Valentine Martina McBride

Danny Harrell · Post by **Danny Harrell** » 18 Jun 2024 3:17 pm

I am trying to locate the original version of Martina McBride's Valentine that has the steel work. Every video I've seen on youtube is the Jim Brickman version where the steel is left out. I appreciate any help if someone knows where I can get that.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 20 Jun 2024 8:28 am

https://youtu.be/wIZQ65lSHis?si=BOfLCV0ZZIJl-gSr

Can't find it either. Only thing I got is this live version from Farm Aid 98. Mostly piano, but steel in second verse and on.

It was released on her LP Evolution, but all it hear there is keys and strings.

Frank Freniere · Post by **Frank Freniere** » 20 Jun 2024 7:13 pm

Yeah, where’d the steel go?

Jim Brickman co-wrote “Valentine” and played piano on his 1997 album “Picture This,” which featured Martina’s vocal. Apparently she liked the song enough to turn around and put it on her 1997 release, “Evolution” for the Country market.

The two versions are virtually identical but for Martina’s steel track. Did Martina or her manager decide at some point her version was too Country now, and erased the steel?

I found another live version of the song with the steel more audible. Dan Dugmore played on the 1997 recording but this performance sounds like Paul Franklin to me:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Ava_Azk ... IGhvdXNl[i][/i]

Danny Harrell · Post by **Danny Harrell** » 26 Jun 2024 10:11 am

I looked at Jim Brickmans Picture This CD from early 97 and listened to Valentine on that but the steel was removed on that cut too. I wonder if the original with the Steel is even available since the steel has been completely removed.

Danny Harrell · Post by **Danny Harrell** » 26 Jun 2024 11:09 am

I found the version with the Steel, thanks for all of your help.

https://youtu.be/Q3QAoJVccF8?si=B6WOSJicTYedE3wy

https://youtu.be/Q3QAoJVccF8?si=RmGmiLPxOEOjjldz

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 26 Jun 2024 11:23 am

Cool. Thanks for posting it. It must have been well hidden. I looked everywhere I knew. Who would've thought you'd have to search for a country version of a Martina McBride song???

I get the piano part. Yessir, that's the main thing in this song but the pedal steel adds so much texture and emotion that I can't understand why anybody or any entity would want to eliminate that beautiful work from this song. Go figure....