Sneaky Pete with Stevie Wonder, have a listen

[Mike Neer]

This is one of several tracks Sneaky Pete played on with Stevie Wonder, this particular one "Too Shy To Say" from Stevie's phenomenal Fulfillingness' First Finale.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_j-MxKALFU

Steel guitar sounds right at home in Soul music on the occasions that I've heard it, because it is such a soulful instrument. It requires a little thinking outside of the box, though, both stylistically and sonically.

[Joachim Kettner]

Now I know at least on which one of his records Sneaky Pete played. Thanks!
But as it's the case so often, I am not allowed to hear it!
I wonder in this case why they do this. Do they (UMG) really think that a music fan is satisfied listening to this terribly compressed mp3 format? and not that if he really likes it, buys the CD which has better sound qality.
Wasn't there a record by the later FBB's recorded at Stevie Wonder's studio? Seems like he returned the favor.

[Mike Neer]

Maybe you can listen to this one (same tune):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47a0EJzIsDs

[Joachim Kettner]

Thanks Mike. Still the same

[Olaf van Roggen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISbkwLvrUDM'

Stevie Wonder used Hank Devito on one of his later songs.....

[Joe Goldmark]

Hi Mike,

Great post! Steel guitar absolutely works in soul music. When I record, I always think Stax rhythm section as the foundation, and go from there. BTW, I interviewed Sneaky Pete many moons ago for Tom Bradshaw's magazine. One of the things he mentioned was how Stevie would write a great song every day. Kind of like what I've heard about Merle Haggard also, when he was in his prime.

Joe

[Dan Tyack]

Here's another one from Songs in the Key of Life (not quite so prominant, but some cool fuzz steel):

Ebony Eyes

[Joe Goldmark]

Dan, you have better ears than I. If it's there, it's real subtle!

Joe

[Dan Tyack]

Joe, here's s hint: there's no guitar on that cut. It's just Stevie, a bass player, sax player, and Pete.

Pete plays a fuzz part on the second verse, then on the instrumental parts and choruses he plays some clean steel with wah. On the verse after the instrumental plays some clean steel (sounds like a lot of chorus on it). Then on the final chorus he plays some more fuzz steel. All the steel parts are mixed pretty low.

It's not as heavenly as the other cut but I like it.

[Dennis Olearchik]

Hey Mike, thanks for posting that link. I bought that album when it came out, luv'd it but haven't heard it in 30+ years. But I remember Sneaky's playing just knocking me out on that song. And it made me like Stevie even more for using Sneaky on that cut.

Hey Dan, thanks for describing what Sneaky is doing on Ebony Eyes. I would never have known that was Sneaky playing those parts! Just goes to show you what imagination and creativity he had.

That outro-intro Sneaky does on Jackson Browne's Take It Easy and Our Lady of the Well is also one of my favorites.

[John Brabant]

And Hank Devito plays steel on the Stevie Wonder song, “ I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It”

[Chris Templeton]

Here it is, John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmCaPpx ... rt_radio=1

[Craig Stock]

Thanks Chris, I love Stevie, the steel works well, and is a little low in the mix but definitely in there.

Wonder if Stevie has ever commented on his use of steel, Lionel Richie also has used Tommy White in the past.

[Chris Templeton]

Yes. for me, the steel is too low at the beginning, but that might have been because of production. Maybe because of the steel not being standard for that type of music, bring it in quiet for the "what's that?" factor, then raise it up later.
Nice fills. The song could have been a minute shorter too.
Hank Devito does some great work on Emmylou Harris's records in the 70's.

[Craig Stock]

Hank did a lot of stuff back in the day, Wrote 'Queen of Hearts' , from New York, and original member of the Hot Band.

I'm sure a lot of folks know this but, he is not often talked about! Great Thread!

[Chris Templeton]

Hank Devito on Emmylou's "One Of These Days": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzxqzHu ... rt_radio=1