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Author
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Topic: Freddie Roulette's lap steel
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Russ Young
Member From: Seattle, Washington, USA
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posted 05 December 2002 06:57 PM
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I just picked up a copy of Freddie Roulette's "Back in Chicago' album. I suppose I could sum up my reaction by saying you'll either love it or hate it ... or maybe both at the same time. He does get some remarkable sounds out of his lap steel; what I can't figure out is what kind of guitar it is. There isn't a really good view in the pictures on the CD cover. It looks a lot like many of the National/Supro shapes, but it's eight strings. Does anyone know what he plays? |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 05 December 2002 07:24 PM
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A National Dynamic....I believeHe does some nice work on Roy Rogers latest album also. Truly unique. |
Zayit
Member From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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posted 05 December 2002 07:57 PM
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Hi Russ, Howard:Freddie plays the 8-string version of the Dynamic body called the "Special". Theres a link on Brad's page of steel with Freddie's tuning on it. I caught Freddie's act 2 years ago when he came up for the Winnipeg folk festival. His sound was interesting, but too much effects for me. I personally liked some of the stuff he did with Harvey Mandel though. You can find samples on the 'net. If you like blues lapsteel though, check out traditional Texas bluesman Sunny Rhodes, or Canadian blus-rocker John Campbeljohn. Or if you're brave, look in the yellow pages for a 'Church of the Living God- Jewell Denomination' in your town & go hear some gospel/blues steel playing that blows away anything mentioned in this thread. (Yes I personally took the COTLG test last year in Detroit & it was worth it). |
Russ Young
Member From: Seattle, Washington, USA
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posted 05 December 2002 08:40 PM
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Thanks, Zayit. Howard's mention of Roy Rogers was interesting, because Freddie Roulette's playing reminds me a bit of Rogers' -- at times you're wondering if they're both getting paid by the note! Both of them are amazing players, but my tastes run to styles that would might be described as "minimalist." I think sometimes less is more ... |
Zayit
Member From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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posted 05 December 2002 08:52 PM
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Russ, you hit the nail on the head! Touch, tone & delivery timing trump 1/32notes any time!I still urge you (if you really like blues lapsteel) to check out any Jewell Dominion COTLG service. Here's a sample from Calvin Cooke: http://www.nff.net/activities/guitar/calvin.html  |
Russ Young
Member From: Seattle, Washington, USA
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posted 05 December 2002 08:53 PM
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By the way, there's no COTLG here in Seattle, but I am listening to "Recorded Live at the Second Sacred Steel Convention" right now.It's great stuff! Every track is a different pedal or lap steel player, including Robert Randolph and Forumite (and fellow Seattleite) Dan tyack. |
Jason Lollar
Member From: Seattle area
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posted 06 December 2002 09:00 AM
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Freddies sense of harmony is WAY out there!
If you want to hear him playing simpler get some recording he did with Earl Hooker in the 60's or early 70's.
They combine earl playing slide with Freddie on 8 string.
Part of his sound is the pickup in that particular national model. Its a strange pickup that gives an unusual almost out of phase sound. |
Brad Bechtel
Moderator From: San Francisco, CA
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posted 06 December 2002 09:08 AM
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Freddie is one of the most unique steel players I've ever heard. He has a very interesting version of "Holiday For Strings" available on the "Everybody Slides" compilation. I've heard him play a wild version of the "I Love Lucy" theme song as well.
I'd agree with Zayit that the Sacred Steel players really have something going on.------------------
Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars |
Andy Volk
Member From: Boston, MA
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posted 06 December 2002 10:36 AM
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The thing about Freddie is he's usually pegged as a blues player which he's not. He comes out of 1950's pop music. He learned tons of standards as a kid and that - coupled with some wild ideas - truly informs his style. His record Spirit of Steel on the German label, Tradition & Moderne, shows his range best of anything he's recorded. |
Russ Young
Member From: Seattle, Washington, USA
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posted 06 December 2002 04:26 PM
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Brad, does Freddie Roulette play in Bay Area clubs very much? Regardless of my criticism, I'd love to hear him live some time. |
Brad Bechtel
Moderator From: San Francisco, CA
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posted 07 December 2002 09:17 AM
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He plays somewhat infrequently; as you might imagine, it probably takes special musicians to keep up with him.
The last time I saw him was opening up for David Lindley (who counts Freddie as a big influence on his own style), with Steve Kimock as his accompaniment.
I don't see him listed in the regular listings; my guess is that he participates in blues jams in Oakland more than anything, as that's where I see him mentioned when I do see him at all.------------------
Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars [This message was edited by Brad Bechtel on 07 December 2002 at 09:17 AM.]
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