posted 01 January 2000 03:19 PM         

Lonesome 77203, by Bob Lucier.
A legend amongst Canadian steeler, Bob resurrects a simply great old tune. This man has tone ! Full and lush.. is it in the hands, or the Fulawka steel? Only the shadow knows...

Honky Tonk Night Time Man, by Dale Rivard and Andy Schick. A great, hard-driving arrangment. Lots of tasty, speedy picking.
Singer Jason McCoy contributes his voice, as well as some pretty dandy lead playing

Desperado, by Steve Smith. Already a favourite from the album for some steelers. Many people had the pleasure of hearing Steve at Scotty's last labour day.

All my Loving, by Al Brisco. Wow. Those lads from the Valley sure can pick! Great ride, no darned wonder they call him "Mr. Smooth". It makes you wonder why the Beatles didn't use twin fiddles. Unfortunately, the credits overlook the fiddle parts, but I'd bet they are laid down by Donny Reed, a former Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champ.
Al ?

Then you can tell me Goodbye, by John Lacey.
Here's a guy that knows how to be an accompanyist! His backing of Anita Perras' beautiful vocal is wonderful. The overall sound on this cut is exceptional - fresh and
modern sounding. I'm a little skeptical about chick singers in general, but this lady can sing. Is that an old song, John ?

Raisin' The Dickens, by Rusty Walker.
Well, I've heard of this guy for a long time, it's a pleasure to finally hear him. I can see why people remember him. With due respect to the original Emmons version, Rusty adds his own twist to the solos and now-famous ending lick. As fluent a jazz player as I've heard.

Kindly Keep it Country, by Doug Johnston.
Stone cold, drop dead gorgeous E9 country steel. What else can you say?

Chasing Paul, by Roy Thomson. I've been searching for the right adjective to describe this, and I've decided that "charming" is the word for both of Roy's contributions to the CD. This cut is solo, and finger picked (would "travis-style" be correct, Roy?). Roy's cuts round out the recording so nicely.

I'd Rather Have You Fat and Happy, by Al Bragg. Well, alright! Some non-pedal, wonderfully handled. This is the "Ottawa Contigent", with whom I'm most familiar. Canucks can swing! Good arrangement too. Saxophonist Zeke Gross and guitarist Steve Pittico also grace this cut, backing the light hearted vocal of Micheal O'Reilly. If you ever get a chance to catch any of these guys live, do it! O'Reilly is an amazing entertainer/musician/comedian. One time during a sound system failure at a show, I saw them send out Mike all alone with a guitar. He kept the audience mesmerized on the edge of their seats until the problem was fixed. Another reason this CD is "well rounded" !

Cry, by Burke Carroll. I don't know this man, but his handling of the pedal steel, lap steel, and dobro (all on this cut) is impressive. Once again, a Fulawka steel with great tone. (imho)

posted 01 January 2000 05:37 PM         

I was very fortunate and happy to have been able to climb on the bandwagon and play a little part on this CD. A real honour for me to say the least.

In answer to your question in your post the "Chasin Paul" number that I do is based more on the Chet Atkins "feel" rather than Travis.
It is done solo on the standard E9th tuning using A&B pedals and the two levers that raise and lower the "E's" a half tone. I have played fingerstyle on steel for some years but it was just about 3 years ago I attempted the style on E9th. I am continuing my efforts to develop this approach further as I think it holds wonderfull possibilities for Steel Guitar on the E9th tuning permitting fingerstyle to intermingle with the traditional country pedal sounds.

My "Canadian Farewell" track I wrote thinking Jerry Byrd.... but with pedals. Hope he doesn't mind.:-)

posted 02 January 2000 08:59 AM         

The liner notes always say what make of steel is being played. This is a big plus to anyone who is comparison shopping for a new steel. You can really hear the difference between the different manufacturers.

Great job, Bob, and all players.

posted 02 January 2000 10:40 AM         

I tabbed my two short "Northern Steel" tunes before Christmas and am now writing them to Click Tab. If there is enough interest I don't mind posting them somewhere for anyone to download.

posted 03 January 2000 03:39 PM         

A plus for me was that I had (almost) forgotten what a fine singer Anita Perras is! It's great that you were able to have her on the CD, Bob. I think "One Smokey Rose" is outstanding.

------------------
Don Walters
get "listed" at the World Wide Steel Guitarist Directory
www3.sk.sympatico.ca/waltd/
(aka On-Line Steel Guitarists of the World)

posted 06 January 2000 05:44 AM         

Hey Bob Blair, I first met Burke Carroll in the early 80's and seen him blossom into a monster player. Over the years, we have done our share of jamming.
On the Northern Steel CD, he played the old Johnny Ray tune Cry on steel, lap steel and dobro. He now lives in Toronto. He is one of the nicest and most talented persons I've met in my travels. Regards Bob