Susan Alcorn on Beatbots

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 28 May 2008 3:28 pm

Susan performed one of her original experimental-music compositions at the Full House Festival in Baltimore, MD May 18, it was recorded by Beatbots and posted here:

http://av.beatbots.com/2008/05/24/susan ... y-18-2008/

Scroll down the page a bit and you'll find buttons for download or play.

Archie Nicol R.I.P. · Post by **Archie Nicol R.I.P.** » 28 May 2008 3:59 pm

Each to his/her own, I guess?

I don't go for Picasso either/either.

Arch.

Don Sulesky · Post by **Don Sulesky** » 29 May 2008 4:11 am

I guess you had to be there.
Not my cup of tea.
Sounded like someone tuning up to me.

Rick Batey · Post by **Rick Batey** » 29 May 2008 4:35 am

Interesting. I really like those distorted cello/didgeridoo textures and the treated piano-type sounds.

John McGlothlin · Post by **John McGlothlin** » 29 May 2008 6:48 am

I'm not a fan of that type of music either but take a look at Charles Tilley's site and listen to her do the song "Volare" now she does some fantastic playing on that one...really my kind of music. http://www.etsga.org/steelguitarplayers.htm

Alan Miller · Post by **Alan Miller** » 1 Jun 2008 5:54 am

Yes Volare is very nice but I cant get my head round the piece that the link takes us to either.
I think it is described as " A point in time freedom of expression" probably not intended to be repeated exactly,it is to do with how the player is feeling the mood of the moment,

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So dont look for the tab.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 1 Jun 2008 3:22 pm

Susan is not looking for confirmation from other steel players. She is looking to introduce the audience for experimental music to the steel guitar. Not unlike the way Robert Randolph is introducing the rock and roll audience to the instrument. The difference is that Randolph's music is a lot more accessible and Susan's is much harder to appreciate.

A lot of steel players, perhaps the overwhelming majority, hear Susan's music and think "What in blazes is that?"

But I think she deserves our support. She has gone further out on the limb than any other player, and she is all alone in uncharted territory.

I find some of her work difficult to listen to, and some of it indescribably beautiful. But it's always unlike anything anybody else has ever done before, or is likely to do in th4e future.

Love her or hate her, there's no denying that she's a unique artist who taking the steel in a new direction. I wish her luck.

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 1 Jun 2008 4:30 pm

What Mike said . Jody.

Steve Alcott · Post by **Steve Alcott** » 1 Jun 2008 6:44 pm

What Mike and Jody said.

Michael Strauss · Post by **Michael Strauss** » 2 Jun 2008 12:53 pm

What Mike said.

I downloaded it to listen on the plane this morning and I thought it was great. I'm a big fan of "experimental music". The Grateful Dead in the early days performed a song called Feedback it later progressed into Space. This music is definitely not for everyone, but certainly should not be dismissed. I'm searching YouTube for the video.

Dan Tyack · Post by **Dan Tyack** » 9 Jun 2008 4:12 am

I like it!

Michael Dene · Post by **Michael Dene** » 10 Jun 2008 12:58 am

What Mike, Jody, Steve, Jody and Dan said.

Its so refreshing to hear music outside the VERY limited box usually prescribed for Pedal Steel.

Dan Tyack · Post by **Dan Tyack** » 10 Jun 2008 5:44 am

It's amazing how well the pedal steel works with this type of music, I can't think of a solo instrument that works better with 'experimental' music. Classical players have to go through all sorts of gyrations to achieve the controlled microtonal expression that Susan produces so effortlessly. Plus the pedal steel is just great at making wierd creepy sounds...

I've got to admit that the first concert I ever heard live was when I was around 11 years old was by John Cage when he was at the University of Illinois, Urbana. I got to participate in the music making (I got to hit a crowbar at a structure of cast iron junk). I think the experience affected my musical sensibilities.