Thu
14
Jan
2016
If you're living in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, you can now read an interview with me, myself and I in the latest issue of Akustik Gitarre (February/March 2016; p.26)! I must say that I'm just a wee bit proud and a mighty bit happy to be included in the feature.
I remember when I was a student in music school, I used to spend a fortune buying all kinds of guitar- and music-magazines eagerly soaking up each single page. And of course learning from and admiring my guitar heroes in the process... ;-)
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Mon
23
Nov
2015
I'm pleased to be able to announce that I have once again signed up with Deuce Music UK [Homepage], who will labour to promote my upcoming releases on UK and International radio shows, online and FM.
If you'd like to listen to the first show I'm on with my new single "Embrace", you can do so here [Soundcloud] - "Embrace" is up around the 29:50 mark.
You can also get a copy of the song here and on Bandcamp!
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Thu
29
Oct
2015
It is out there! The very first single of my upcoming third studio album has been unleashed upon the world - Embrace! You can get the song right here or on Bandcamp as an exclusive digital download.
As for the visual side of things, I did get a chance to do a live performance at RedPMusic's studio and would like to thank the guys there and especially Piotr Koscik who filmed and edit this wonderful video which you can watch here or on YouTube. Don't forget to spread the love and share this with your friends. Thanks!
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Sun
18
Oct
2015
Hang on to your pants as we've got a very special evening coming up!
On October 28th we will be presenting a brand new video to the world. Furthermore, the song, which is one of the tunes I'm currently working on, will be released as a preview and first single of my upcoming third solo album.
The video is a live version of the song, which we filmed and recorded this summer at the studio facility of RedPMusic. I would like to thank Arpad Hadnagy and his crew for inviting me over to their wonderful place and taking the time and effort to put this down.
Looking forward to seeing you on October 28th at The Loft, Lerchenfelder Guertel 37, 1160 Vienna - doors open at 8pm.
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Thu
15
Oct
2015
During the last few months an increasing number of people have fled from the war torn parts of the world, trying to reach safety in Europe. Many of them have taken great risks and faced adverse conditions on their journey. Yet these dangers still seemed like the lesser evil compared to what fate would await them had they stayed in their home countries.
Now they need our help.
I am happy to be supporting the people of Nelkengasse in Vienna who are launching an event in favour of refugee aid. There'll be food, drinks, a market, public readings, DJ's and live
bands!
Please join us on Friday to help support the cause and all the volunteers engaged.
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Fri
18
Sep
2015
As you can see, I'm back in the studio, recording new material for my upcoming album. Well, actually I'm in the studio's kitchen, which is kinda handy when you need a drink in between all the singing and playing. And the room's sound is also really cool.
Third time I'm working with Robin Gillard at his Happy Road Studio and it really feels like coming home!
Hang on for updates and a surprise preview...
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Thu
27
Aug
2015
Don't miss the 1st Vienna Ukulele Night!
I'll skip some strings and do a sidestep into the realm of the Ukulele, looking forward to entertaining you, together with many other great artists, at the Local Bar, Heiligenstaedterstrasse 31,
1190 Vienna.
I even prepared a few special songs where I tried to work out percussive arrangements for the Uke.
After this, I'll finally be heading back into the studio to start recording some new material. I hope to be able to give you an exclusive preview soon, so do check back here for
updates...
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Wed
29
Jul
2015
What a ride. Six days, five gigs, and so many stories to tell. I'm back from my brief tour of Germany feeling inspired and motivated.
It was great performing for all of you, so I can only extend my thanks to everybody who came to see the shows at Stoffel and Sommerwerft festivals in Frankfurt, as well as Free & Easy Festival and the great people at Vereinsheim in Munich - I loved every bit of it in all its contrast.
Now it's time to move on and focus on the things to come.
Keep coming back for more. I'll keep you posted!
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Tue
09
Jun
2015
Hello world - I guess that must have been the first thoughts that went through my son's head as he left his mom's womb recently.
Been busy with daddy stuff, so to bring everybody up to speed, here's a new video of a live performance I played in March at the "Spurwechsel Festival" at Bar & Co in Vienna.
Also, I'm looking forward to the festival summer in Germany. Hope to see you there...
