Instead of taking a seat to play pedal steel guitar in the style of such greats as Robert Randolph and Roosevelt Collier, AJ Ghent performs standing upright as if handling a traditional guitar. The Atlanta-based artist uses an over-handed technique that allows him to dance and have increased mobility during his live shows. The great-nephew of Willie Eason (creator of the Sacred Steel tradition), grandson of Henry Nelson (founder of the Sacred Steel rhythmic guitar style) and a mentee of the late, great Col. Bruce Hampton, Ghent blends blues, funk, rock and pop into a genre he calls “neo blues.” Backed by his wife MarLa on vocals, keys and bass synth, and Javares “JD” Dunn on drums, Ghent swings by the Salvage Station on Saturday, May 12, at 9 p.m. $7. salvagestation.com. Photo by MarLa Ghent
Smart Bets: AJ Ghent
![BET AJ Ghent](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BET-AJ-Ghent-1100x733.jpg)
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.