Ken Greer
Encyclopedia
Ken Greer is a Canadian
guitarist
and keyboardist
. He was one of the founding members of the Canadian rock
band Red Rider
. He is the pedal steel guitarist whose soaring, searing lines give Red Rider
its distinctive sound.
. He grew up in the North Toronto area where his musical talents were honed in his parents' basement, which he and his high school band-mates had sound-proofed with egg cartons. Trained with a classical background, Ken turned convention on its head with his use of the pedal steel guitar and after being in several bands doing gigs in and around the Toronto area, Red Rider
was formed in the mid-late 1970s. The band met Tom Cochrane
who came to see them play at The El Mocambo in 1978 and he auditioned to become their lead singer.
"A friend took me to the El Mocambo to see this band, and right away something clicked. They had all the right parts, a really tight rhythm section (bassist Jeff Jones and drummer Rob Baker), great keyboards (Peter Boynton) and this incredible pedal steel player, Ken Greer, who used the instrument in a very unconventional way, not the way country players use it.” Tom Cochrane, Trapeze liner notes.
This "very unconventional way" is Greer's signature sound, which cements his status as one of the most inventive and theatrical players. Throughout his career he has dazzled and intrigued fans with his musical mastery of the pedal steel (http://feverishthoughts.com/guitar/2008/08/10/canadas-own-ken-greer/).
His distinct sound can best be heard on songs such as:
"Lunatic Fringe (song)" by Red Rider
"White Hot" by Red Rider
"Light In The Tunnel/Human Race" by Red Rider
"All The Lovers In The World" by Gowan
Some of his best recorded live work can be heard on The Symphony Sessions, which was recorded in 1989 with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
as a backing band to Red Rider. Ken's expert musical awareness and the band's tight jamming is evident throughout the album.
After a Red Rider hiatus during most of the 1990s, Ken was involved in numerous musical projects including Big Faith, Hunter-Greer and Gowan
. Currently he stills tours as Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, playing guitar, pedal steel and keyboards. Ken also started touring with the Canadian country band The Road Hammers
in 2005 and still joins them when available.
Ken also has worked as a producer for various bands, and has ties to Metalwork Studios, Phase One Studios
, and Cherry Beach Sound
.
-Won for "Group of the Year" in 1987
-Nominated for 11 various awards from 1981–1990
Gold & Platinum Records
-Nearly every Red Rider record went Gold or Platinum in Canada, with the band's most commercially successful effort "Victory Day" achieving Double Platinum.
Canadian Country Music Awards
-Won for All-Star Band Member, Steel Guitar in 2005 & 2007
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
and keyboardist
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
. He was one of the founding members of the Canadian rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band Red Rider
Red Rider
Red Rider are a Canadian rock band popular in the 1980s. While the band achieved great success in Canada, in the US, the band never had a song in the Top 40....
. He is the pedal steel guitarist whose soaring, searing lines give Red Rider
Red Rider
Red Rider are a Canadian rock band popular in the 1980s. While the band achieved great success in Canada, in the US, the band never had a song in the Top 40....
its distinctive sound.
Biography
Ken is the youngest of 7 children born into a very musical family in TorontoToronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
. He grew up in the North Toronto area where his musical talents were honed in his parents' basement, which he and his high school band-mates had sound-proofed with egg cartons. Trained with a classical background, Ken turned convention on its head with his use of the pedal steel guitar and after being in several bands doing gigs in and around the Toronto area, Red Rider
Red Rider
Red Rider are a Canadian rock band popular in the 1980s. While the band achieved great success in Canada, in the US, the band never had a song in the Top 40....
was formed in the mid-late 1970s. The band met Tom Cochrane
Tom Cochrane
Tom Cochrane, OC Canadian musician and humanitarian, best known for his hit songs "Life Is a Highway", "Lunatic Fringe", "Human Race" and "I Wish You Well". Cochrane fronted the Canadian rock band Red Rider and has won seven Juno Awards...
who came to see them play at The El Mocambo in 1978 and he auditioned to become their lead singer.
"A friend took me to the El Mocambo to see this band, and right away something clicked. They had all the right parts, a really tight rhythm section (bassist Jeff Jones and drummer Rob Baker), great keyboards (Peter Boynton) and this incredible pedal steel player, Ken Greer, who used the instrument in a very unconventional way, not the way country players use it.” Tom Cochrane, Trapeze liner notes.
This "very unconventional way" is Greer's signature sound, which cements his status as one of the most inventive and theatrical players. Throughout his career he has dazzled and intrigued fans with his musical mastery of the pedal steel (http://feverishthoughts.com/guitar/2008/08/10/canadas-own-ken-greer/).
