Our very own Sol Philcox jamming with our very own Brent Mason!

[braderrick]

Just stumbled upon this on youtube, Brent has been my guitar hero for a long time now, I think he is the best of the best but I gotta tell ya Sol is holding his own here. I suppose this is from his recent trip to the states. Great stuff guys!

[soonertele]

WOW!!! Someday,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Great stuff buddy. Gets no better than that.

[eddiewagner]

lord have mercy!!!! soltwanger did it! congratulations sol. please come over to play concerts here in germany. eddie

[Boneman]

GIMME MORE OF THOSE GUITAR BATTLES!!!!!!

You gotta love'm

[rzme0]

Meh.

What's so great about a skinny young kid 3000 miles from home, a third of my age, on stage with MY guitar hero, playing up a storm with the A-Team - in Nashville, looking good doing it and living MY dream?

I'll tell you what ......

It's fantastic! That's what it is.

It makes little sense. I've never met either of them and they have no idea who I am, but this feels like a little internet forum family success. And it's a joy to steal a tiny little bit of it by being a member here.

With the world in such a ****ty state and with bad new flooding through the box, the radio and the web every day this is so great to see and hear. Well done Sol and GREAT on you the Mason clan!

I've just been made redundant so I now have time to play, play, play and practice, practice, practice so you better watch out Sol. The old guy is comin' to git ya!

Made my day - thank you for posting Braderrick.

Ross

[maestrovert]

Whoohoo !
Good on ya Sol...
Thanx for postin' that clip Bro !

[PixelMover]

That is some nice playing. Really enjoyed it. Love the back and forth at the end.

[mistermullens]

Cool! I keep saying I'm not really into country, but I sure did enjoy that. Thanks for posting!

[WoodyTone]

Awesome! It takes large nuts just get up there and do that "against" Mason. Okay, Sol or anyone, what is the bend at 2:23-24 -- is that behind the nut I assume or bending the neck or is there something else I don't know how to do?

[musicmatty]

Boy..that will fill you up for lunch and dinner.

[mellecaster]

What you are seeing is like the NFL of Guitar Players....there is only a handful of folks Worldwide, that can Jam at that Level....Absolutely Awesome and Inspiring !

[Yodhan]

Wish there was more stuff around my neck of the woods like that. That was great to watch.

[musicmatty]

Mellecaster, theres only a handful who can jam at that level because Nashville is very tight on who they let in the door to play and this was more or less conveyed by Brad Paisley in a recent interview.

I would agree with Paisley, Nashville is full of guitar gurus who can play. I've seen guys locally who are on par with these players, the only difference would be their choice of licks that seperate them and give them their own identity.

Mason is certainly worthy of sitting where he his but trully, he is just one of countless great players out there pickin away...he's just very blessed to be in a paying posistion in Nashville unlike many others who are just as worthy.

[robt57]

No Valley Arts neck on that Tele Brent is did-lin ??


Super Pedal Steel works there too!


That went great woth my second cop-o-joe... Thanks!

[soltwanger]

argh how did this make it on here.... glad i finally got to see it though.

thanks for all the kind comments etc. it was probably the best night of my life, thanks to brent and eddie and paul and michael and john.

my last solo and the back and forth bit is terrible, but i was quite pleased at how the first one sounded


musicmatty, you are very wrong about brent and the other great players in nashville. true there are a handfull of great pickers but none that can really excell in every single area. brent plays sessions because he has a natural ability to hear exactly what commercial music needs in order to sell records, which is where the money is and the reason why he is so sought after as a session player. sure there are a load of guys who can chicken pick really fast or play bebop or swing on par with him (although i would personally disagree) but there is not anybody else who really has the full works, with a sense of what to play on commercial music as well as being able to pick like a mother.

as far as nashville being 'very tight on who they let through the door', that's rubbish. everybody in this town is so nice, all you have to do is have a conversation with somebody and you will be up there playing. there is no kind of exclusivity here, other than that created by one's ability to play. rick wright, jeff garris, JD simo, danny mohammed, all these guys are so nice they will let anybody pick up their guitar if you ask them and don't come across as a complete dribbling moron.

i remember when i first wanted to come here and was asking people what it was like, someone told me "kid, all you've got to do is walk into a bar wearing a fender tshirt and you will have 10 new friends by the end of the night"

this sums it up really, the people in this town are just truly amazing.

[TelecasterBlooz]

Wow!....Just..WOW! Way to go Sol, and Brent if you're lurking about, that was just class!

[musicmatty]

Soltwanger, You have stated that, there is nobody else who has the full works of knowing just what to play for commercial music and being able to pick so well. Thats pure opinion on your part...Im sure there are lots of pickers in Nashville who would disagree with you in terms of there own ability for guitar and music.

What I have said, has been echoed many times over by other Nashville artist and most recently by Brad Paisley in a Guitar interview. He said, he would like to see bands go in with their own guitar players and let them have a chance with their own riffs for their songs. He stated that these guys are very talented and are not given a chance to record their own music and he thought the songs would be better for it if they did.

