Al Brisco

Paul Evans · Post by **Paul Evans** » 13 Feb 2002 9:35 am

Hi Folks
Recently I have been working with Al's C.D. called "Pickin' Up The Dust". I must say that the Al's playing is totally amazing! I have listened to this CD over and over again and cannot say enough about it. Al has been a friend for many years and he has been most encouraging and helpful when it comes to Steel Guitar. Al always takes time for fellow 'steelers' both in teaching and with his 'picknics'which give Steelers a place to showcase.
Al has been a leader for Steel Guitar and we are proud of his great playing at Scotty's Steel Guitar Convention. Back to his C.D.,if anyone does not have a copy of this great C.D. make sure you get one.. It is something I think every Steeler should have, and by the way, he also has tab for the songs if you are interested in learning some of the tunes. Thanks for dropping in and if you want to contact Al, just to say hi or to order this C.D,. you can do so here. Thanks, Paul http://www.steelguitarcanada.com/
Comments Welcome

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Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 13 Feb 2002 9:49 am

Agreed!
Lloyd Green has very nice things to say about this CD at http://www.steelguitarcanada.com/pickin.htm .

Al also has full band tracks available for that CD.

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 13 Feb 2002 10:11 am

I have known Al and been aware of his playing since 1985. He is a tremendous steel guitar artist. His CD is one of the most listenable
out there......bar none.

Chris Forbes · Post by **Chris Forbes** » 13 Feb 2002 10:12 am

I agree, his playing is mighty tasty. Besides being a fantastic picker, he's a nice guy too. I had just been burned by a steel shop I found online and was wary about doing business with someone I found online again. However, I bit the bullet and couldn't be happier. Mr. Brisco is knowledgable, prompt, honest, fair, and a total pleasure to do business with. I also echo the above, if you don't have the CD, get it!!

Marco Schouten · Post by **Marco Schouten** » 13 Feb 2002 12:21 pm

I especially like Appledale Ride. The moment it starts I feel happy. A song that deserves to be a classic like Steel Guitar Rag, Remington Ride, Buds Bounce, etc.
I had the pleasure of talking with Al Brisco at the Steeldays 2000 and he is a very nice guy!

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Steelin' Greetings
Marco Schouten
Sho-Bud Pro III Custom

Paul Evans · Post by **Paul Evans** » 13 Feb 2002 2:52 pm

Hi Folks,
It is so nice to read the responses you all have sent in. We are privileged to have Al already booked to play at the Classic Country Music Reunion, August 4th on our Main Stage, held in Trenton, Ontario. I am also talking to Al about putting a steel guitar forum together at the event. I will keep you posted on any news about this forum.
Back to the C.D.! I was learning Pickin' Up The Dust', and having a little trouble, so I called Al to ask him how he was doing it. Well he was kind and told me and I went back at it and slowed it down to 75% and practiced the run over and over. I must say at the slower speed, you can hear every note and how it is executed. Needless to say, I am impressed. I thought he made a mistake on one little part, but I was wrong. I just haven't heard it that way before! (smile) He is great! Buy that C.D.. Pickers, you won't be sorry.
Here is a link for the event August 2nd 2002.
http://www.ambrec.com/ccmr
Thanks,
Paul

Carson Leighton · Post by **Carson Leighton** » 13 Feb 2002 5:04 pm

Al Brisco is one of best players in the business. He certainly has done a lot for the steel guitar in this country and deserves a lot of credit. Al is a different type of player, with a style of his own. Just get a copy of the 'Pickin' Up The Dust' CD and you will agree........Regards, Carson

Don Walters · Post by **Don Walters** » 13 Feb 2002 7:27 pm

I agree with everything said about Al as a player. Really awesome and one of the few top -notch players I've been able to spend significant time with in person. Very heplful, regardless of a peson's skill level. Most of all, he's one of my favourite people.

I'm glad his album is a CD. If it was vinyl, I would probably be on my 2nd or 3rd copy!!

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Don Walters
Carter D-10, 8p/6k
Session 500 with Lemay Mod

Andy Greatrix · Post by **Andy Greatrix** » 16 Feb 2002 2:30 am

Back in the sixties and seventies, I played bass in three different bands with Al. On a bad night he was better than most, but on a good night, he could give you goose bumps the size of grapefruits.

Don Walters · Post by **Don Walters** » 16 Feb 2002 7:16 am

Andy's post just reminded me of a moment at the Mid-Canada Convention 2 years ago. Jim Humpage (an excellent singer) sang Farewell Party and Al played an outstanding break! It was all goose bumps in the room at that moment!! During an intermission a bit later Jim went up to AL and said "Man, you really nailed that one". Al just shrugged!! [This message was edited by Don Walters on 16 February 2002 at 07:16 AM.]

Don Townsend · Post by **Don Townsend** » 16 Feb 2002 7:42 am

OK, you guys, no "short" jokes.

