Greg Leisz is like a puppeteer, behind-the-scenes, yet essential to the show. He knows just what strings to pull, at just the right time. His pedal steel playing is tasteful, not hasteful. He has tone down to the bone.
Beautiful volume pedal swells, with sweet sustain, envelope listeners in an ethereal way. He is the go-to-guy in the business for atmospheric/textural playing. Not to mention he has chops and can throw in speedy runs with ease. Although his ability to fit perfectly in a song, is what has made him have a long and successful career.
Smooth, timely, celestial, warm, and rounded are great adjectives to describe his tone.
I still can’t believe how many sessions (great sessions with great artists I should add) Greg has been on throughout the years. I have a theory that most people in America over the age of 18, have heard Greg’s pedal steel playing at some point in time. He has been on so many cool, important recording sessions: most people have heard his playing on some song or recording, whether they know it or not. Greg has also begun producing, and is certainly one of the most sought after “studio cats” in the business.
For ideas on creating soundscapes and sonic textures on pedal steel, check out this page…
