Miguel de la Bastide has been involved with flamenco for over 25 years. He is one of the few guitarists outside of Spain, who has mastered the techniques and the knowledge of the flamenco guitar. An incredible soloist, he also excels as an accompanist and as a composer. He possesses a rare combination of explosive technique with a unique sensitivity to the flamenco dance and song. A native of San Fernando, Trinidad, Miguel immigrated to Canada at the age of eighteen and began an intensive study of flamenco.
In 1992, he joined forces with Carmen Romero as Music Director for Canada's premier flamenco company, The Candela Flamenca Dance and Music Ensemble, recently renamed Compana Carmen Romero. Since then he has become a recipient of the prestigious Chalmers Award and the Toronto Arts Council Award. He is also the first flamenco guitarist to be invited on staff at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Over the past decade, Miguel has performed extensively with Compana Carmen Romero and as a solo artist, in North America, Europe and Asia.
In 1996, Miguel was the first in North America to be featured with some of Spain's most respected flamenco guitarists on the CD compilation entitled Flamenco Fire and Grace by NARADA. The following year, he contributed to another compilation entitled Gypsy Passion and, in 1998, was included on Gypsy Soul, also by NARADA. Later that same year, he released his long-awaited solo album, EL CAMBIO, to rave reviews, followed by a video of the same name, which was picked up by BRAVOTV. In spring of 2000, his music appeared on NARADA’S Gypsy Fire and in the fall, Viva Flamenco.
Other CDs that Miguel's work can be found are on Narada World, Narada Showcase Collection, Narada Guitar: 15 Years of Collected Works and Best of Narada New Flamenco Guitar Miguel's music has been used for television commercials in Spain and his guitar artistry canalso be heard in the world-released television series Queen of Swords. Two-and-a-half years went into Miguel's much-anticipated second solo album entitled "SIENTO". A completely original work, this album sets new standards in composition, performance and production. Miguel's mastery of the guitar, and of the art form, is evident from the first note played through to the last. Lightning fast runs, flawless timing, striking melodies and unique arrangements, all combined to take flamenco to another level.
Clive Carroll was recently described as “ the best and most original young acoustic guitar player and composer in Britain ” (Acoustic Guitar Magazine).
Clive was born on April 8, 1975 and has been immersed in a diverse range of music ever since. His mother plays the button accordian and sings traditional Irish ballads. His father is an accomplished bodhran player, banjo player, and instrument maker. Putting his considerable skill to use when Clive was little more than eighteen months old, his father made him his first banjo. By the age of ten, Clive was performing regularly with his family band, and as a soloist. At the age of twelve, Clive took up the guitar. Only eleven years later, in the summer of 1998, he achieved a 1st Class Honours degree in Classical Guitar & Composition from Trinity College of Music, London.
Throughout his musical career, Clive has been awarded an array of prizes including:
1994 John Halford Prize for Composition
1994 Gladys Puttick Memorial Prize for Extemporisation
1997 Ivor Mairants Guitar Award
1997 Continuum Ensemble ~ National Improvisation Competition (Finalist)
1998 Gladys Puttick Memorial Prize for Extemporisation
1998 Montagu Cleeve Prize for Guitar
1999 Essex Young Musician of the Year
Clive's debut solo album was released in 1999 under the Old Bridge Music record label and has been lauded by John Renbourn, John Williams and Christy Moore amongst others. He has toured most recently with John Renbourn, Tommy Emmanuel, and Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, and in 2004 Clive was included in Total Guitar Magazine's “Top 10 Acoustic Guitarists of all Time”.
According to David Lindley, the American producer who helped compile the seminal Madagascan music album "A World Out Of Time", D'Gary is ‘a monster guitarist!’ And, if you think that's an exaggeration, just take a listen to the unique open-tuned style of Madagascar's guitar wizard!
Ernest Randriana solo, better known to Madagascan music fans as D'Gary was born in the Madagascan capital, Antananarivo, on October 22,1961. He is a descendent of the Bara tribe, a nomadic people who traditionally made their living herding oxen across the plains of the central south.
