tracking session for Randy Beaver's latest project. It took place in Franklin, TN at Dark Horse Recording, an amazing place that can best be described as a Log Castle.
http://www.darkhorserecording.com/

The players that Randy had there were the absolute best, the A-list of the A-list. Just to watch Michael Rhodes in action was unlike anything I've ever seen. I honestly don't know if I've ever witnessed a bassist that good in action. So intuitive, creative, relaxed, and just plain masterful. That can really be said too for Catherine Marx on piano as well as John Gardner on drums, and of course, Randy himself. These four musical monsters truly made it look so easy. What really got me was how creative and free they all were. They each knew the basic form of the tunes, but the feel, the notes, the sounds, the embellishments, the way they locked on a powerful groove and drove it hard, the telepathic communication with eachother, it was just fantastic. Something I'll never forget.

Randy doesn't mess around when it comes to making an album. This is as good as it gets. Keep your eyes out for this latest release from Randy.

Here's a link to some photos I shot while there:
http://www.steelguitarblackbox.com/page12/page20/page20.html

Thanks Randy!

Brad

Was listening to Randy Beavers current CD last night on the way to a gig. His tone and personal style of delivery was simply outstanding. I'll look forward to purchasing his new CD.

It was watching Randy play this past year at a steel show south of Atlanta that got me interested in playing C6 again (gospel tunes no less)...Randy does an excellent job of sounding C6 on his E9th neck. An Amazing talent.

Brad, what is the other unit in Randy's rack on top of yours?
Great pictures!

It must be great fun to work in a place like that. Thanks for the pics. Yeah Randy is a terrific player that I enjoyed meeting and hearing live in Dallas this year. Wow what a tone!

Marlin, that's the TC M300 delay/reverb unit. I highly recommend it! I've got 2. May be the best steel guitar effects unit ever if delay and reverb are what you want.

Brad

Well, I sure want a copy of Randy's new forthcoming project. Randy is a great player!

GOD bless!

Terry Wood

I BET THIS WILL BE SUPER.

And I can make a guess who will master it too...

Brad, you're right about Michael Rhodes, he is something else. I have known him for over 20 years and he has played on lots and lots of sessions for me. I do think he is one of the finest bassists on the planet...

Brad, thanks for posting the pictures of the session. That was a fun day! When you use players of this caliber, then allow them to do what their capable of, that's when the "magic" happens. We cut 7 original tunes, along with 5 others, and still finished up early. Considering the difficulty of some of the songs this was amazing. But then again, it didn't seem that difficult for them!

I thought Michael wanted to strangle me on one song. I wanted him to play a line with Catherine and me that was continuous 1/16th notes over 3 measures at 120 beats per minute. He did it!

My work begins now putting down my keeper tracks. I'll have to "stretch" myself to learn to play over some of these tunes.



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Randy
click here

Catherine Marx (formerly Styron) is an awesome piano player too. I first saw her at ISGC several years ago when she played for Hal Rugg and the Wild Rose all girl band. She also did some fantastic work on some of Doug Jernigans stuff.

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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Something else I forgot to mention, the session was recorded on video. The engineer was putting together a promotion package and wanted to video the session because of the beauty of the studio we were at.

What kind of interest do you think there would be in an "enhanced" CD with some of the footage from the session?

Great photos Brad! Thanks for a very interesting peek into a very cool looking studio and session.

"What kind of interest do you think there would be in an "enhanced" CD with some of the footage from the session?"---Randy, I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

best,
LarryW

Randy
Can't wait to hear your new music. I think
the video of the session would be great.
Count me in.
www.rickjohnsoncabs.com

Randy, there are several players who have never had the opportunity to sit in at a recording session. A video would give musicians such as myself, a chance to observe what the process incurs. I feel that it is a very good idea to offer a video of this nature, especially with the high caliber players such as yourself included in it.

As for the extra footage on the CD,Well lets just say that would be the iceing on a cake,thats done well baked. Oh and thanks for the pic's Brad.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Steve Dodson on 22 May 2006 at 08:24 AM.]</p></FONT>

wow what a studio- were y'all in the Lodge or the Cabin?

Dave. They were booked for the Cabin, but since the Lodge was available, they bumped them over to that space instead.

Brad

Randy, congratulations, and yes to the video.

Double post-- too much coffee.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Stephan Miller on 22 May 2006 at 09:03 AM.]</p></FONT>

Randy is that new Zum SD10 a standard or hybrid changer ?? difficult to tell from the photos.

Looks great though..

Paddy, it is the Hybrid changer.

Randy I know the new cd will be great. Anyone who does not already own some of Randy`s cds should go to www.randybeavers.com right now and place an order. Your missing some great music from one of the best musicians around.
Hook

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www.HookMoore.com

Randy is one of my all time favorite players and people as well....They say "behind every good man"....and he's certainly got one who supports and believes in him.

Randy, please put me on your list for "sold" CD's. Also mark one of your DVD's "sold" as well. If you ultimately decide to offer one I believe you will find it to be very successful. Teresa filmed Johnny Gimble and I in the studio while cutting my non pedal CD years ago, and I still receive orders.

Good luck with your new project Randy and I'll look forward to enjoying every note.

Randy;put me down for the DVD also. I enjoy your C.D'S,nice pickin. Just let me know when it will be ready and I will send you a check.

Ron C.