Dan Iead

Conversations With Dwyer

Dan Iead is a pedal steel guitarist and guitarist who has play who was a founding member of The Broken West. After The Broken West split Dan went on to play with a long list of impressive musicians including but not limited to Norah Jones, Valerie June, Cass McCombs, and Matt Sweeney. Dan joins Dwyer to talk about discovering the pedal steel guitar, what it means to be a supporting musician, his transition into filmwork and why New York is where it's at for him as a musician.

Opening Song, "Untitled," by Dan Iead.

Dan's Website

Quotes about Dan:

“Dan is one of the best musicians I’ve ever worked with in almost 30 years of playing music — he might be THE best. He’s as technically proficient on his instruments as anyone I know but more importantly he has a magic touch — a real feeling in his playing — that is very elusive, very rare. He’s incredibly smart and knowledgeable about music but also very intuitive and instinctual. He makes everything he plays on better. AND he’s one of the best songwriters/composers I know (though he likes to keep that talent hidden).“ Ross Flournoy (Broken West/Apex Manner)

“Dan is one of the most thoughtful and talented musicians I know. His playing is always on point, in the pocket and vital, with nothing extraneous or excessive. He has a great smile and laugh and a cutting, no-nonsense East Coast sense of humor. I miss hanging and playing with him!" - Andy Cabic Vetiver

Valerie June:

"When I grow up, I want to play music like Dan Iead! Give him anything with strings and he can make it sound like you're listening to Mother Nature's evening song symphony while watching the sunset across a vibrantly colored sky. No sunset is exactly the same though they are all beautiful. The same can be said of Dan's playing, even if he's playing the same part, it will always have a unique signature sweetness that somehow keeps each note alive and as new as the first time you heard it. Dan IS the Music Man!"

Matt Sweeney:

"Dan is my favorite electric guitarist to see live- he never plays “licks”, he breathes all these unexpected fluid lines that are so satisfying. The (low key) Master."

Cass McCombs:

"I love dan iead. his playing is like his demeanor: cool and intelligent.”

Norah Jones:

“Dan always comes up with something unexpected and perfect. I remember hearing him perform one of his songs for the first time and was struck by the unique melody. It was beautiful and haunting and also wonderfully different. I love playing with him for that reason. He can play anything and will if you ask him, but the creative streak of the unexpected beauty is the best cherry on top.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dan Iead a number of times with various artists. Whether he’s on guitar or pedal steel his contributions are always tasteful, thoughtful and executed beautifully. Along with being one of my closest friends he’s a unique and rare musician of the highest caliber.” Greg Wieczorek - drummer (Valerie June, Norah Jones, Aloysius 3)

Words can’t describe what Dan brings to a recording session or live performance. Not only is he one of the most tasteful guitarists and steel guitar players around, he’s also a great hang…has a keen instinct for finding tasty snacks and a fine tuned sense of humor, that just cracks me up. - Rob Barbato

“Everything about Dan’s playing and musicianship is on another level. He inspires you and always brings out the absolute best in everyone he gets on stage with. I can honestly say that I grew as a musician every time I played with him.”

James Preston

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