christopher edmonstone photo
By Steve Newton
I’ve always thought it would be one of the coolest things in the world to be able to play pedal-steel guitar.
I mean that instrument just sounds so damn beautiful, soaring around like it does, making you damn near cry at times.
But who’s got the patience to learn how to handle that many strings, not to mention those pesky foot pedals and knee levers?
I’ve been trying to master “Dust in the Wind” on six stupid strings for 40 years now, and still can’t pull it off.
Then there’s guys like local picker Scott Smith, who can probably play the shit out of “Dust in the Wind”–even on a pedal steel–and make it look easy.
Fellow fans of the sweet sounding pedal-steel can see exactly how it’s done at the Painted Ship this Wednesday (September 20) when Smith presents a show called Adventures in Pedal Steel, which previously ran as a monthly event for five years at the Heatley.
He’ll be joined by a crack band that includes ace Vancouver picker Paul Pigat, who is known for his stellar work with local rockabilly trio Cousin Harley–which just happens to be playing the Rickshaw this Friday (September 22). Smith will also be accompanied by the rhythm section from his blues-rock band Terminal Station, bassist Jeremy Holmes and drummer Liam MacDonald.
Guest singers for the show are Kate Yahn, Graham Brown, and Jena Gogo (from Duke and Goldie).
To read over 100 of my interviews with local Vancouver musicians since 1983, go here.