D'Gary's style is disconcerting to say the least. Listen closely to his music and you'll swear there must be at least two guitarists playing. This illusion stems from D'Gary's penchant for "open tunings" (a special technique he has developed through years of patient research and which, needless to say, he keeps totally secret!) Open tunings are actually nothing new in musical terms. In fact, they form the basis of tsapiky, the music that influenced D’Gary so strongly in his early years. However, in tsapiky musicians change only one string while D'Gary alters several. Some critics have claimed that D'Gary's unique playing style attempts to reproduce the sound of the marovany (the traditional Madagascan frame box zither). But D'Gary's secret techniques actually make his guitar sound more like the lokanga (the traditional violin which plays such a major role in the Bara's havoria).
Antoine Dufour is emerging as one of Canada’s young stars of acoustic, fingerstyle guitar. With a recent CD of original material that was released to critical acclaim, along with appearances and awards at major festivals, Antoine is building a national reputation for innovation and creativity. He will be touring across Canada in 2006 as a member of the International Guitar Night, an all-star evening of the best original guitarists/composers in North America.
Dufour was born in the little town of l’Epiphane, near Montreal. He started playing guitar at the age of 15. He studied at the CEGEP of Joliette, where his teacher made him listen to Leo Kottke, Don Ross and Michael Hedges. His life and his vision of the guitar changed, and since then he has been completely devoted to fingerstyle steel string guitar. His musical style is a mix of the powerful rhythms of rock, the sensibility of classical music, a funky groove, and a pure folk melody.
Dufour recently played at the 2005 Montreal Jazz Festival and at the 2005 Canadian Guitar Festival, where he was awarded 2nd prize in the Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. He has appeared in concert and given workshops throughout Quebec, produced a video in Fall 2003, and released his 2nd CD in 2004. Dufour’s style continues to develop, bounded only by his imagination and his technical dexterity. As he says, “The acoustic guitar is an instrument which has a very rich sound, and offers infinite possibilities to the player.”
Guitarist Peppino D'Agostino emigrated twenty years ago to America to pursue his dream as both a composer and performer. Those early days as a struggling street musician (and sometimes house painter and vegetable seller) in San Francisco now seem far behind.
The adventurous guitarist has since released eight critically acclaimed albums and a DVD in the US and two CDs in Europe. D'Agostino has been praised by the San Francisco Chronicle as "a poet...among the best talents around", lauded by Acoustic Guitar as "one of the most capable composers among fingerstyle guitarists," applauded by the San Diego Times as "a giant of the acoustic guitar," and touted by Jazziz as a "phenom in the same league with John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Doc Watson and John Renbourn." A busy touring schedule has whisked him from Carnegie Hall to Wolftrap, and to music places such as the Vancouver Festival where he's shared the stage with such noted guitarists as Leo Kottke, Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, Laurindo Almeida, Michael Hedges, David Bromberg, David Grisman, John Lee Hooker, and Egberto Gismonti.
But D'Agostino, who claims to have been "obsessed" with music since his childhood, is still exploring and expanding. Few can match Peppino's combined technical prowess and lyrical artistry on the steel string, and not many are as eager to challenge the limits of their instrument--using unconventional tunings, playing the notes on the fretboard only with the left hand while simultaneously creating percussive effects with the right hand and inventing a mini orchestra of sounds that, on first listen, seem almost impossible for one lone guitar.
A self-taught musician, the 47-year old D'Agostino was first drawn to the guitar after watching his cousin perform during church services in Torino, Italy. After convincing his mother to buy a cheap, ugly guitar and pay for a couple of lessons, he began picking out tunes by ear, inspired by Italian pop songs, recordings of the famous flamenco master Paco de Lucia, and albums by Leo Kottke and Carlos Santana. By age 18, he had learned to read music on his own and was composing and performing solo throughout Italy.
D'Agostino's first album, Bluerba (Drums/ Italy), a collaboration with Enzo Ponzio and Alfredo Morabito, was released in 1981. Silk and Steel (Lizard/Italy), an anthology/collaboration followed it in 1983 with Duck Baker, Giovanni Unterberger and other well-known Italian guitarists. In the beginning of 1984 he wrote Metodo per chitarra Country e Bluegrass, an instructional book for the Italian publisher Berben and a few months later he recorded an album of Italian traditional music entitled Il Moro Saraceno with the group Prinsi Raimundi. His first US recordings, Acoustic Spirit (1987) and Sparks (1988) were released on the Shanachie label.
