Gary
started playing Steel Guitar in 1975, and has worked with many artists
through the years. During the 1980's he worked extensively with Red
Steagall, and later with Ray Price up until the end of 1989. In the
90's he has been much in demand in the recording studio and has also
worked with artists such as, Darrell McCall, Billy
Keeble,(See review) Curt Ryle
(See review) and Johnny Duncan.
Having alway's been a big fan of the pedal steel guitar,
it gives me great satisfaction to be asked to review this Instrumental
album from one of the most respected Steel Guitar players in the business.
Self produced by Gary, the album is complemented
with some great musicianship from; Mark Abbott
and Jim Pack on Bass, Steve
Baker and Rich O'Brien on Guitar,
Wayne Bennett and Ron
Thompson on Drums, Randy Elmore
on Fiddle and Mandolin, Reggie Ruefer
on Fiddle and Randy Turner on Piano.
The album isn't all country music, but contains 16 tracks that vary
in style from Jazz, "Blues Walk",
"Perdido" "Don't
Get Around Much Anymore" and "Relaxin",
to Country, "Cold,Cold Heart",
wonderful versions of "Four In The Morning",
"Look At Us",
"Blue", and the
excellent "Steel Guitar Rag".
The easy listening sounds of the ever popular "Sleepwalk",
"Beyond The Sea", "The
Nearness Of You" and "Poor
Side Of Town", to the Gospel of "What
A Friend We Have In Jesus". He also takes us to Hawaii
with "Hawaiin Honeymoon" and
even fits in some big band sounds with his excellent rendition of
"Moon Glo".
This
is a wonderful album of easy listening music that is great to have
on in the background while you are doing other things, or to just
sit and relax to. Gary is a very talented Steel Guitar player who
does great justice to these classic tunes.
If
you're a fan of the Pedal Steel Guitar, check out this album from
a man who certainly knows how it should be played.
You won't be dissapointed.
