steel podcast episode 9: Jeremy Wakefield

[Matt Perpick]

Hello fellow bar sliders,

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I'm really happy to share Episode 9 of Steel, an interview with Jeremy Wakefield, one of the finest swing/jazz lap steel players out there (IMHO).

Jeremy has played and recorded with folks like TK Smith, Dave Biller, Wayne Hancock, Jonathan Stout, Sage Guyton and Pete Krebs. He also played much of the steel on the "Spongebob Squarepants" TV show. If you haven't heard "Steel Guitar Caviar" or "Hot Guitars of Biller and Wakefield" (a duet record with the equally incredible Dave Biller) do yourself a favor and check them out. Jeremy's sound is perfect, he's a great improviser and creates a fun, personal spin on old steel guitar music. We chat about Jeremy's musical life, playing Django on steel, the Airline archtop he converted to an 8 string steel, meeting his hero Joaquin Murphey, and lots more.

Please give it a listen and if you're feeling generous, share it with a fellow steel player. Thanks!

Matt

PS - one teaser ... Jeremy's day job is for a stop motion film studio. Did you know another famous steel player was a stop motion animator, and his finger was the guy who poked the pilsbury dougboy? Listen to find out who

[Greg Vincent]

Jeremy Wakefield is one of my favorite steelers. Terrific interview —thank you for posting, Matt!

I was playing pedal steel in a New Year’s Eve show at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles with CAKE several years back. The band wanted a western-swing-style band to open the date, so I had recommended the Lucky Stars, as I was a big fan. As luck would have it, they were available, and made it onto the bill.

The night of the show, Jeremy was running late, so the Lucky Stars asked me to set up his Bigsby for sound check (I suppose since I was the only other steel player in the building). OMG I was so nervous uncasing this legendary, vintage (heavy) instrument! I guess I set it up correctly, cuz JW at last arrived and made it through sound check and the show without incident.

It was nerve-wracking having to follow such a talented steel player that night!
But… I payed my three pedal steel licks and survived the show.

[Peter Krebs]

Matt - Really great interview with JW. He's a really special musician and I'm honored to play with him (and the rest of the Catnip Brothers - James Mason, Brother Ian Miller, Brent Martens, pictured). If any Forum members are coming through Portland. OR, we're at the Laurelthirst Public House every third Monday, 6-8pm for a free show. Pete.

[Matt Perpick]

Greg, amazing! If you can't have a Bigsby at least you can set one up.

Pete, great to hear from you! Between JW and James you are absolutely spoiled in soloists. Everybody else must be icing on the cake. I hope someday I can catch the band in Portland.

[Greg Vincent]

It was an honor just to touch an actual Bigsby steel!

[Joe Burke]

Great listen! Thanks Matt. Especially love the stories with Joaquin Murphy. So cool.