In 1993 Peppino released an album for the prestigious German label Acoustic Music Records entitled Close to the Heart. This album was released in the States the following year with the California based Mesa/Bluemoon label. In 1995 the acclaimed Venus over Venice reached the retailer's shelves. With its varied moods, dynamic rhythms, rich tonality and romantic lyricism, Venus over Venice masterfully combines elements of contemporary Jazz, classical and folk in a musical style that's impossible to pigeonhole. The Chicago Tribune writes: "...D'Agostino plays steel-string guitar with virtuosity and complexity...Influences are as far-flung as the flamenco work of Paco de Lucia and the pop sensibility of the Beatles, evident in the songs he's written, which brim with memorable melodies." "His sound is warm and buoyant, like the man himself, and his personality shines through," noted Escape magazine in reviewing D'Agostino's previous Mesa recording, Close to the Heart. "His passionate guitar work and resonant compositions will captivate any listeners," echoed a JazzTimes critic, who urged listeners to "turn up the volume and enjoy."
In 1995 and 1996 Peppino D'Agostino's work was included on various CD sampler's that showcase some of the best guitarists of our time. In the Guitar Player sampler Now Hear This, Peppino's music is among such celebrated talents as Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, Leo Kottke and John Scofield. The Six String CD sampler on Mesa/Bluemoon Records features Peppino's music amid other tracks by Al Di Meola, Scott Henderson, David Becker and Andy Summers. Peppino's tune "Goodbye Robbie" was chosen for the CD sampler Acoustic Heart that features music by Lee Ritenour, Peter White, Leo Kottke, and Alex de Grassi.
1997 is full of professional satisfactions for Peppino. In the beginning of the year the long awaited songbook New Acoustic Guitar, with some of Peppino's most well-known compositions was published by Warner Brothers Publications.Within a few months after the initial release, a second printing was issued. Additionally, for the first time Peppino wrote, composed and produced a soundtrack for a feature length Italian movie entitled Ardena. This new and exciting musical adventure started in Rome where Luca Barbareschi, the Italian director, attended one of Peppino's performances. Captured by the memorable and passionate melodies, Luca decided to contact Peppino a few months later to ask him to compose the soundtrack. The distinguished Italian label New Sound Multimedia released the CD Ardena which contains the entire soundtrack.
In February 1998 the well-established Homespun Tapes released Peppino's first teaching video entitled "The Guitar of Peppino D'Agostino". In September 1998 "Acoustic Music Records" released in Europe Peppino's latest CD entitled "A Glimpse of Times Past". A few months later Rykodisc/Polygram after listening to the CD and impressed by Peppino's evocative melodies and virtuosity on guitar decided to distribute the album in the States. For the very first time in Peppino's recording career, ten of the eleven tunes contained in this new album are played on solo acoustic guitar, without any other accompanying instruments. This courageous and spontaneous choice was motivated by the desire to capture and direct the listeners attention to the beauty and purity of the original melodies and to the depth of the compositions that only the sound of an acoustic guitar in the hand of a master musician can express.
In October 1999 Peppino's tune "Belladonna" was included in the book "Fingerstyle Guitar Masterpieces" published by the US magazine "Acoustic Guitar". This songbook-and-CD package features a dozen of the best fingerstyle players in the world such as Leo Kottke, John Williams, John Renbourn and Jorma Kaukonen.
Peppino feels fortunate to have been given so many opportunities to express himself musically. All the while he is continuously pursuing his dream to expand his musical horizons, and to stretch the limitations of the guitar. The adventure that Peppino started many years ago in Italy as a boy strumming his first chords on an old guitar continue today in America as he searches for the balance between virtuosity and finesse, and refines his personal lyrical approach that is reminiscent of his Mediterranean heritage.
Enjoying increasing popularity abroad, D'Gary soon established himself as the most sought-after Madagascan musician on the international circuit. Playing sell-out concerts all the way from Germany and Norway to Tasmania, Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa, D'Gary brought the house down at the world's top music festivals, scoring a big hit at Abidjan's MASA festival in 1995 (as he would at Womad in Singapore in 2001). In recent years, D’Gary has toured sporadically in North America. His national tours in the U.S. and Canada will give North American audiences their first comprehensive glimpse into D’Gary’s extraordinary music, including a new International Guitar Night recording.