His distinct sound can best be heard on songs such as:
"Lunatic Fringe (song)" by Red Rider
"White Hot" by Red Rider
"Light In The Tunnel/Human Race" by Red Rider
"All The Lovers In The World" by Gowan
Some of his best recorded live work can be heard on The Symphony Sessions, which was recorded in 1989 with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
As the professional orchestra of Alberta's creative capital city, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra presents over 85 concerts a year of symphonic music in all genres, from classical to country...
as a backing band to Red Rider. Ken's expert musical awareness and the band's tight jamming is evident throughout the album.
After a Red Rider hiatus during most of the 1990s, Ken was involved in numerous musical projects including Big Faith, Hunter-Greer and Gowan
Gowan
Gowan can refer to:Sport:*Gowan Rugby, Ancient Mouri form of non contact rugbyPeople:* Peter Gowan, academic* Lawrence Gowan, a Canadian musician who used the stage name Gowan* Hunter Gowan, Irish Protestant politician and militiaman...
. Currently he stills tours as Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, playing guitar, pedal steel and keyboards. Ken also started touring with the Canadian country band The Road Hammers
The Road Hammers
The Road Hammers was a Canadian Country music group composed of Jason McCoy, Clayton Bellamy and Chris Byrne. Formed by McCoy as a side project, the trio's music is influenced by 1960s and 1970s trucker music and Southern rock. Their first self-titled album included remakes of several classic...
in 2005 and still joins them when available.
Ken also has worked as a producer for various bands, and has ties to Metalwork Studios, Phase One Studios
Phase One Studios
Phase One Studios is a recording and mixing studio in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Opened in 1974, it has hosted numerous Canadian and international artists and musicians, including Rihanna, Ludacris, Akon, Jimmy Young, A. R. Rahman, and Hariharan....
, and Cherry Beach Sound
Cherry Beach Sound
Cherry Beach Sound is a recording studio in the Port Lands of Toronto, Canada at 33 Villiers Street. It is in Toronto's growing film district and is also a successful audio post-production house; TV, radio, and film commercials and or advertisements are often mixed in stereo or 5.1 surround...
.
Career Achievements
Juno Awards-Won for "Group of the Year" in 1987
-Nominated for 11 various awards from 1981–1990
Gold & Platinum Records
-Nearly every Red Rider record went Gold or Platinum in Canada, with the band's most commercially successful effort "Victory Day" achieving Double Platinum.
Canadian Country Music Awards
-Won for All-Star Band Member, Steel Guitar in 2005 & 2007
Discography
- 1980 - Red RiderRed RiderRed Rider are a Canadian rock band popular in the 1980s. While the band achieved great success in Canada, in the US, the band never had a song in the Top 40....
- Don't Fight ItDon't Fight ItDon't Fight It is the debut album for the Canadian rock band Red Rider, which was released in 1980 . Don't Fight It sold more than 100,000 copies in Canada and earned Cochrane and Red Rider their first Gold album certification award and was later certified Platinum... - 1981 - Red RiderRed RiderRed Rider are a Canadian rock band popular in the 1980s. While the band achieved great success in Canada, in the US, the band never had a song in the Top 40....
- As Far as SiamAs Far as Siam- Personnel :* Tom Cochrane - lead vocals, rhythm guitar* Ken Greer - electric, steel and six string guitars, piano, organ* Jeff Jones - bass guitar, background vocals* Peter Boynton - piano, synthesizers, organ, vocals* Rob Baker - drums, percussion, harmonica... - 1983 - Red RiderRed RiderRed Rider are a Canadian rock band popular in the 1980s. While the band achieved great success in Canada, in the US, the band never had a song in the Top 40....
- NerudaNeruda (album)Neruda is the third studio album by the Canadian rock band Red Rider, released in 1983 . The album was recorded at Metalworks Studios in Toronto, Ontario. The figure on the album cover was inspired by Denise Sexton. The instrumental track "Light In The Tunnel" and "Power" have been used to open... - 1984 - Red RiderRed RiderRed Rider are a Canadian rock band popular in the 1980s. While the band achieved great success in Canada, in the US, the band never had a song in the Top 40....
- Breaking CurfewBreaking Curfew (Red Rider album)Breaking Curfew is the fourth studio album by the Canadian rock band Red Rider, released in 1984 . The album was recorded and mixed at Metalworks Studios and E.S.P... - 1986 - Tom Cochrane & Red RiderTom Cochrane & Red RiderTom Cochrane & Red Rider is the fifth studio album by the Canadian rock band Red Rider, released on May 7, 1986 . A remastered CD was released by EMI in 2004. The album earned Cochrane two Juno Awards for Composer of the Year and Group of the Year.The album reached #116 on Billboard's 200 chart in...
