Hi everyone, I've been on Antsmarching since around 2002 (Y2K era), and figured it was time to make my first post! Better late than never
I'm glad to see this place is still thriving and helping out the DMB community, it always has been a great place for DMB fans.
I used to browse here as a kid, and DMB has made a big impact on me then and since. I've been to countless shows, have listened to thousands and thousands of hours of DMB's music, and have been fascinated with the group and its culture. Live at Luther College and BTCS changed my life, as well as the band's live music, and so much else this group has done has really impacted me.
This influence is why I'm writing this post. Almost fifteen years later, I am now a professional pedal steel player in Nashville, TN, and I never would've thought my life would steer in this direction. I owe so much of my musical passion and influences to DMB and Tim Reynolds:
Tim's use of volume pedal swells in an ethereal, atmospheric way is what inspired me to learn pedal steel in the first place. Dave's lyrics inspired me to become a better man and human, and LeRoi's playing touched my soul deeply
it still gives me goosebumps to this day.
Anyways, I play pedal steel guitar in a less conventional way than many other players. I feel at home playing rock, blues, singer-songwriter, country, jazz, and really just jamming to any good music
Looking back, in retrospect, I can't help but understand and
hear how much DMB really has influenced my music and my soul.
So this leads me to ask, can ya'll hear DMB's and/or Tim Reynolds' influence on my pedal steel playing? Here's a link to listen to some improvised samples:
http://playpedalsteel.com/steel-tracks/
Let me know what you think, I am curious to see if others hear this influence too!
Also, feel free to browse the rest of the site, there is a lot of information about pedal steel and playing it. It is a new site, so like it on Facebook if you enjoy it!!!
Thanks
Sincerely,
Casey James