Susan Alcorn, Voyager on Pedal Steel Guitar, Dies at 71
Briefly

Susan Alcorn, the experimental composer and pedal steel guitarist, died recently in Baltimore at the age of 71. Known for pushing the boundaries of the pedal steel guitar, an instrument primarily associated with country music, she released over 20 albums that reimagined its potential across various genres. Alcorn's works included collaborations with notable musicians and interpretations of styles ranging from Curtis Mayfield to Chilean nueva cancion. Her innovative approach was evident in her 2006 album, which aimed to redefine the instrument's role in contemporary music, making her a rare female virtuoso in a male-dominated field.
Susan Alcorn, a 71-year-old experimental composer, passed away, recognized for transcending boundaries within the traditional use of the pedal steel guitar.
With a career spanning more than 20 albums, Alcorn's innovative works combined various genres, showcasing her skill on an instrument often seen as niche.
Alcorn's album, 'And I Await the Resurrection of the Pedal Steel Guitar', epitomized her quest to expand the sonic possibilities of the pedal steel.
Her music not only explored traditional themes but also engaged with cultural and artistic influences from around the world, exemplified by her last album, 'Canto'.
Read at www.nytimes.com
[
|
]