Deke Dickerson. One Cool Guitar Player.

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 2 Aug 2004 9:03 pm

Had a chance to be in a band that opened a show for him here in Portland last weekend.

I met him before the show, setting up an old Wright Custom. He showed me his equipment, and was very nice, and I actually had to pull out of him who he was. He was more interested in how to set up his axe, and my pore old PIII. He didn't play the WC for the show, I think it was just a prop.

MAN what a performer.

He stood around in his loose shirt and floppy hat like he was a coat rack, watching us and the other opener, calmly walked up onstage, and PLAYED HIS ASS OFF.

Cool, not even exuding discernable "confidence". He just PLAYED.

He played a Les Paul through his component 59 Standell, as well as a double neck guitar and sang some really great songs.

I don't know what it was about his playing, as he played stuff that he could easily show any of us that have been playing a few years, no BradPaisley or Brent Mason impossible licks or runs to speak of but I was completely blown away by his delivery, tone, steady volume, and in general his cool as a cucumber demeanor. Never even broke a sweat.

I found that playing the next night at my regular gig, a little bit of it had "rubbed off", and I felt a lot more comfortable playing for some reason.

I will definitely be going to see him again when he comes back to town.

The other two guys in the band were equally talented on drums, bass, and all switched instruments on the last set.

If anybody gets a chance to take in his show, you won't regret it.

EJL

Jussi Huhtakangas · Post by **Jussi Huhtakangas** » 2 Aug 2004 10:20 pm

Hey Eric, Deke's a good friend of mine, done many shows together with him. I just received an email from him and pics of that Wright, he just bought it on that tour from Tacoma. Deke doesn't play steel but says that now he probably has to learn it

I totally agree with everything you say, he always puts up a great show and it's ALWAYS entertaining. Deke has a way to come up with cool ideas and things, that nobody else uses on stage. He also is one of the most knowledgeable ( is that a word? ) guys when it comes to classic American roots music, all forms of it, and he's probably one of the hardest working musicians in the scene, constantly on the road. Lots of superlatives I know, but it's all true and Deke deserves them. If he's playing in your neighbourhood folks, go see him!

Janice Brooks · Post by **Janice Brooks** » 3 Aug 2004 3:39 am

Deke comes thru State College on his east coast hops but it never suits me to go.
I've had comunication with him on the Hillbilly list including thoughts when Claude Trainer passed.

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Janice "Busgal" Brooks
ICQ 44729047

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 3 Aug 2004 4:24 am

I used to exchange a lot of email via the Ampex users group with Deke. We enjoy tinkering around with the old Ampex tape recorders that were used on just about every hit from the 40s through the 60s here in the USA. Nice cat. He would send me these cool songs that he recorded. Released on 45!!!! Can't get any more retro than that.

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 3 Aug 2004 4:34 am

Deke's a gas! Great player, entertainer, recording engineer and music history buff. His website is a lot of fun also:

Deke Dickerson

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 3 Aug 2004 1:30 pm

Tim. I did relay your greeting and he said he knew you. I talked with him for a while while I was setting up.

I have seen most any kind of act out there, and there was just something about his playing and delivery that can't be put into words. No "sound checks" to speak of, no dinking around, or straining with anything. He tuned on the fly, and kept those GREAT original songs coming one after another. Also did Mexicali Rose as a rock song for a second encore.

He wasn't stiff, strained, or over exhuberant, but the stuff he played was played within such an easy command that it blew me away. Though it was a warm summer night, he didn't sweat a drop, and reminded me of Old Ernest himself in his friendliness.

I wish I had a "comfort zone" like that.

He made me want to work on it.

First Les Paul I'd heard in a long time that I REALLY liked.

Like I said, I'll be seeing his show again.

EJL

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 4 Aug 2004 5:04 am

Thanks for the post, Eric. I guess you would put Deke in the same category as Big Sandy. Although I don't care for the label, "retro", is probably what most folks would relate to. Deke really knows what he's about. Namely, entertaining folks in a real easy-going manner that you don't encounter often in today's flashpot phony glitz glam rock n roll show business world. His cornball jokes, self-depracating humor and spontaneous stage antics, combined with his stellar guitar playing all add up to a very enjoyable night's entertainment for folks who are lucky enough to see him.

There are some really great underground/unknown bands out there. It just takes a little effort to find them, but it's sure worth it.

Mike Winter · Post by **Mike Winter** » 5 Aug 2004 11:38 am

Eric -- As an aside...I spoke with my pal Johnny Mercury a few days after the Deke show at Conan's. He told me your playing with Trudie Falls was GREAT. He said you absolutely smoked!!! He's seen a lot of great players over the years...he was way impressed. Thought you'd like to know.

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 5 Aug 2004 5:00 pm

Well I thank Mr Mercury for his kind words, and hospitality. He's a real enthusiastic man that has done a lot for music, and I hope to work in his proximity again.

Thanks for relaying the positive feedback. We weren't as I often find myself where I could hear anything of an overview. I loved Trudie's singing, and song selection. I hope I hear more of her, and that she uses me again.

Maybe see you at the hog farm this weekend.

EJL