However... your pickin was outstandin for sure man...good luck with everything.

[robt57]

Originally Posted by musicmatty

Soltwanger, your pickin was outstandin for sure man...good luck with everything.

+1 [or more]

[Robbie W]

Originally Posted by musicmatty

Mason is certainly worthy of sitting where he his but trully, he is just one of countless great players out there pickin away...he's just very blessed to be in a paying posistion in Nashville unlike many others who are just as worthy.

I don't know if that is entirely accurate. I understand what your saying, there are tons of hot pickers all across the country who work day jobs and play in cover bands.

But I have actually had the opportunity to sit in on a session that Brent played on and I must say the thing that blew me away more than anything was Brent's ability to change guitars (mid song on a few occasions), amps, effects, etc. and sound like a completely different guitar player. Not just a change in tone, but different phrasing, different feel, and different approach.

He didn't sound like "Brent Mason playing a PRS" or "Brent Mason playing a Strat". It literally sound like a different guitar player walked in the room.

When we see Brent live many times we see him playing what HE wants or chooses to do, but in that session it was amazing how a producer could say "can I have a little of this sound?" and quick as lighting Brent would shift gears and do exactly what the producer wanted.

I think this is a talent most people under estimate or never have the opportunity to see in person.

take care,
Robbie

[robt57]

Originally Posted by Robbie W

He didn't sound like "Brent Mason playing a PRS" or "Brent Mason playing a Strat". It literally sound like a different guitar player walked in the room.

I'm dead in the water, it is clear to see that now....

I'd be happy to sound like Brent on any one guitar.

I definitely sound the same on most of my gits.

[WisconsinStrings]

Wow, that was fun. Great pickin' Sol! I could never stand up there with Brent. I'd get pee all over the back of my Tele! ;)

In my limited experience, I agree with Sol as far as Nashville being open. The one time I was there, we were at a little bar in Printer's Alley. An outstanding house band was playing and all kinds of greats were sitting in for a song or two. At one point I mustered the courage to ask, and the guitar player handed me his strat, and off I went. I pretty much stunk the place up, but everyone was very nice.

[soltwanger]

Originally Posted by musicmatty

Soltwanger, You have stated that, there is nobody else who has the full works of knowing just what to play for commercial music and being able to pick so well. Thats pure opinion on your part...Im sure there are lots of pickers in Nashville who would disagree with you in terms of there own ability for guitar and music.

What I have said, has been echoed many times over by other Nashville artist and most recently by Brad Paisley in a Guitar interview. He said, he would like to see bands go in with their own guitar players and let them have a chance with their own riffs for their songs. He stated that these guys are very talented and are not given a chance to record their own music and he thought the songs would be better for it if they did.

but how has that got anything to do with this??

anyway that's just how it works, if you are a road guy then that's your job. you play in the band and go out every night and get paid. if you're a session guy then you go into the studio and get paid to record. if anything, session players don't get credit enough for what they do. i don't think you have any idea of the vast range of styles that are covered by a session player, or how fast records are made and how you cannot even afford to miss a note, let alone sit down and work out parts for a song. the session guys know what the song should sound like before they even sit down and record, that is the gift that sets them aside from the guys who go out and play the same 40 songs every night. on top of this, you have to have a perfect ear for good tone, and top equipment. you can't just turn up with a deluxe reverb and a tele and expect to be able to play any session, and you definately can't go in and sit down and take more than 3 minutes working out a riff or a solo. you just have to know it and be able to play it before you even pick up the guitar. if there are 'band' guitarists who can do this, then they would probably be successful as session players if they have the right business mind (which is another crucial factor), and therefore should go for it. there is no massive injustice going on.

anyway, brad paisley always uses session guys on his records anyway and not his road band (except on one song, easy money) so i cannot see what point he was making there. all his records are high budget and specific to one genre (modern country), and only a small amount of what people like brent play on are big-budget platinum artists. the most is demos and small-time artists, low budget gospel sessions and songwriter days etc. all situations where only the true session players can really sit down and keep on top of it and in a deadline, while at the same time composing parts that compliment the song perfectly and give it the 'selling factor' completely on the spot and without deliberation. if there is any injustice, then it is someone like brent mason or a fiddle player composing a song head riff in 5 seconds, which later goes on to become the signature part of a song and makes it into a mega hit. the session players do not get royalties from things like this.

[Lost_N_Austin]

Nice video. Wish I could have been there. That gives new meaning to the term "Fender Benders".

Sol - how about posting some pictures and a breakdown of the history that guitar you were playing? Was that one yours or one of Brent's guitars?

L_N_A

[toadman]

thanks for posting that vid.....i'm just gonna sell my equipment now!

[robt57]

Separates the men from the Tele-potatoes like me. ;0

[jyates1959]

Originally Posted by robt57

Separates the men from the Tele-potatoes like me. ;0

+1

[soltwanger]

Originally Posted by Lost_N_Austin

Nice video. Wish I could have been there. That gives new meaning to the term "Fender Benders".

