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Buddy Emmons w/ Ray Charles
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The Steel Guitar Forum
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Buddy Emmons w/ Ray Charles
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This topic was originally posted in this forum: Wanted To Buy |
| Author | Topic: Buddy Emmons w/ Ray Charles |
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Debbie Bissaillon Member Posts: 7 |
posted 17 November 1999 03:50 AM
I am a huge Ray Charles fan-------I recently bought a boxed (4CD) Ray Charles recording titled "The Complete Country & Western Recordings 1959-1986" It's absolutely wonderful---certainly, some of the best country music I've ever heard. I just wanted to say that Buddy Emmons' work with Ray completely blew me away. Buddy's contribution to these recordings has caused me to add almost the whole set to my favorite pedal steel recordings of all-time. I won't go through all the tunes but if I had to pick one I couldn't live without----it would be Wichita Lineman. Buddy's ride in that tune is phenomenal. I think that this was the first time I heard the tune and actually realized and truly felt the degree of loneliness that Jimmy Webb wrote about in the song. It's so hard for me to put into words just how good it is because it's good beyond my limited vocabulary. Maybe I'll just let Ray say it, there's a booklet included in the box set, the following text is taken from one paragraph of the book, the context of the paragraph relates to the reader how much control Ray had in the recording studio and what things he wouldn't tolerate, then goes on to say: -----But Charles is just as quick to----- High praise, wouldn't you say? I think I paid about $50 for the boxed set. However, I can honestly say that Buddy's ride in Wichita Lineman was worth that much and then some. Needless to say, I would (and do) recommend the purchase of this set to anyone who'll listen. Hat's off to you Mr.Emmons---------your overwhelming talent never ceases to amaze me. |
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Bob Farlow Member Posts: 895 |
posted 17 November 1999 04:41 AM
Right on, Debbie. Emmons has probably amazed more people than any other steel player in the world -- and continues to do so. |
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Bruce W Heffner Member Posts: 328 |
posted 17 November 1999 05:26 AM
Debbie, I concur with your view on Buddy's work with Ray Charles. Buddy's talent goes far beyond the capabilities of any muscian I have ever been a fan of. I just came across an interesting recording he played on with Willie Nelson and Curtis Potter( another great vocalist) on an SOR-0084 CD titled "Six Hours at Pedernales". The song "It Should Be Easier Now" has a KILLER intro and outro. Bruce ------------------ |
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scott murray Member Posts: 751 |
posted 17 November 1999 09:14 AM
Debbie- That boxset is incredible. Have you heard the bonus track at the end of disc 2, i believe? If not, I won't ruin it for you, but there's some cool steel (don't think it Buddy though). Are you familiar with Buddy's instrumental version of "Wichita Lineman" from the 'Suite Steel' album from 1970? It could be the greatest interpretation of any song ever. I'm glad he was able to combine his interpretation with that of Ray Charles... It don't get any better than that. |
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billy tam Member Posts: 330 |
posted 17 November 1999 10:05 AM
Debbie, your post will obiviously cost me in the neighborhood of $50. In my opinion Ray Charles is the musician of the century and Buddy along with the late Jimmy Day have influenced my steel playing and my respect for great steel players for as long as I have been involved with the instrument. billy tam |
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PD unregistered Posts: 330 |
posted 17 November 1999 10:42 AM
This sometimes gets me into trouble but I just have to comment on The BIG E. Yes he is the greatest. Yes he is incredible and awesome, and on and on. BUT, he has something that is beyond description. Ray Charles said it the best. He can literally get into the brain of a singer and/or musician and do exactly what they want. Often before they even realize it. I know of no player on earth except maybe the great JB who even comes close to this amazing talent. If you will listen carefully to ANY song BE has ever "backed-up", and listen closely, you will hear this. And the more you listen the more it just pops out at you. Often the only comment is, it is sooooo simple and yet soooo very tasteful and melodious and fits soooo perfectly. I liken it to this: He hands the "next" note to a singer (after his break) on a Gold and Diamond studded platter. It's as though BE's playing was an extension of the singer's voice. It is one of the reasons I maintain that he is THE greatest steel guitar player that has ever lived, or ever will live. My opinion of course, but I don't think I'm alone in this feeling. Pat |
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Bruce W Heffner Member Posts: 328 |
posted 17 November 1999 02:25 PM
Mega Ditto's Pat |
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Dave Van Allen Member Posts: 5369 |
posted 18 November 1999 07:26 AM
I am trying to find out the title of a track BE played on with Charles- I heard this cut in the 70's and have not heard it since, but it made a PROFOUND impression on me; not a pure country track, but more of a funky, loping groove. Charles sings the line something like" my wife done gave me a dirty deal" and then Emmons comes in with this INCREDIBLY FUNKY C6 solo- copping Jimmy Smith riffs and basically playing the absolute coolest stuff... I need to know if this cut is included on the box set- I just don't know the Title... So if you hear it as you go thru the set PLEASE let me know the title... thanks a lot! ------------------ "I AM ZUMBODY!"
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Larry Bell Member Posts: 4116 |
posted 18 November 1999 08:46 AM
sheesh, Pat Why don't you tell us how you REALLY FEEL?  :0 As you're well aware, you're smack dab in the middle of the Buddy Emmons Fan Club when you're on the Forum. I hope everyone understands the distinction between a 'killer steel player' and a consummate musician (BOTH of which Buddy is). LTB |
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Glenn Suchan Member Posts: 1187 |
posted 18 November 1999 10:30 AM
Dave, I'm not 100% sure, but I think the song you're talking about is "I Feel Just Like a Ball Game on a Rainy Day". It's on the Ray Charles album titled Volcanic Action of My Soul. That song is my favorite off of the album because of the Big E's playing. Keep on pickin'! |
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RickRichtmyer Member Posts: 2522 |
posted 18 November 1999 11:13 AM
Having just seen Buddy a week ago, I can assure you that he still has every bit of heart & soul (and technical excellence) that he ever had. I wouldn't qualify him as just the greatest steel player (although I agree that he is), I'd have to say that he puts more emotional feel into his music than any musician in any genre that I can think of. And it's not just the "crying steel" that so many think of (of course we all know that that is just a tiny, tiny part of its capabilities), Buddy plays happy when it's happy, sad when it's sad, and funny when it's funny. I'll be darned if I can think of any other musician that can project that range of emotions out of his instrument with the finesse that Buddy does. ------------------
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louie hallford Member Posts: 812 |
posted 18 November 1999 05:57 PM
Don't want to hear anything else about Emmons possible retirement in a couple of years. Is this possible? Forumgossip I hope. |
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