Al Vescovo RIP

[guitarfool2002]

Can't believe I missed this announcement last month, and it was only a week or so after we were discussing Al's steel guitar and writing contributions to the song "Diamond Head" on one of the threads. This was the message posted on the steel guitar forum by his brother:

Posted 11 Oct 2011 7:57 am
Everyone, Al passed away this morning after a brave battle with a terminal lung condition.

Al was doing well and suddenly things went downhil quickty to all of our surprise.

His entire family got to see him and talk to him. He was totally aware and never lost his sense of humor to the very end.

Not only have I lost a brother, we've all lost a tremendous talent and friend.

I will post the funeral details for any of you who are interested.

Thanks for all of the love, friendship and interest you all showed Al. This forum made him feel alive and your support renewed his commitment to the steel guitar and helping it get the recognition and respect that the instrument deserves.

Al's music and contributions will live on.

No doubt, he and John Hughey are playing duets in heaven right now.

From the bottom of my heart and the rest of Al's family, Thank you. Pete Vescovo


This was Al's website:
http://steelandguitar.com/

And a YouTube video of Al Playing a few licks on pedal steel similar to the Hawaiian flavored parts he played for Brian in the 60's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enATnVd_cnM


After seeing him posting on the steel forum years ago I always wanted to reach out with an email hello and see if he'd talk about his sessions, but I never did. And unless they're posted elsewhere since then, I remember Al didn't say much about what he did for Brian on tracks like "Diamond Head" or any of the sessions he did at Brian's house. Add him to the list of Wrecking Crew musicians who have passed on, and hopefully the knowledge they have of all the topics fans like us are interested in has been recorded and will be passed on.

Once again, this is a month late but because of Al's contributions to Brian's music I feel it is more than appropriate to post this and get the word out about a great musician who we've all heard and enjoyed on Beach Boys tunes. This weekend, play "Diamond Head" for someone who hasn't heard it yet...

[Smilin Ed H]

RIP

[bossaroo]

wow i totally missed this too. I bought a bunch of his songs a few months back.

we emailed a couple times several years ago and he told me the story behind 'Diamond Head'... basically that he came up with the song on the spot with Brian's encouragement. Brian was really into doing the sound effects including banging rocks together and splashing water in a basin.


great player, also an accomplished jazz guitarist. wish I'd gotten to see him play.

[Joshilyn Hoisington]

Very sorry to hear this.

[phirnis]

Very sad to hear of his passing.

bossaroo, thanks for sharing your little story, it's always great to hear about the origins of any of the Friends material.

[c-man]

Another great Beach Boys-contributing musician leaves this life.  RIP.