ABOUT IAIN
Freelance Pedal Steel and Guitarist
Based just a stone's throw from Edinburgh, Iain Sloan is perhaps best known for playing pedal steel guitar with celebrated UK singer-songwriters Blue Rose Code, and Peter Bruntnell. However, he is also a well-respected guitarist - predominantly by virtue of the substantial body of work he has built up with The Wynntown Marshals, who have had an impressive reputation in the UK and European 'Americana' and 'alt.country' scene since forming in 2007.
Iain has played on numerous albums, singles, and EPs, appeared on many radio and TV shows, and made live appearances with artists from a wide range of genres - from legendary UK rockers The Quireboys, numerous critically-acclaimed Americana artists, onstage collaborations with celebrated traditional Scottish/folk artists Eddi Reader, Julie Fowlis, Fiona Kennedy, and Findlay Napier, as well as dabbling in the world of progressive rock with Abel Ganz.
Iain's considerable experience as a live performer has led to him having played at some of the most prestigious festivals and concert venues around the world, including RoSfest in the USA, Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Terra Incognita in Quebec, the Vulkan Arena in Oslo, the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh, and the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Iain approaches each show and session with a professional attitude, is always comprehensively prepared, is reliable, easy-going, has a pro set-up, and is able to play across a wide range of musical styles.
In his own words, "There will always be players out there with far better technique than me. However, what I always aim to do is to listen attentively to the other musicians' parts and ensure that my contribution, ultimately, always adds something that benefits the song and the overall arrangement. I'm really not the kind of person who turns up to do a session or gig simply to stomp all over the singer's melodies and lyrics and try and show off my 'chops'. I'd rather be part of a formidable team than be the one grabbing all the limelight. Sadly, I think you'd be surprised how few musicians you come across in this line of work who actually think the same way I do..."
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If you're looking to add tasteful, complementary pedal steel and/or guitar parts to your recordings or at your live shows, Iain might very well be your man. If so, please get in touch to discuss his availability, and performance rates.