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Mon
16
Mar
2015
I've got a special evening coming up on March 19th when I'll be returning to Spurwechsel X at Bar & Co / Theater Drachengasse in Vienna. This time around though, I won't just bring my guitar. Rumor has it there'll be a Mandolin and a Banjolele among my instruments. And who knows, maybe even more? And I'm working hard on mastering a tune or two on each of them. Besides: there might be a surprise or two...
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Sun
08
Mar
2015
I had a splendid time the last three nights, supporting my long time friend and comedian extraordinaire Severin Groebner at his 20-year stage anniversary!
Thanx to everybody at Kabarett Niedermair as well as to the audience, who made this a very enjoyable experience for all of us.
And for all of you who are part of the german speaking world and are interested in Mr. Groebner's work - CHECK HIM OUT!
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Thu
12
Feb
2015
Just 2 more days until the official opening of the Stafford Green Arts Festival 2015!
Love their motto: "There is No Planet B - Act Now for Planet A" - spot on!
It's a bit sad I cannot be there in person, but I'm proud to say that my video for the song "Time To Mind" will be featured as part of the Festival.
Dear Lisa, Ian and all the festival team - many thanks and all the best to you guys for the fest - hope to see you soon!
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Fri
05
Dec
2014
In Austria (and quite a few other countries I'm sure) we celebrate St. Nikolaus, a white bearded father figure type of guy who comes around and brings children presents, even before Christmas Eve is here - on December 6th. And boy did he bring presents this year :-)
Check out these two radio interviews, one in Frankfurt/GER, one in Stafford/UK. And we have more - here's a brand new live video from a performance at Peal Festival 2014, which you can also view on my YouTube Channel, of course...
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Sun
30
Nov
2014
...and I'm still travelling and playing new venues. Last night I had a great time at the Tamdhu and next week it's off to Linz, Upper Austria, to play Alte Welt.
That's not nearly all though, as we're currently preparing a little Christmas package for you with new videos and interviews looking back on what happened in 2014, so far...
And who knows, maybe there'll even be a little surprise?
Stay tuned!
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Fri
31
Oct
2014
Happy Halloween to all of you! Got your costumes ready? I do... but let me tell you the whole story!
Somewhere in the middle of Tennessee, C Bret Campbell and his fellow industry professionals and music enthusiasts kindly reviewed my current single release "Time To Mind" off of "Second Thoughts". Thank you very much guys. They really seemed to like the song which makes me very happy, but what they heard in the music actually surprised me a bit.
First off, one guy stated how he loves Irish Rock and English Rock, like all the music from Northern Europe. Very well. Only that I'm not Irish really, and it's not really rock either, but hey...
The next guy was clear about me using a lot of looping - wait a second! - no, no, no, I don't use any loops, ever. It's all played by hand, just me, on one guitar, all at the same time!
Another one then said he loved all of the instruments used in the track, and would listen to each one of them seperately as they are all so well played. Thank you very much, and I can assure you, that's not gonna take you too long, as there's really only one guitar track and one bass track on there.
Last but not least, when it came to discuss my vocals, I was clearly identified: English, raw, from Manchester or South London. Charming, and I feel honored but I swear, I'm really Austrian and do live in Vienna, not even South Vienna, but pretty much close to the center. And Austria's actually in the heart of continental Europe too.
So for this Halloween, I'll go out as the Irish/English South Londoner from Manchester and scare the shits out of everyone by just simply being RRRRRRAW! Yay!
Thanks a lot to Mid Tennessee Music for the review! I really do appreciate it a lot guys, and am looking forward to your future comments! All the very best!
Watch the full Episode on YouTube (they start talking about my song at around minute 55)
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Thu
25
Sep
2014
Finally here – my brand new music video for the song “Time To Mind” off of my recent release “Second Thoughts” (available here). I would like to extend my thanks to Greenpeace and Amnesty International for supporting the production by providing footage from their archives. Also, my thanks go out to Oliver Woess and Aline Goetz, who directed and edited the video and put all of their mind, heart and spirit into the project, as well as the entire team who helped me.
Thanks also to the crew at The Loft in Vienna for hosting the presentational event, and to everybody who came – you were a lovely and encouraging audience!
Please feel free to comment, rate and reshare the
video.
Many Thanks.
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Mon
08
Sep
2014
Saturday, September 6th, in lovely Southern Styria and it was raining cats and dogs - and not just until I arrived at the site of Peal Festival and got ready to perform! What can you do about the weather?
