Feb.
27, at 3pm Mini Concert & Clinic
FREE !
AT Greenbrier Music Shop
Dorian Michael, blue-collar guitarist, lives in the country in central
California in a very old cabin that leans slightly to the northeast.
In over 35 years of guitar as a profession he has played plenty of blues and
folk, jazz and rock and roll. So when he plays as an acoustic soloist he
describes his music as "contemporary traditional"; original music that reflects
his interest in a number of styles of music. These influences come through in
his original material, but it is a contemporary music that grows from, rather
than mimics, those influences. There is an integrity and clarity to his work.
As well as his solo endeavors, Dorian has been playing as a duo with mandolinist
Kenny Blackwell. They have a cd out and, what a surprise!, its available right
here on this website. Who woulda thought. They tour around some so check the
gigs on the kenny/dorian site (kenny-dorian.com).
Dorian's latest release is from AIX Records (aixrecords.com
). It is a DVD that features Albert Lee (on 5 tracks) and Laurence Juber (on 3
tracks) as guests. (We made them play alot, no mere cameo appearances here.)
It's all acoustic, blues-based instrumental music with an incredible rhythm
section. It was recorded live in a concert hall with no audience. No
punching-in, no overdubs, just play it from the top and play it right. There is
also a lesson in improvisation from Dorian. And you can have the chord changes
to several of the tunes as subtitles on the screen. Then you can choose the mix
with no lead guitar and jam along with the rhythm section. Can you beat that?
Dorian
is also the author of two books on alternate guitar tunings. Take a look at the
"books" page
and read all about it.
Dorian plays guitars built by Michael
Baranik of Tempe, AZ. One is cedar and cocobolo, the other spruce and
rosewood. Dorian endorses GHS strings and uses Highlander pickups in all of his
instruments. Ron Saul built his uke and we all owe a lot to National Resophonic
Guitars (San Luis Obispo) and Renaissance Guitars (Santa Cruz). Did we get
everybody?
When not on the road Dorian can still be found playing loud blues in a bar in
Paso Robles. Some guys just never learn.