Scott Smith
GET TO KNOW SCOTT SMITH
Scott Smith has helped many other people sound great over the years. From the arena-sized country of Aaron Pritchett and the heartland roots-rock of Barney Bentall to a slew of insurgent Vancouver club champs like Rich Hope, Leeroy Stagger and Marin Patenaude, Smith has been everybody’s ringer, flipping between guitar and pedal steel while casually raising the bar with lightning technique and unfailing good taste. With his folk/alt-country band Just A Season, Scott Smith switches from sideman to frontman, enlisting some of his favourite players to put the right groove on a collection of songs that recall an era when folk, rock, and country met in a sun-baked embrace. Not content to front just one band, Smith is also the singer and lead guitarist for Vancouver’s most explosive blues act Terminal Station as well as doing his popular monthly Adventures in Pedal Steel shows at the Painted Ship in Vancouver.
CAREER BACKGROUND
Scott Smith has over two decades of experience in the city’s blues and roots rock scenes. Through his performances, Scott has built a reputation for his nuanced approach, often collaborating with guest musicians and offering an ever-changing musical experience for audiences.
In addition to his live performances, Scott’s contributions to the music community have earned him recognition, including the title of Steel Guitar Player of the Year at the B.C. Country Music Association Awards in 2020. His passion for the pedal steel guitar extends beyond performance, as he continues to collaborate with other musicians to explore and reinterpret classic works, such as the 1978 album Minors Aloud by Lenny Breau and Buddy Emmons.
SCOTT’S MUSIC STYLE
Known for his exceptional skill and versatility, Scott has been instrumental in popularizing the pedal steel guitar across a wide range of genres, from country and soul to indie-folk and gospel. His monthly show, Adventures in Pedal Steel, which has become a staple at venues like The Painted Ship and The Heatley, showcases the instrument’s unique sound and its ability to complement various musical styles. Through his performances, Scott has built a reputation for his nuanced approach, often collaborating with guest musicians and offering an ever-changing musical experience for audiences. Scott’s commitment to his craft and his influence within Vancouver’s music scene have cemented his status as a key figure in the world of pedal steel guitar.