I would like to say a huge Thank You to the crowd - you guys really made my day. Despite the conditions, you were a motivated, lovely and cheerful lot, making this gig a very special experience for me! Also I'd like to thank Joel, Lukas, Michi and everyone else from the festival team. You guys did a great job! Looking forward to be back...
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Sun
24
Aug
2014
Back from a brief holiday and all refreshed and ready for action, I started the fall season with an online gig on NuMuBu yesterday. As new as playing to a crowd you cannot see, feel or hear still is to me, I have to say it was a lot of fun and I deeply enjoyed this gig. Reading what people write in chat after every song and getting their reaction this way is just as inspiring and motivating! Thanks to all who came to see the show!
And there's more to come...
September will see some exciting events, as I will be travelling to lovely Styria in the south of Austria to perform at Peal Festival on Saturday 6th. If you're somewhere near, be sure to check out the festival, it's a beautiful area to visit and the bands are all great.
Finally, I'm excited to see the production of the music video for "Time To Mind" coming to a close. On September 24th we will be premiering the video to an exclusive crowd at The Loft in Vienna, naturally including a live session to follow suite, before releasing it into the vastness of the Internet. Hang on for more dates and news. Hope to see you soon at a venue near you!
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Thu
31
Jul
2014
Had a great time yesterday performing at the Sommerwerft in Frankfurt. Thanx to Karen Remy and all of her team. I really enjoyed my time in Beduinenzelt where I got to play in a fabulous lineup with byebye - cheers to you guys - and Andreas Kuemmert. Sommerwerft is one place you shouldn't miss when you have the chance to go there.
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Sat
05
Jul
2014
Good news! Check out the Deuce Radio Show who are playing my music and broadcasting to many international radio stations FM and Online...
Of course, you can also listen directly on my page, just click play below - I'm up second :-)
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Mon
23
Jun
2014
So looking forward to coming over to the UK to present SECOND THOUGHTS! It's gonna be a short visit but nonetheless a very exciting one, as I will be performing at the Fuel Bar in Manchester on the 26th and in Liverpool (right on Mathew Street) on the 27th for the official launch. Also, I will do a live session for Stafford Radio on Sunday 29th. Great stuff and back to my rehearsal room to practice... :-) Hope to see you!
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Mon
05
May
2014
Hey all, here's a brief log of my last days of touring Austria:
First off, I had a perfect welcome and gig in Klagenfurt at the Stadtaffe! Great crowd and most of all a great host - thanx to Ingomar, who made this a perfect night!
Then we moved on to Martinau in the Tyrol, where our host Frankie gave us another heart-felt welcome at his unique Guitar-Museum at the Lechvalley - a real dream of a place with rooms filled with countless guitars of all shapes and sizes. Greatly enjoyed the gig I shared with fellow guitarist Winnie Kosch and an enthusiastic crowd.
Finally heading over to Lustenau in Vorarlberg for a night at the Nobody Pub. Marlene, the venue manager, gave us a super nice welcome. The gig turned out to be longer than intended as more and more people came in and joined the fun. A perfect last stop.
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Wed
02
Apr
2014
...where I was born - that would be Linz in my case and I'm truly happy to announce I will be presenting my new album SECOND THOUGHTS there. On Thursday, April 17th, I'll be performing at the Smaragd Jazz Bar. Not only is it a pleasure to return to my hometown to perform my music there but moreover, the Smaragd has been a hub for high quality international music acts and I feel honored to be part of their lineup - looking forward to see you there.
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Fri
14
Mar
2014
It is finally out! SECOND THOUGHTS is here and available for you to enjoy! You can order a physical copy - which I will be glad to sign for you if you like - right here on my site, as well as get the downloadable version. Also check out CDBaby for availability of the digital download.
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Wed
05
Mar
2014
Just one more week, and I'm getting more excited by the minute! Next Wednesday, March 12th, I will be presenting my new album Second Thoughts in Vienna - as part of Spurwechsel Festival, happening at the Bar&Co at Theater Drachengasse. The show is scheduled to start at 8pm local time, doors open at 7:30h, and if you happen to be in Vienna that day, do join us!
