The Gathering Field began in a burned-out third floor in Grove City, Pennsylvania when Bill Deasy, Dave Brown and Jim DiSpirito (Rusted Root Percussionist) hunkered down for the weekend with guitars, tequila, microphones and recording gear. The resulting Glory Bound Sessions provided more than enough evidence as to the magical creative chemistry between Dave and Bill. This chemistry led to the formation of a band and the production of their self-titled debut disc in 1994. The band's popularity skyrocketed when one of the regions most powerful rock stations, WDVE, began playing a song called, "Lost in America." With the release of the record which bore the same name The Gathering Field garnered a deal with Atlantic Records in 1996 and continued to develop it's ever-widening base of supporters. The band remains one of the biggest draws in Pittsburgh and continues to tour extensively throughout this great nation.
Things to Know About the Gathering Field
In addition to the three GF recordings, Dave Brown has produced Rusted Root ("Cruel Sun," and "Evil Ways" from the "Home For The Holidays" soundtrack), Push, Rachel McCartney, Stinging Rain and Carol Lee Espy.
If you had to classify the band's style or genre you might say something like, "Literate Roots Rock." Or you might say something else.
The band's first gig took place at JBs in Kent, Ohio in August of 1994. The self-titled debut disc came out one month later.
Bill Deasy's first concert was Elvis Presley, Pitsburgh Civic Arena, New Year's Eve, 1976.
Once upon a time, Gathering Field bassist Eric Riebling was a founding member of "The Affordable Floors."
Ray DeFade, drummer and band comedian, played for two years on a Nashville Riverboat and at one time backed up Louise Mandrell.
Bill Deasy has co-written songs which appear on records by Howard Jones, BiJou Phillips and Kim Richey. Cleveland legend, Michael Stanley, recently recorded a beautiful cover of "Blue Sky Song" from the Gathering Field's "Lost in America" CD.
Discography
The Gathering Field 1994
Lost in America 1996
Reliance 1999
For booking, inquiries and information contact dB Productions at 412-241-1139
The Gathering Field Story
In late 1991, Pittsburgh music critic John Hayes pointed to a young, relatively unknown Pittsburgh singer/songwriter named Bill Deasy as the artist to watch out for in the years to come. Four years later, with a wealth of seasoned material and a variety of musical accomplishments behind him, Bill Deasy has answered that call with his new band, The Gathering Field.
Bill has been a mainstay on the western Pennsylvania music scene since he emerged six years ago as an aspiring, solo acoustic artist. His engaging introspective songwriting and charismatic stage presence quickly caught the attention of fans, critics, and fellow musicians. In 1991, Bill put together his first band, Shiloh, which took top honors at the Graffiti Rock Challenge, a showcase of Pittsburgh's best musical talent.
The Gathering Field began to evolve when Deasy united with Dave Brown, a multi-talented guitarist and producer. Dave's outstanding guitar work has led numerous rock bands over the years, including the critically acclaimed progressive quintet, The Dave Harger Group. He has also played with jazz greats Herbie Hancock, James Moody, and Larry Coryell. As a producer, Dave is perhaps best known for Rusted Root's popular Cruel Sun CD, which vaulted the Pittsburgh band to a recording contract with Mercury Records. Rusted Root just completed a national tour with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. The Gathering Field recently appeared on second stage at the Coca Cola StarLake Amphitheater where Rusted Root took the headline spotlight for the night on tour with Toad The Wet Sprocket.
In addition to Deasy and Brown, The Gathering Field consists of drummer Ray DeFade, a relocated Nashville session player and bassist Eric Riebling, formerly of The Affordable Floors, with the occasional special appearance by Hammond organist John Burgh, also a founding member of The Dave Harger Group.
The Gathering Field introduced its self-titled debut CD in September, 1994. The CD reatures twelve Deasy originals, which range from the roots, garage rock of "Bordertown" and "I Want To Be With You" to the stark, acoustic ballads of "the Reservoir" and "Slightly Aimless". The project was produced and engineered by Dave Brown and includes appearances by Jim DiSpirito and Liz Berlin of Rusted Root and Scott Blasey of The Clarks.
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