Brian Blade/Dave Easley

John Steele · Post by **John Steele** » 15 Oct 2001 1:01 pm

I was leaving the gig the other night when the piano player asked me if I was familiar with jazz musician Brian Blade, and more specifically the fact that he uses a steel player. I had to confess, I'd never heard of him. My friend was very enthusiastic about the addition the steel made to the group.
I did some snooping on the net, and turned this up:
[url=http://www.plunge.com/daveeasley. ... easley.htm
[/url]
Is anyone familiar with this music, or Mr. Easley ?
-John

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 15 Oct 2001 1:17 pm

John
I saw Dave Easley in 1995 at the last Louisiana Steel Convention. He had possibly the most trashed-looking Emmons PP I'd ever seen, looked less like a steel player than any player I'd ever seen (with the possible exception of Demola Adepoju and Mike Perlowin

), and played some totally beautiful, wonderful, REAL jazz (no Buddy Emmons/Benny Goodman) that was completely eye-opening. In Texas talk, he is a HOSS!

I understand Mike Cass redid his guitar recently.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

Dyke Corson · Post by **Dyke Corson** » 15 Oct 2001 5:48 pm

Dave grew up right here in Champaign-Urbana, IL I think he originally played banjo. My friend Bob Watson and I took him to his first steel convention in the late 70s. I hired him to play in a country band around then. A few years later, I remember being in the foyer of Les's Lounge listening to a band playing Van Halen's "Jump" and the guitar player was nailing the solo with great tone...note for note, when I looked at the stage, there was Dave playing the solo with the bar tipped up on end! Quite a guy! He called me a couple of years ago...I hooked him up with Cass...I think he is still looking for another midi pickup...quite a guy!

Bob Watson · Post by **Bob Watson** » 16 Oct 2001 12:37 am

Dave plays in a few bands in the New Orleans area. One of the bands is called 3NOW4, a Jazz quartet that kicks ass. They have a few cd's out, the first one has a great trumpet player on it and the second one has a sax player. Pretty outside stuff! I can't wait to hear the new cd. Dave is very innovative and truly a great player. He has to be the only steel player who has recorded on the Blue Note label.

billy tam · Post by **billy tam** » 16 Oct 2001 5:48 am

Dave will be playing in Baton Rouge on the 26th of October @ Chelsea's by LSU. I have met Dave a couple of times but have yet to hear him play. If I am not working that night I plan to try and see him. Herb is right, that was the worst case Emmons p/p that I have ever seen, had a peice of rope on the guitar as a knee lever. Hope its better now.
billy tam