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Author
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Topic: Something Billy Hew Len said:
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Chuck Trombley
Member From: Broken Arrow, Ok. 74012
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posted 27 February 2001 02:08 PM
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In Len's interview posted by Andy Volk,Len makes a distinction between his Hawaiian playing and Jerry Byrd's style. He said JB over sustains.He said,"I play the Hawwaiian way." What is he talking about?
What makes Hawaiian playing Hawaiian? I have some opinions, but would like to hear from the rest of the "family."
Thanks; Chuck |
Andy Volk
Member From: Boston, MA
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posted 27 February 2001 05:36 PM
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check the original thread - there's a discussion of this very issue. |
Kenny Dail
Member From: Kinston, N.C. 28504
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posted 28 February 2001 02:13 PM
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Andy, what is the link to the original discussion. Jerry as we all know, is a master. The difference 'tween Billy and Jerry's styles are that Billy plays with more drive and speed done in the "Hawaiian Style" and Jerry's style is more "smooth" and dwells more on chord voicings. But, don't sell Jerry short, Listen to his version of "Hilo March". He plays what the song needs instead of "Burlesquing". Both these guys are respected masters of the Hawaiian stylings but their individual styles are prevelant and obvious to the fans a followers of the music as well as the artist.------------------
kd...and the beat goes on... |
Andy Volk
Member From: Boston, MA
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posted 28 February 2001 03:29 PM
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This is the link: http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum2/HTML/001104.html I would never sell Jerry Byrd short; he's an icon. His playing is gorgeous and utterly of it's own realm. But for Hawaiian playing, I prefer Dick McIntyre, Billy Hew Len, David Feets Rogers, Pua Almeida, Sol Ho'opi'i and especially, David Kali'i. This is what I said when I originally posted the Hew Len lesson and I stand by it. "I'm a great fan of Byrd's playing - he's the absolute master. Nobody comes near in terms of touch, control and inhumanly perfect intonation. I enjoy listening to the many recordings of his that I own. But in terms of Hawaiian music, I hear Jerry's Hawaiian playing as Jerry Byrd-style superimposed on Hawaiian music, rather than coming from it organically. Billy's comments about breathing are right on the money, IMHO.I've never heard any non-native Hawaiian swing with the wonderful, indefinable bounce that can't be notated on paper, that many native Hawaiian steelers have. Jerry's style is fine in it's own right. But, while he has practically everything else, for my money, Jerry Byrd never, ever swings." I love players who swing! You may very well have a different opinion.  |
George Keoki Lake
Member From: Edmonton, AB., Canada
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posted 28 February 2001 08:10 PM
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Andy's last comment hits the nail on the head. No one is critisizing Jerry. He's the greatest at his art, no doubt. But Hawaiians have a very special "feeling" in their playing which (us) "haoles" cannot seem to really capture, try as we might. It seems to come from the fact most Hawaiians know the lyrics of the hula and express those lyrics with their technic on the steel. Hard to explain, but one only has to listen to understand.
Oh, and Andy..I think you were referring to David Keli'i (of Hawai'i Calls fame). Also,
to set the record straight, the McIntire brothers, (Al, Lani and Dick) spelled their name with an "i", not the "y".
I am changing my Internet Server as of tonight. New address starting next week. (Leaving the phone, going to cable.) |
basilh
Member From: United Kingdom
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posted 01 March 2001 12:52 PM
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YES, plus , the Hawaiians rarely overdub!!
Baz------------------
Basil Henriques
Emmons D-10 1970
and
Emmons D-10 1970 "Anniversary"
1949 "Leilani"
1939 Dickerson
RICKENBACKER "Olde Uglie" Twin 8
"Fender 1000"
"Gibson 3x8 Electraharp" quote:
Steel players do it without fretting
 http://homepage.tinet.ie/~basilhenriques/
http://www.stax-a-trax.com/ |
Rick Aiello
Member From: Berryville, VA USA
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posted 02 March 2001 08:32 AM
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Sacrilege. This discussion is like comparing Itzhak Pearlman to Bob Wills. It seems like white men can't jump, play the blues or play hawaiian style steel guitar. |
basilh
Member From: United Kingdom
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posted 24 June 2002 10:53 AM
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You said it !!
I agree.
Pakile Henriques------------------
quote:
Steel players do it without fretting
http://www.waikiki-islanders.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk |
Rick Aiello
Member From: Berryville, VA USA
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posted 24 June 2002 11:37 AM
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Yes I did. And I stand by this year old statement ..... So there is no mistaking my meaning let me elaborate ..... In my analogy... Pearlman = Byrd .... A virtuoso of the instrument.
[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 24 June 2002 at 11:57 AM.]
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basilh
Member From: United Kingdom
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posted 24 June 2002 04:00 PM
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I've yet to meet a Clasical Violinist who can play country or jazz as freely as the ones who "lived it".
By all Means describe JB as a virtuoso.just my preference for hawaiian guitar lies in the more authentic styles of the Islanders. I prefer the livelier style of the "hula Lick" orientated playing. |
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