BJ Cole with Sting

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 9 Jun 2002 12:37 pm

I saw a Sting concert on TV this morning (A&E). The name of the concert was "Sting at Tuscany". I understand it's a few years old. Very good music, modern jazz/rock arrangements.

In the middle of it all is BJ Cole, playing a keyless Williams S-12 (two-tone blue and blond finish). He added some really nice lines and textures to the music.

To my ears, this kind of playing is a big part of the future of steel guitar. Studio steelers like BJ Cole, Greg Leitz, Bruce Kaphan and Doug Livingston are quietly bringing the instrument into new age rock and smooth jazz. It's not real "out front" like it has been in country music, but the pedal steel adds a smooth, liquid motion that really suits this contemporary music, in my opinion.

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/b0b.gif" width="64" height="64">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (F Diatonic) Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6)[This message was edited by Bobby Lee on 09 June 2002 at 01:39 PM.]

Jim West · Post by **Jim West** » 9 Jun 2002 12:58 pm

Yeah, I saw that concert a few months ago and was surprised to see a pedal steel in it. BJ did some nice work. I have always thought Sting to be a class act.[This message was edited by Jim West on 09 June 2002 at 01:59 PM.]

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 9 Jun 2002 1:33 pm

I have the DVD of that concert. It was recorded on September 11 last year, right after the WTC attack. The DVD also has some rehearsal footage and songs that were not performed at the concert because of the attacks. Sting had a large group of musicians, and the steel fit in well.

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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

scott murray · Post by **scott murray** » 9 Jun 2002 3:48 pm

One name I'd add to that list is Bruce Bouton and the great work he did on Maxwell's latest release.
Contemporary R&B is about the last place you'd expect a steel, but it sure sounds groovy!

Also, I heard BJ Cole the last time I was in Barnes & Noble. They were playing a new CD of atmospheric music that he's featured on. Can't remember the title, but it was nice to hear it pumpin' through the house speakers.

Roger Miller · Post by **Roger Miller** » 13 Jun 2002 12:16 pm

I believe that the concert was of 9-11, because he was told of the ordeal right before the show and gave a speach about the people who have created the terriorist attack. Yes BJ played great and tastefull. We need to be thankful that the steel guitar is in the realm of many styles of music.

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 14 Jun 2002 5:11 am

B J Cole will be one of the highlights on Steeldays 2002!

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