Andrew White:
Andrew White, originally of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, moved to New Zealand when he was 16 and quickly established himself as one of NZ's top guitarists and singer-songwriters. He released his first album, Conversations, in 1984 and was immediately signed by the US label Narada Records.
So far, he has recorded ten albums, including Islands, a collaboration with Grammy-nominated artist David Arkenstone. Following a live broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland, he was snapped up by Linn Records and recorded Guitarra Celtica, a stunning instrumental album featuring 16 hauntingly beautiful original tracks. This was followed by Andrew's first vocal album, Pray For Rain, features such artists as Karen Matheson (Cappercaille), Michael McGoldrick (Afro Celt Sound System), and Brendan Power (Sting, Ray Charles). Released on the independent Scottish label Vertical Records and produced by Capercaillie founder Donald Shaw, it is a skilful recording with a unique mix of styles, strengthened by Andrew's brilliant guitar playing and soulful vocals.
Andrew White has toured internationally as a soloist and supporting superstars such as Irish folk rock group Clannad, The Corrs, Michelle Shocked, The Indigo Girls, Taj Mahal. He also toured with Scots folk outfit Capercaillie and took a 50,000-strong German festival audience by storm in a pairing with Brendan Power, the harmonica sensation from the Riverdance Orchestra.
Andrew’s unique sound is difficult to describe. He was inspired in his youth by folk guitar greats Ralph McTell, Bert Jansch and John Renbourne but is of a generation even more mind-blowing in its dexterity and inventiveness on the fretboard. While technically brilliant, his guitar work is not just out to impress- it has a pleasing, highly melodic structure. In acoustic circles in Scotland, where he lived until recently, those who have been lucky enough to see him rate him on a par with Tony McManus, but in a different genre.
After sold-out tours of both Ireland and New Zealand with Australian Guitar Supremo Tommy Emmanuel followed by his own solo tour of New Zealand, Andrew resides in Nova Scotia with his family whilst working on a highly anticipated new vocal album.
Brian Gore:
"Brian Gore's strong, well developed melodies and intriguing chord sequences set him apart from the myriad of steel-string fingerstylists who compose in open tunings. His finely crafted poetic "songs without words" take the listener on a spellbinding emotional ride.” --Ron Forbes Roberts, Acoustic Guitar Magazine
“An artist of the highest caliber.” --Ray Toumey, the Boulder Chautauqua
San Francisco guitar poet Brian Gore is gaining a reputation as one of the most interesting and influential performers of "the next generation" in fingerstyle guitar. A musical romantic, his compositions draw inspiration from myth and modern literature. Hailed as having "...one of the most unique new acoustic guitar styles on the scene today (News and Review)," his lyrical, understated compositions integrate classical and percussive techniques that display what the Los Angeles Times calls "a characterful bounce and spaciousness all his own."
Gore’s style of playing offers strikingly beautiful tone and dynamics-- qualities that are often hard to find in steel string players. His melodic, evocative songs rely heavily on the use of open tunings, extending the “stream of consciousness” style of guitar composing he grew up with in Northern California. “Music started out as a kind of therapy for me,” says Gore. “Consequently, I am a very emotional player. Now, my style of playing has also become a well honed craft. I am very grateful I can share this with people.”
His buoyant personality and odd sense of humor help add lightness to his shows. “By the time I’m done with a performance,” explains Gore, “people really know the meaning of the term ‘extroverted introvert’.” While Gore integrates some of the flashier percussive techniques into his pieces, the poetic quality of his music is preserved. “Because my music is simple and somewhat rootsy, it’s easy to relate to, which is something I’m thankful for. Also, it helps keep me grounded.
Gore is an artist in residence at the Boulder Chautauqua, and endorses LR Baggs Equipment, Ryan Guitars and Morris Guitars. He is founder of the International Guitar Night, sponsored by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. His first CD, produced by Peppino D’Agostino, is called The Path of Least Resistance. His second CD, Legacy: Solo Guitar and Duets, is available on Germany’s Acoustic Music Records Label. His music has been featured on NPR’s nationally syndicated Echoes Radio, and many other local public radio programs.