- S/T - 1988 - Tom Cochrane & Red RiderTom Cochrane & Red RiderTom Cochrane & Red Rider is the fifth studio album by the Canadian rock band Red Rider, released on May 7, 1986 . A remastered CD was released by EMI in 2004. The album earned Cochrane two Juno Awards for Composer of the Year and Group of the Year.The album reached #116 on Billboard's 200 chart in...
- Victory DayVictory Day (album)Victory Day is an album by the Canadian rock band, Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, which was released in 1988 . Victory Day sold more than 200,000 copies in Canada and became Cochrane's first Double Platinum album with Red Rider. The album garnered Cochrane and Red Rider three Juno Award... - 1989 - Tom Cochrane & Red RiderTom Cochrane & Red RiderTom Cochrane & Red Rider is the fifth studio album by the Canadian rock band Red Rider, released on May 7, 1986 . A remastered CD was released by EMI in 2004. The album earned Cochrane two Juno Awards for Composer of the Year and Group of the Year.The album reached #116 on Billboard's 200 chart in...
- The Symphony Sessions (live CD) - 1992 - Big Faith - Grounded
- 1993 - Ashes to Diamonds
- 1994 - Big Faith - Undertow
- 1994 - Hunter-Greer - Tales From Stoney's Bar & Grill
- 2002 - Tom CochraneTom CochraneTom Cochrane, OC Canadian musician and humanitarian, best known for his hit songs "Life Is a Highway", "Lunatic Fringe", "Human Race" and "I Wish You Well". Cochrane fronted the Canadian rock band Red Rider and has won seven Juno Awards...
& Red RiderRed RiderRed Rider are a Canadian rock band popular in the 1980s. While the band achieved great success in Canada, in the US, the band never had a song in the Top 40....
- Trapeze - 2006 - Tom CochraneTom CochraneTom Cochrane, OC Canadian musician and humanitarian, best known for his hit songs "Life Is a Highway", "Lunatic Fringe", "Human Race" and "I Wish You Well". Cochrane fronted the Canadian rock band Red Rider and has won seven Juno Awards...
- No Stranger
Producer
- 1987 - The Tragically HipThe Tragically HipThe Tragically Hip, often referred to simply as The Hip, is a Canadian rock band from Kingston, Ontario, consisting of Gordon Downie , Paul Langlois , Rob Baker , Gord Sinclair and Johnny Fay . Since their formation in 1983 they have released 12 studio albums, two live albums, and 46 singles...
- The Tragically Hip EPThe Tragically Hip EPThe Tragically Hip is the first release from Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip.The EP was produced by Ken Greer of Red Rider fame.-Track listing:#"Small Town Bringdown" – 3:05#"Last American Exit" – 3:50... - 1989 - The SaddletrampsThe SaddletrampsThe Saddletramps were an alternative country band from Toronto, Ontario in the 1980s and 1990s. Core members of the band included Ken Horne, Andrew Lindsay, John DeHaas and Brian Duguay. Sarah Harmer was also an early member of the band....
- The SaddletrampsThe SaddletrampsThe Saddletramps were an alternative country band from Toronto, Ontario in the 1980s and 1990s. Core members of the band included Ken Horne, Andrew Lindsay, John DeHaas and Brian Duguay. Sarah Harmer was also an early member of the band.... - 1994 - Peter RandallWilliam Peter RandallWilliam Peter Randall is a Canadian musician and municipal politician.While studying recorded music production and general arts and science at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, he hinted at a later political career by serving as general arts and sciences member at large...
& The Raindogs - Peter Randall & The Raindogs - 2002 - Andrew Brunet - Broken
- 2002 - Various Artists - Takin' Care Of Christmas
- 2004 - Tango Sierra - This Is It
Appearances on other Albums as Musician
- 1990 - Lost Brotherhood - GowanGowanGowan can refer to:Sport:*Gowan Rugby, Ancient Mouri form of non contact rugbyPeople:* Peter Gowan, academic* Lawrence Gowan, a Canadian musician who used the stage name Gowan* Hunter Gowan, Irish Protestant politician and militiaman...
- 1993 - ...But You Can Call Me Larry - Lawrence GowanLawrence GowanLawrence Gowan is a Scottish-born Canadian musician. Gowan has been both a solo artist and the current keyboardist and vocalist of the band Styx. His musical style is usually classified in the category of progressive rock.-Career:...
- 1994 - Borrowed Tunes: A Tribute to Neil Young - "Heart of Gold" Lawrence GowanLawrence GowanLawrence Gowan is a Scottish-born Canadian musician. Gowan has been both a solo artist and the current keyboardist and vocalist of the band Styx. His musical style is usually classified in the category of progressive rock.-Career:...