Ballads, by Dave Easley

Ballads

by Dave Easley

supported by

bpmccann5 One of the most beautiful records I’ve ever heard. I was really excited to see this as a follow up Byways. The addition of Parker to the mix is otherworldly.

I’d buy everything Dave touches without hesitation. Both Ballads and Byways really transport you into a vibe that’s truly unique.

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Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Foil stamped edition of 500.

Includes unlimited streaming of Ballads via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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edition of 500

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Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Two individual foil stamped and numbered pressings of 500.

Save $17 when you order the bundle.

Includes unlimited streaming of Ballads via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 7 days

Purchasable with gift card

$40 USD or more

1.	Lonely Woman 08:49	buy track
2.	Fleurette Africaine 04:13 video	buy track
3.	Who Does She Hope To Be? 05:31	buy track
4.	Stardust 01:52	buy track
5.	Lush Life 08:37	buy track
6.	East of the Sun 07:20	buy track
7.	Nightingales 03:34	buy track

about

Ballads embodies a sense of true connection in its sensitive instrumental interplay and generosity of spirit. Easley is the primary lead voice here, but this is very much a record made by a band. Guitarist Jeff Parker’s shimmering, inquisitive tone is a perfect match for Easley’s, and the ace rhythm section of bassist David Tranchina and drummer Jay Bellerose flow together intuitively while still honoring the time-honored structures of these sturdy compositions.

The void, then, is acknowledged but not succumbed to on Ballads. The darkness implicit in the songs uplifts instead of dragging down the listener. What we’re left with isn’t emptiness, but its opposite. Just listen to the gorgeous version of Sonny Sharrock’s “Who Does She Hope To Be?” included here enough times and it may start to feel like a necessary counterargument to the silent despair of Ornette’s nameless lonely woman. Like the wide-open sound of Dave Easley’s pedal steel, the possibilities are endless. - Tyler Wilcox, Longmont, Colorado

credits

released October 20, 2023

Jay Bellerose - drums
Dave Easley - pedal steel guitar
Jeff Parker - electric guitar
David Tranchina - double bass

Produced and Mixed by Chris Schlarb
at BIG EGO, Long Beach, CA.

Recorded on March 4th, 2022

Engineered by Devin O'Brien

Mastered by JJ Golden

Cover artwork by M P Landis
22.04 (2022)
Mixed media on paper, 36 x 42”

Cover photograph by Gary Lowell
Back cover photos by Devin O'Brien

Layout by David J. Woodruff

Special thanks to George Madrid

"Lonely Woman" written by Ornette Coleman
Published by Kobalt Song Music Publishing (ASCAP)

"Fleurette Africaine" written by Duke Ellington
Published by Tempo Music Inc (ASCAP)

"Who Does She Hope To Be?" written by Sonny Sharrock
Published by Jazz Eyes Publishing Company (BMI)

“Stardust" written by Hoagy Carmichael
Published by Songs of Peer LTD (ASCAP)

"Lush Life" written by Billy Strayhorn
Published by Billy Strayorn Songs Inc (ASCAP)

"East of the Sun" written by Brooks Bowman
Published by Anne Rachel Music Corp (ASCAP)

“Nightingales" written by Paddy McAloon
Published by SBK Songs LTD (PRS)

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about

Dave Easley Covington, Louisiana

Virtuosic pedal steel player, Dave Easley has worked with artists as diverse as Brian Blade, Joni Mitchell, Peter Rowan (Dharma Blues), Ruthie Foster (the Grammy nominated Let it Burn), Chris Schlarb’s multifaceted Psychic Temple, and New Orleans blues legend Coco Robicheaux (Louisiana Medicine Man, Yeah You Rite).” ... more

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