Brian founded The International Guitar Night in 1995 as a forum for the world’s finest guitarists/composers to play their latest original songs and share musical ideas with their peers in public concert. This has evolved into six critically acclaimed annual U.S. tours, a CD on Favored Nations Records released in 2004, and a book of IGN compositions scheduled for 2005 release.
Vishwa Mohan Bhatt:
Creator of the MOHAN VEENA and the winner of the GRAMMY AWARD, Vishwa Mohan has mesmerized the world with his pristine pure, delicate yet fiery music. It is due to Vishwa's maiden mega effort that he rechristened guitar as MOHAN VEENA, his genius creation and has established it at the top most level in the mainstream of Indian Classical Music scenario, thereby proving the essence of his name VISHWA (meaning the world) and MOHAN (meaning charmer) and indeed, a world charmer he is.
Being the foremost disciple of Pt. Ravi Shankar, Vishwa Mohan belongs to that elite body of musicians which traces its origin to the Moughal emperor Akbar's court musician TANSEN and his guru the Hindu Mystic Swami Haridas.
Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has attracted international attention by his successful indianisation of the western Hawaiian guitar with his perfect assimilation of sitar, sarod & veena techniques, by giving it a evolutionary design & shape and by adding 14 more strings helping him to establish the instrument MOHAN VEENA to unbelievable heights. With blinding speed and faultless legato, Bhatt is undoubtedly one of the most expressive, versatile and greatest slide players in the world.
Being a powerhouse performer, Vishwa's electrifying performance always captivates the audience whether in the United States, Europe, Gulf countries or his motherland India. Vishwa Mohan has become the cultural ambassador of India by carrying the Herculean task of glorifying and popularizing Indian culture and music throughout the world.
Outstanding features of Bhatt's baaj (style) are his natural ability to play the 'Tantrakari Ang' and incorporate the 'Gayaki Ang' on Mohan Veena which is the greatest advantage of this instrument over traditional Indian instrument like sitar, sarod and veena. It was no surprise that Vishwa Mohan with his sheer virtuosity and limitless supply of melodies won the highest music award of the world, the GRAMMY AWARD IN 1994 along with Ry Cooder for their World Music Album, 'A MEETING BY THE RIVER' enhancing his celebrity status not only as a star performer but also as an improviser and a soulful composer.
Vishwa Mohan has performed extensively in the USA, USSR, Canada, the Great Britain, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland, Switzerland, Denmark, then scaling the Gulf of Dubai, Al-Sharjah.
Andrew York, one of today’s most visible and innovative classical guitar composers, member of the internationally recognized Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, is performing his works as a soloist from Ambassador Auditorium in Los Angeles to Casals Hall in Tokyo. Of the three solo CD’s Mr. York has recorded for the GSP label, his recording “Denouement” was voted ‘Best Classical Album’ by Guitar Player Magazine’s 1994 readers’ poll.
York ’s compositions have also been recorded by guitar luminaries John Williams and Christopher Parkening. Mr. York has secured grants from the Del Amo Foundation for Study in Spain, and received an Outstanding Alumni Award in 1997 from the University of Southern California as a member of the LAGQ. LAGQ records for Sony Classics. Most recently he has completed a solo disc containing an original transcription of the C major cello suite by J.S. Bach, as well as six new compositions. As a published composer, Mr. York’s works appear in print worldwide through Alfred Publications, Hal Leonard, Mel Bay Publications, Guitar Solo Publications, Ricordi in London, and Gendai in Japan. Mr. York received his Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California.
“Andrew York’s eclectic writing and playing constitute one of the hippest styles in American classical guitar...his writing projects levels of honesty, spirit and magnetism that are rare in contemporary guitar composition.”-- Jim Ferguson, Guitar Player Magazine
“...Inviting...Immaculate technique, elegant and expressive...His intimate knowledge of the instrument provides from some delicious sonorities of authentic originality...”-- John Schneider, Soundboard Magazine
“Andrew York takes old wine skins (Bagatelle, Etude, Saragand...) and fills them with the new wine of his artistic soul. This is beautiful music.”--Michael Rivers, Victory Review
