Part New Acoustic, part New Age, with a dash of Heavy Wood
Using unconventional styles and techniques, be it an
ancient folk melody or the latest in fingerboard pyrotechnics, he brings about a
diverse collection of rhythms and modes, reflecting his own form and recalling
his influences from Michael Hedges, Don Ross, Ralph Towner and the like.
In 1999, he recorded his first CD "Two Hands" in answer to the question "how does he play like that?" Very simply, "with two hands". He enjoys the challenge of sounding like more than one guitarist playing at a time.
In 2001 he released his second CD "Sundancer" a collection of primarily original material and some traditional tunes. This album features everything from the driving percussive rhythms of the title track Sundancer to the haunting melody of She Moved Through the Fair. It has been said of his playing that "each note is like a character in a story" where the words enter the mind of the listener at each musical phrase.
This Vancouver based musician was born in Leicester England in 1957, and moved to Toronto, Ontario, with his family several years later. Primarily self taught, most of his early musical training was during high school where he played flute, French horn and percussion. At age 14 he began teaching himself guitar under the guidance of Tony Desmarteau.
In the summer of 2002 he was invited to share the stage with Peppino DaGostino and Doug Towle, on separate occasions. Both are gifted players, and each evening provided some musically magical moments. His personal motto is "Play softly but wear a loud shirt."
"Playing the guitar lets me dream out loud....(Michael Hedges 1953- 1997)"
Feel free to have a look around and leave a comment or two. Thanks Steve