Al Marcus on YouTube

Mark White · Post by **Mark White** » 17 Oct 2007 2:05 pm

I happened on this and thought it might be of interest. 70 Years of Steel Guitar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpEPFE53mfs

Fred Shannon · Post by **Fred Shannon** » 17 Oct 2007 5:28 pm

Aint it great to see how it was done when the instrument was coming of age. I can hear so much of Alvino Rey in Al's playing that if I close my eyes and just listen I can see Rey sitting in his studio kicking it out. And I miss Mr. Rey very much.

Al Marcus is a treasure to all pedal steel guitarists. He's one of the few remaining players that really understands the 6th tuning to a Tee. He and I have worked together on several tunings that could possibly make the learning curve much easier than the 9th "Standard" everyone is making such a to do over. With pedals and knees, Al can play the heck out of modern day steel and make it go just like the Standard 9th.

If you ever get the chance to talk personally with Al Marcus you'll be a great loser if you pass up the opportunity. My friendship with him grows daily and sometimes when I'm really down, and that's not very often, I just call Mr. Al on the phone and after a couple of minutes, things just somehow get rosier. I'm so thankful that everyone gets a chance to hear the "old man" play. He's great in my books.

Phred

Mark White · Post by **Mark White** » 17 Oct 2007 5:43 pm

Al has a great website with interesting pictures of his musical life and stories to go along with them. Worth the time to go through it!
http://www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 17 Oct 2007 7:20 pm

I loved that!!! Thanks!

Bob Taillefer · Post by **Bob Taillefer** » 17 Oct 2007 7:32 pm

I also love that!

Thanks! Bob

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 18 Oct 2007 6:41 am

Steel guitar - not just for country, and never was! Hawaiian, big band, country, modern jazz - Al's lived and played it all. And he is savier about computers and the internet than many people one-quarter his age. What a valuable resource and inspiration he is here on the Forum.

Bernie Gonyea · Post by **Bernie Gonyea** » 18 Oct 2007 7:27 am

Ditto to all of you forumites; no greater an individual than our Brother, Al Marcus. If you haven't taken the time to visit his fabulous WEB SITE, please do so. Al has done it all, when it comes to playing a steel guitar; whether it be non-Pedal; Pedal, C/W; Big Band; Blue-grass; you name it, Al can claim title to doing the same.
No better friend of the SGF and all the forumites whom are members, there-of; Al is always there for us. I've never met the man, in person, but feel like I've known him all my life.Al was the very first forumite to welcome me, when I joined the SGF a little over a year ago. And I'm proud to say, I consider him my friend; Loved your performance on U-Tube, BROTHER.. Warmest Wishes..Bernie

Hook Moore · Post by **Hook Moore** » 18 Oct 2007 8:25 am

You da man Al !
Hook

Mark White · Post by **Mark White** » 19 Oct 2007 7:52 pm

......and another: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk8x4NY24UE

JERRY THURMOND · Post by **JERRY THURMOND** » 20 Oct 2007 4:39 am

That was just great Al, we should all be so lucky to be able to play like you.

Jerry

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 26 Oct 2007 7:15 pm

Mark-That was sure nice of you to dig up those YouTubes that Drew Howard made of me. It's been over a year and I appreciate it. thanks..

Fred-My good friend, thanks for the nice post. You have helped so many people, in so many ways, in your life, and a good friend to all steel guitar players. That special tuning that you had developed with a small input from me, was very versatile for a musician to get everything with it.

But you and I know that the standard E9 and C6 tuning is now pretty well established for pedal steel. A lot of great players have done a fine job with those tunings.

It isn't like the old days, when Red Rhodes, Sneaky Pete, Maurice Anderson, Alvino Rey,and so many others all had their own special personal tunings. They did quite well with them. ....

David and Bernie, thanks for your good words, and
I want to personally thank each and every one of you for the nice comments, and I appreciate it...al.

:)

Mark White · Post by **Mark White** » 26 Oct 2007 7:46 pm

Well Al, I must confess.....they were new to me

I enjoyed them very much and your website is great too!

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 26 Oct 2007 8:10 pm

Mark-They are probably new to lots of guys.

I am glad you enjoyed my Website, just a little bit of History. My, where did the time go? Thanks again. ...al.

:)

Don Sulesky · Post by **Don Sulesky** » 27 Oct 2007 7:57 am

I have checked out Al's web site many times and it amazes me what a great guy and life he has had.
Hope you have many more years to share with us all.
Don

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 27 Oct 2007 8:48 am

Don-Thanks for looking at my Website. Just a little part of my history.

I looked at your Website and it is just great. You have done a lot for Steel Guitar, I can see and your tabs and lesson material must be great from all the compliments you got....al.

:)

John Davis · Post by **John Davis** » 27 Oct 2007 11:33 am

Hi Al,So sorry I never made it to Mitchigan my last trip across the pond I so wanted to meet you, I was thinking about you when I made this clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps9IUkmruNI
You and I probably the only ones old enough to remember this number! ( and I`m not sure if I nailed it or not).Its great to see your still playing

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 27 Oct 2007 4:37 pm

John-I am sorry too that you couldn't make it last year. I heard the Video and it is a song that I like and used to play it back around 1948, only I played it in E6. "East Of The Sun" an old classic standard. Nice smooth playing on it , good tone on that Emmons...al.

:)

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 28 Oct 2007 8:21 am

there's somethin' bout them ol' school guys that makes me jump fer joy
Thanx Al !

Jody Cameron · Post by **Jody Cameron** » 28 Oct 2007 1:31 pm

Al, I've never met you, but I sure would like to someday! Beautiful work on the YouTube video. I love those big, fat chords.

JC

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 28 Oct 2007 3:39 pm

Don-Thanks, I checked your website and it is great. You have done a big service for the steel guitar with your lesson and backup material.

Jody-I have heard that you are fine musician and steel player. I wish I could meet in person so many Forum members that I have met here.
Yes, I like those big fat chords too, There is room for all kinds of music on the Steel Guitar, it is such a versatile instrument. In the right hands it can be used in place of Keyboards in any band....al.

:):)

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Al Marcus on YouTube

Al Marcus on YouTube

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