Pedal-steel guitars branch out

Dan Tyack says he aims to free pedal-steel guitar from the constraints of country music, as have other artists. These CDs show the way. The first four are recent releases. All are available through Amazon.com, and some at local stores. To hear samples from some of these recordings, call The Seattle Times InfoLine at 206-464-2000 and enter category GUIT (4848). It's free in the Seattle area.

"Blackened Toast," Dan Tyack and Friends. A tasteful romp through New Orleans R & B, blues and jazz with guests including Paul Franklin Jr., whose steel playing graced Dire Straits' "On the Night" CD and video.

"Sacred Steel Live!" Various artists (Arhoolie). Invigorating Pentecostal pedal-steel praise music by various artists.

"Stop the Panic," Luke Vibert and B.J. Cole (Astralwerks). The guy from Plug meets longtime British steeler Cole for a techno-trip hop-ambient-lounge-y steel hoedown.

"Redneck Jazz Explosion," Danny Gatton (NRG Records). The late guitar great was joined by steel titan Buddy Emmons in '78, live in Washington, D.C. The title says it all.

"Stratosphere Boogie," Speedy West (Razor & Tie). This jazzy, 1950s session takes Western swing to a caffeinated extreme.