The British Steelies Society

Hi All

It's always inspiring (for me) when Bruce Hornsby releases a new album, which he just has...I get all creative! So today I put together a new track in honour of the great man. It is called The Hour because it relates to one of his tracks (Porn Hour), and also because I recorded a track that lasted exactly one hour (remember he was in The Grateful Dead for a while, where an hour was normal if a bit short!!). Here is a 6-minute excerpt; I know it's still a bit long to be a hit, but hey!

https://soundcloud.com/user-581188416/the-hour

Thanks for listening.

Gary

Really great stuff, Gary. I especially enjoyed Dark Star Cast, and your 6 string playing deserves a special mention throughout, most enjoyable.
I also think Bruce Hornsby is an inspirational musician, that defies categorisation, and I'm currently defiling one of his better known songs with my eldest, it'll hopefully see the light of day on here, when he gets back from Reykjavik.
Keep posting, they're always interesting

Thanks Danny. Yes, the Dark Cast Star started out last week with a different title and with Bruce Hornsby's drum track sample (from his new album) loud and clear. However, while I liked it like that a few friends (not for long) said they preferred it without, so I took it out, which created another version. Then I added my own bass and drum track which is where the problems with the link started. Anyway, not many people really care that much because it's not country, nor is it a tune, let alone a tune that anyone's ever heard (nor is it in tune or in a key as it happens), but it is what it is, and (yes, thank you) the guitar playing is (to my ears) on the case here, as is the steel playing...I feel like I'm moving towards where I want to be, not yet, but one day! Soon-ish, hopefully. The only thing that matters to me as far as this forum is concerned is support (and advice) regarding the quality of my actual playing (steel or otherwise) not WHAT I play, which to me is secondary and my own hang up, but how well I'm playing...which I work on every day...which I can hear, but then I would say that.

Thanks again Danny...I always appreciate your feedback, good or bad, although I only take any notice of the good of course.

G

Well, Gary, specifically regarding your steel playing, leaving aside the material (always interesting, btw) I think you have a unique sound/approach, which stands it apart from the common associations with the steel; your use of harmony, and in your melody playing there's something that reminds me of John Scofield, strangely enough, maybe in the way you come off some notes, and last but not least....the slapping technique (outside the box there). Here endeth my tuppence worth on that matter.
As long as the posts keep coming, I'll be happy to respond in return (for what that's worth). It keeps the forum alive, and, it's all gravy.

Thanks Danny...you're a gent, and really very helpful with your comments: always incredibly perceptive (I'm sure many on this forum feel the same).

Indeed, I was a fan of Scofield back in the day (Miles Davis), although he always played behind the beat, which I think was part of his style, but didn't always work for me. Unfortunately, like Larry Carlton, his latter-day guitar hero antics leave me completely cold...shame.

But again, it's great to hear your thoughts because it really is difficult to objectively hear yourself much of the time.

So, I'll be back then!!

G