Sol - how about posting some pictures and a breakdown of the history that guitar you were playing? Was that one yours or one of Brent's guitars?

L_N_A

ah i would be delighted!! you will probably be very disappointed though haha.

ok it's my only tele, it is a 2006 highway one body that i got off ebay, and the neck is from a used 2005 mexican nashville tele. the pickups and electronics are stock, except a seymour duncan hot rhythm pickup in the neck position. i made this guitar up because i couldn't afford to buy a brand new tele off the shelf, so threw it togther with parts i found on ebay (when you could still get bargains, i paid £190 for the brand new fully loaded highway1 body) and bits that i had lying around my bedroom.

after i put it together, i found someone selling a shelton b-bender kit for £40 so i snapped it up, borrowed my grandfather's router and workbench and put it in (i made a thread about it ages ago). the intonation is out at the moment, but only because i can't be bothered to take the neck off it to adjust the screw in the pocket

i also had joe glaser put a new bone nut in when i first came to town.

[eddiewagner]

Originally Posted by soltwanger

as far as nashville being 'very tight on who they let through the door', that's rubbish. everybody in this town is so nice, all you have to do is have a conversation with somebody and you will be up there playing.

you mean i could go to nashville and they would not throw me out of town? the nashville cats would let a german slideguitar-guy jam with them? that is a really cool observation that you share here. i am almost packing my suitcase and roll down the highway. you only live once!

[mellecaster]

And just to add to what Sol has stated...Studio Time is not cheap, and they can't afford On the Job training for Road Musicians...that's where the Studio Pros Shine...and Mr. Matty...I stand by my original Post.

[robt57]

Originally Posted by eddiewagner

the nashville cats would let a german slideguitar-guy jam with them?

Depends if you are talking Duane Allman or some square neck Resonator slide.

[soltwanger]

Originally Posted by eddiewagner

you mean i could go to nashville and they would not throw me out of town? the nashville cats would let a german slideguitar-guy jam with them? that is a really cool observation that you share here. i am almost packing my suitcase and roll down the highway. you only live once!

of course man! just be friendly with people, tip the bands when you watch them and be positive. i have no doubt it will be a big-fish-in-little-pond type scenario, but that's half the fun of it. having 50 guys who are way better than you just inspires you to get better and play more, it does with me. i like knowing that i have years and years to go before i can hold my own on broadway.

dude there's an amazing slide blues player who brent was raving about the other day, i can't remember his name but i'll ask him tonight. you should hang out with him!

[mellecaster]

And might I add....the Best part of this was Sol's description of his Guitar...if that wasn't a Kick in the pants to all the "Cork-Sniffers"...I don't know what was !........

[eddiewagner]

Originally Posted by soltwanger

having 50 guys who are way better than you just inspires you to get better and play more,

arghhhh..... i am basically out of here. that would be such a kick!

[robt57]

Originally Posted by mellecaster

And might I add....the Best part of this was Sol's description of his Guitar...if that wasn't a Kick in the pants to all the "Cork-Sniffers"...I don't know what was !........

yea, sounded like all of mine.

[jjh37854]

AWESOME!!!!!!


and man....Paul Franklin rules

[magicguitar]

Great job!

[Twang]

Wow....just wow

[zoppotrump]

hey sol, congrats, that was great picking stuff !!
i also have to agree with you saying, that people in nashville are pretty open to other musicians. i don´t know, how this is in "high society of recording players" but there is no problem to get the stage at almost any bar for a few tunes if you talk to the people.

eddiewagner: yes i think you could go there an jam with these guys even as a german guitar slinger.
i´ve been twice to nashville and stood on stage in most bars on broadway including tootsie´s, robert´s , the stage and second fiddle and nobody showed a frown or turned me down.
mostly it was like getting to talk with the musicians and when they heard about a german guy playing country, it was like:"... hey, get your b*** on stage and show us some noodling...."
and i can tell you, it is kind of scary when you´re standing on the stage in tootsie´s, 200 people looking at you, the singer announces :" ...here comes a german guy, who wants to show us how country is played in germany..." and the drummer is counting in......and that was a saturday night during CMA festival !!!
that is really something very special !!!

one of the best and toughest experiences in my music life....

zoppotrump
:O)

[funff]

I'm another one who prefers blues and rock to country, but I could listen to Sol and Brent playing like that all day! Good on you Sol, it's great to see a fellow Brit having fun, making friends and earning respect as a great player over there in the US. Here comes Mr Green....

[robt57]

Originally Posted by funff

I'm another one who prefers blues and rock to country, but I could listen to Sol and Brent playing like that all day! Good on you Sol, it's great to see a fellow Brit having fun, making friends and earning respect as a great player over there in the US. Here comes Mr Green....

Yea me too, but that kinda picking is sure a motivational magnet for pickin closer to the bridge on yer tele....