Commonly known as The Black Album, Emmons Guitar Inc. was recorded and released around 1971 by the Emmons Guitar Company and remains a landmark in pedal steel guitar history. The album contains ten instrumentals performed by Buddy Emmons, who was widely regarded as the foremost pedal steel guitarist of his era. Seven of the ten tracks were composed by Emmons, while “Night Life” was written by Willie Nelson, and both “Greensleeves” and “Danny Boy” are traditional songs. Emmons’ flawless tone and touch highlight his ability to blend soulful, melodic phrasing and technical precision in a way that few players have ever matched.
Emmons at His Best
What makes The Black Album so memorable isn’t just Emmons’ technical skill, but his musical sense. Every note and phrase feels deliberate and perfectly executed. Joined by Nashville pros like pianist Bill Pursell, bassist Chuck Sanders, and drummer Marty Allred, Emmons mixes country, jazz, and western swing into a cohesive instrumental set. His playing pushes the pedal steel beyond the country stereotype, proving it can carry deep emotion and serious musical chops.
Emmons’ version of “Danny Boy” is my personal favorite track on the album. His playing perfectly captures the depth and sadness of the old Irish tune in the absence of any lyrics. It features some of the most skilled volume pedal work I’ve ever heard, along with impeccable note choice and phrasing. Emmons pulls every bit of feeling out of the melody without ever overplaying.
“Witches Brew” and “Blue Jade,” both Emmons originals, are also excellent tracks. “Witches Brew” shows Emmons’ more experimental side, using an Echoplex delay and a wah pedal to turn his clean eighth note lines into swirly, bouncing sixteenths. It’s a great example of him pushing the pedal steel into new sonic territory. “Blue Jade” is another standout track with its smooth, sustained opening melody and its Japanese-inspired sound. Every track on the album is incredible, but these are my personal favorites.
Where to Find It
You can find copies of The Black Album on Discogs or sometimes on sites like eBay. While it’s long out of print, used LPs do occasionally show up.
Track Listing:
- Witches Brew
- Raisin the Dickens
- Greensleeves
- Highland Swing
- Danny Boy
- A Bundle of Rags
- At E’s
- Blue Jade
- Kicks to Boot
- Night Life
Album Credits:
Producer – Ronald Lashley
Director – Weldon Myrick
Arranger – Buddy Emmons
Engineer – Wayne Moss
Pedal Steel Guitar – Buddy Emmons
Piano – Bill Pursell
Bass – Chuck Sanders
Drums – Marty Allred
Buddy’s Studio Guests (as noted on back cover) – Curly Chalker, John Hughey (misspelled “Huey” on the back cover), Jimmy Day, Roy Wiggins, Ed Hamilton
Images:
This review is intended for educational and commentary purposes. All album artwork and track names are the property of their respective copyright holders.
