The British Steelies Society

Here's my first recorded outing on pedal steel after a couple of years' playing. I think the steel is too high in the mix, but I didn't get a chance to hear it before it was released

I hope you enjoy it. Constructive comments welcomed.

Chris

Thanks, John, for your take on this. I have left this band now, so they are gigging without a steel.

I wasn't getting any creative fulfilment other than playing the steel breaks. I had no input to, or choice over, the material.

Chris, I basically agree with John, but I'll go further. I wish I "got" steel and its role after 2 years the way you did on this track. I mean, it sounds like almost all A & B pedal work - there might have been room for more variety, but the creativity is there, and there's no doubt that the track is far better for your playing. I don't think I could have done as well and I've been playing for nearly 6 years. I liked it. Their loss is someone else's gain.

Thanks for your kind words, Will. You're right it is mostly A & B work on this song.

I've had a slight advantage in learning steel in that I've played bluegrass dobro for about 20 years, so using picks and a bar are not alien to me. That has probably allowed me to concentrate more on the pedals and knee levers and what they do.

Hi Chris,

I agree with you that the pedal steel is too high in the mix, the whole mix sounds a bit over compressed to me. Stills sounds good though, nice arrangement on the pedal steel

Some nice playing Chris

Thanks Geoff and Roy. It's always good to get encouragement