Most innovative, experimental, unique PSG players today???

[Brian Willey]

Would love to hear who you all think are the most innovative, experimental, or unique PSG players today. It could be their techniques, the originality of their music, or their use of PSG in unexpected ways or unexpected genres, etc.

Thanks for any recommendations for players/bands! Hoping to hear some new and unexpected things.

[Lee Rider]

Susan Alcorn, who recently passed, was a great and innovative pedal steel guitar player. She was always one to give advice and share her talents. Luckily there is quite a bit of video out there with her songs. Listening to her play changed my perception of the pedal steel guitar.

[Dennis Belt]

Will Van Horn is a young guy pushing the boundaries of PSG. Check out his release San Luis Obispo.
I’m a crusty old Bakersfield sound guy, but I love his innovative, modern style.

[Ethan Shaw]

Add Gary Newcomb to the list.

[Brian Willey]

Thank you Ethan, Dennis, and Lee,

I did a quick listen to each of these, and wow, so much to dig into and each of them so different. Can't wait to explore these more. I appreciate these recommendations. Fantastic!

- Brian

[Lee Baucum]

Gary Peters!

https://www.youtube.com/@garypetersmusi ... 379/videos

[Bob Sykes]

Daniel Lanois checks all of the boxes although psg playing is not his main gig.

https://youtu.be/MvgOJFlPz4w?si=rmEV7wyzjsXFHBVb

Rig rundown
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N5x_lFyjJoQ

[Brian Willey]

Bob - that Lanois live video is amazing. Those textures! I am familiar with him as a producer of other people's work but I've never given his own music a deep dive. After watching that, I think it's time!

Lee B. - thanks for the link to the Gary Peters archive. So much cool stuff there. Hats of Poland - I dig it.

[Chris Templeton]

https://soundcloud.com/bluespruce8/tapper

[Chris Templeton]

Robert Randolph.: https://soundcloud.com/bluespruce8/robe ... on-ms-2002

[Joseph Carlson]

Never heard of Will Van Horn before, really cool stuff he is doing with the instrument! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjuSa3_CerU

[Mike Drassler]

If you’re interested in pedal steel being applied beyond C&W, check out my Instagram page @DrassSounds where I post originals and covers by Charlie Parker, Bach, and even Michael Jackson!

[Brian Willey]

Chris T - that some smokin' playing! If you've posted any video of you playing the raised PSG I would be curious to see it.

Mike D - I'll check out your Instagram, thanks!

[Daniel Morris]

It wasn't long ago that we lost Chas Smith.
He was more like a Harry Partch or Harry Bertoia, but he built several of his instruments out of/based on steel guitars.
There are several CDs of his music on the Cold Blue label.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4IUQgU0sA4

I know she was mentioned, but I must also acknowledge Susan Alcorn. Just brilliant.

Dave Easley also comes to mind, as does the aforementioned Gary Peters.

No shortage of pedal steel guitarists coloring outside the lines...

[Chris Templeton]

No videos

[Daniel Morris]

Bob Hoffnar is another exploring out new avenues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=859OvK0j50A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czSREhcRK8Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSQ5xrSftUI

[Bobby D. Jones]

There was a Forum member Mike Perlowin RIP, A few years ago that took the steel guitar to Classical music. He has got several people into taking the steel guitar into different music fields.
Mike Perlowin on You-Tube and many of his music projects comes up.

[Lee Rider]

Greg Leisz, especially his work with Bill Frisell:

https://youtu.be/yO2CcGgIeOs?si=HpP7MobShek0Ta7w