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 16 Feb 2002 10:58 am

There's a short sound sample of (Real Audio format) Al's playing over at http://users.interlinks.net/rebel/steel/unknown.html Ricky and Rebel's Site.

You can also find sound bits of Al at http://www.steelguitar.com/sound/sound.htm#ChuckCampbellSSOnTourCD
[This message was edited by Joey Ace on 16 February 2002 at 01:14 PM.]

Graham · Post by **Graham** » 16 Feb 2002 2:40 pm

Anybody that knows Al, knows he is short in stature, but he stands mighty tall in the steel guitar world!

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Rebel™
ICQ 614585

http://users.interlinks.net/rebel/steel/steel.html

John Steele (deceased) · Post by **John Steele (deceased)** » 16 Feb 2002 4:33 pm

I agree with Rebel.

The Diminutive but Mighty Al Brisco is a boon to every Canadian steeler in the great service he provides, and the knowledge he shares. He is always prompt, courteous, and
honest, as well as being a great guy to talk with about any subject.
-John

Kenneth Kotsay · Post by **Kenneth Kotsay** » 16 Feb 2002 5:03 pm

Not only can I play APPLEDALE RIDE note for note but WALTZ MEDELY, ALL OF ME & WHITE RIVER STOP. I'm able to play along with AL BRISCO's CD rhythm track, naturally I used his tab course also. These four songs took me about a year to get down. WALTZ MEDELY was a real challenge but I did it.

How did I do it, with CHOP SHOP. This little gizmo cost $99.00 from MUSICAN FRIEND and can record up to 30 seconds of any song. I can loop any part of his song and then slow the song down to a crawl.
I also use a pair of cheap head phones ($19.99).

That's how I did it, plain and simple.

Now for PICKIN UP THE DUST, I'll pass on that song, besides AL plays the hell out of this song.

KEN
[This message was edited by Kenneth Kotsay on 16 February 2002 at 05:04 PM.]

Paul Evans · Post by **Paul Evans** » 16 Feb 2002 5:22 pm

Hi Folks
It is nice to see all responcesfor Al. I have sent an e-mail to let him know that I did a post on him. Al says that "Pickin' Up The Dust" gets easer the faster you play it... I guess I just wasn't playing fast enough.. hmmm (But I will Keep Trying) Hello to my good freind Rebel.. Paul.

Boomer · Post by **Boomer** » 16 Feb 2002 6:01 pm

Played behind him at Stoney's a few years ago. One of the best composers for steel tunes I have ever heard. Gifted. Best, Boomer

Spencer Scott · Post by **Spencer Scott** » 22 Feb 2002 1:04 am

Picking up the dust is a great cd <how about another one Al >Al is also on the northen steel cd his cut of all my loving is somthing else,Al is one of the great guys in the steel world,and its a pleasure to call him friend for the last twenty some odd years..

Don Benoit · Post by **Don Benoit** » 22 Feb 2002 9:05 am

Just wanted to let everyone know that Al Brisco will be at our BC Pedal Steel guiar Jamboree in Okanagan Falls, BC on the 5th of May.

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dben@lycos.com
dben@shaw.ca
http://members.shaw.ca/dben/psg.htm

Al Brisco · Post by **Al Brisco** » 23 Feb 2002 6:28 pm

Hi to All,

Thanks for all the kind words. I guess it all comes down to having a passion for 'The World's Most Expressive Instrument"!
Too bad it has been kept such a secret.
I just played a concert last evening with Gordie Tapp of 'Hee-Haw' Fame, where an 18 year old lady stage hand commented on how much she liked the sound of my instrument, but had never seen one before.
Of course, I had to take up the challenge of explaining to her how it related to the spanish guitar.

To Andy Greatrix....I heard from some of your Edmonton friends that you had gone off-shore!!!....then what else would I expect...Ha...Ha. Andy, I do remember playing many gigs with you usually playing bass & belting out good tunes....from doing a trio gig at The Horseshow, to 8 or more band members with Ronnie Hawkins!

To Don Walters...I am again looking forward to attending the Mid-Canada Steel Guitar Convention in Winnipeg, Man. on April 12 & 13th/02....ole Wayne (the Luggan) is always a blast.
Here's the link: http://linkon.edusoft.ca/

To Don Benoit...I am also exceited about attending the BC Steel Jamboree in Okanagan Falls, BC (20 miles from the US border) on May 4th & 5th/02. This is the first steel event of this nature in this area, so we are looking forward to meeting many new faces.
Here is the link: http://members.shaw.ca/dben/psg.htm

To Paul Evans....what can I say about this steeler who keeps on giving!!!!
We have been planning a steel guitar jam & seminar at The Classic Country Music Reunion over the Civic Holidy weekend of August 3rd & 4th in Trenton, Ont.

Again, Thanks for all the kind words...now I just have to make a new CD.
Best Wishes,
Al Brisco

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 24 Feb 2002 4:47 am

FYI...
per requests,a RealAudio sample page was added to Al's web site, today. Four tunes. http://www.steelguitarcanada.com/audio.htm
-j0ey-