The slack key and steel guitar tradition of Hawaii was adapted for the blues by Illinois-born, San Francisco-based guitarist Freddie Roulette. Known for his cool tone and intense, high-note squeals, Roulette provided some of the blues' most unique sounds. In addition to recording as a soloist, Roulette collaborated with bluesmen Earl Hooker and Charlie Musselwhite and guitar wizards Henry Kaiser and Steve Kinmock. His 1978 debut solo album, Sweet Funky Steel, was produced by former Canned Heat guitarist Harvey Mandel. Roulette's lust for the steel guitar was sparked when he sa...