Barry Sless and Stephen Inglis - Pedal Steel and Slack Key Guitar
After a mutual friend set them up with what was meant to be a one-off duet performance in January 2024, their chemistry was immediate and undeniable. It was clear from the start that Barry Sless and Stephen Inglis had found the right ingredients for a special musical dish. Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar and the Pedal Steel share many deep roots, but are seldom if ever heard together.
Their maiden voyage included traditional Hawaiian songs, Inglis originals, favorites from the Grateful Dead and Dylan songbooks played with a Hawaiian style and much more. Both Barry, Stephen and everyone in attendance agreed that the music felt effortless, captivating, vibrant and full. It was clear that this would be the first of many shows to come. Since that maiden voyage the pair has toured California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii and have continued to expand their repertoire. Barry has been making frequent trips to the Hawaiian islands over the past few decades as a member of The David Nelson Band and other acts, which has kindled his love of Hawaiian music. He was a frequent member of Phil Lesh’s touring bands from the early 2000’s and currently tours as a member of Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros, Moonalice, and continues in the 31st year of David Nelson Band.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Stephen plays Grammy-nominated Hawaiian slack key and is equally at home playing improv-rock on the electric guitar. He is the 2021 recipient of the Ki Hōʻalu Legacy Award (honoring those who perpetuate the art of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar) giving him his third nod at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards; Hawaiʻiʻs highest musical honor. One of those is for the duet album with the legendary Dennis Kamakahi; Waimaka Helelei, which is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Barely out of his teens, Stephen formed a group with legendary Grateful Dead drummer, Bill Kreutzmann.
Each performance promises to offer high level artistry hosting an intimate evening of original compositions, Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan interpretations, and dynamic improvisations that span genres from traditional Hawaiian to Psychedelic Americana.