Lanois Trio Set to Perform November 13 in Westhampton Beach
The producer and pedal steel guitarist will lead a three-piece ensemble featuring Jim Wilson and Jermaine Holmes.
By Andrew Yang ·
Daniel Lanois will perform with his trio at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on November 13. The concert marks a live return for the Canadian musician, who has spent decades shaping the sound of major American and international acts. He will be joined on stage by bassist and vocalist Jim Wilson and drummer and vocalist Jermaine Holmes.
Lanois is widely known for his work with artists including U2, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson. His production credits also extend to film and classical music, including the soundtrack for Red Dead Redemption 2 and collaborations with conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Beyond production, he has released 14 studio albums under his own name. His most recent work, Belladonna Nocturne, arrived earlier this year as a sequel to his 2005 instrumental album Belladonna.
The new album serves as a return to the atmospheric style that defined his earlier recordings. Lanois noted that many listeners asked about the specific midnight sound he achieved on the original record. He described his process as a detailed, phrase-by-phrase approach rather than a broad application of effects. He aims to revisit the core values of that sound rather than replicate the specific techniques.
The lineup for the tour reflects long-standing personal and professional relationships. Lanois first met Holmes while working with the late D'Angelo. He noted that Holmes comes from a church background, which gives him a strong sense of musical arrangement. Lanois has worked with Wilson for more than three decades. Their connection began through mutual acquaintance with singer Henry Rollins.
Lanois grew up in Quebec where his mother encouraged him to take pedal steel lessons at age nine. He acquired his first recording equipment at 17, which consisted of a two-track machine and microphones bought at a flea market. The pedal steel guitar remains a central element of his live performance. He plans to play four songs on the instrument during the show. One of these tracks, Sonho Dourado, is a hymn that will close the set.
The musician describes the pedal steel as a personal anchor for the performance. He aims to create a sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners. He noted that the music often unites diverse audiences, from heavy metal fans to older generations. He views the hymn structure as a way to connect with people from all walks of life.
Lanois maintains a close professional relationship with Emmylou Harris. He produced her 1995 album Wrecking Ball, which featured contributions from Neil Young, Steve Earle, and the McGarrigle Sisters. Harris also provided vocal harmonies on Belladonna Nocturne. Lanois recalled first meeting Harris in her home, which he described as a dignified space filled with the legacy of American music. He valued the personal connection as much as the artistic collaboration.
Tickets for the November 13 show are available through the venue's website, whbpac.org. The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 76 Main Street. Patrons can also call 631-288-1500 for more information.