Then, on March 13th, Second Thoughts will see its world wide release. You'll be able to get a copy of the CD here in my store as well as Amazon, Google Music Store, CDBaby and many more...
After weeks - no - months - or actually more likely - years in the making, it's finally going to be out there for you to enjoy. I would like to again thank everybody involved for their effort and engagement in the production. I couldn't have made this record without you!
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Sat
08
Feb
2014
Percussive Sounds on the Guitar
Hi everyone and welcome to the first installment of „Tom's Guitar Geekyness“. In today's article I'll endeavor to explain the basic principles of percussive playing on the acoustic guitar. So let's get right to the point.
The acoustic guitar basically is a wooden box with strings. Seeing it as that it becomes obvious that, like most hollow objects, you can actually hit it and it will produce some kind of percussive sound. Since it is a musical instrument, the body of the acoustic guitar is capable of producing quite a wide range of percussive sounds, depending not only on where you hit the body, but also which part of your hand you're using.
First off though, a few basic tips.
DO NOT hit your guitar too hard! You might actually break it, and that would not only be a shame, but also completely unnecessary. To produce good percussive sounds all it takes is a light hit, executed with conviction, not with force. Just try. Use the tip of your index or middle finger and tap on any spot on your acoustic's top. Start out lightly, then slowly increase the momentum and see what it does. Stop increasing the force when you feel that either your fingertips or the guitar's body might get hurt.
Be extra careful if you have long fingernails on your right hand (left for lefties, of course). Hitting the top with long nails scratches it easily, so start out by using the fingertips and try to avoid the nails!
The same is true for wearing rings or bracelets on the hand/arm you are doing the percussion with – it’s wise to take them off before playing as otherwise they will produce unwanted sounds and damage the wood.
Every acoustic guitar sounds different. Even the same model of the same manufacturer will not sound exactly the same as another. Keep this in mind when getting into the percussion thing, as some sounds might work better on your guitar than others. Don't force it and stay creative. Experiment, jam, and find the sounds that work best on your instrument and for your style of music!
As I have mentioned above, the kind of sound you'll get out of your acoustic depends on two major factors – where you hit, and which part of your hand you use.
1) Parts of your hand:
Try slapping with your thumb, much like bass-players do when slapping on the strings, but do it on any part of the guitar's body. This will produce a mid-pitch, hard and “snappy” sound which can be anything from a woodblock to a Conga- or Bongo-like sound.
Tap with your fingertips, like tapping on a table-top. These are probably the softest sounds you will be able to create, reminding me a lot of bongos, tablas and the like, again depending on where you do it.
The wrist, in particular the underside of it, is best suited for creating bass-drum-like sounds, as any hit will have a distinct “thump” and low sounding quality.
On the sides of your acoustic guitar, especially the lower bout, you might want to try one finger, stretched and a bit stiffened – I use my middle finger, but it's absolutely ok to use the index finger or even a combination of more than one. This might take a little practice! The goal is to achieve a dry and snappy side-stick/rimshot-like sound. It sounds a lot like snares used in hip-hop music and I personally really like this one, so I use it a lot.
Fingernails can also be used to create percussive sounds but BEWARE as repeated or overly forceful use will most certainly damage your guitar! I use fingernails mainly to either play what I call the “fingernail snare”, snapping the nail of my middle finger on the body just underneath the soundhole, onto the pickguard(!!!), or to do a Rasgueado – a technique from flamenco guitar playing, where you “roll” your fingers over the strings or body starting with your little finger and ending with your index, one after another – more on that in the video and probably in later installments. Again, I cannot stress enough, how important it is to be very careful when using your nails for percussion in order not to damage your guitar!
Knuckles will always produce a very significant sound, quite loud and typical. The sound varies depending on the location you hit, but not as much as with other parts of your hand. Also, hitting the guitar too hard might either damage it or you might hurt yourself – the knuckles are actually surprisingly sensitive to pain.
2) Spots on the guitar:
The body of your acoustic guitar features quite a few spots to hit, all of which sound very different.
On the lower outside bout section you will get the most resonance, meaning any percussive hit will sound rather low and (on higher quality instruments) even resonate a bit. This section is ideal for creating a full, fat and wet bassdrum, when hitting it with your lower wrist, as well as low Conga and Bongo sounds, when slapping your thumb or tapping with your fingertips.
On the side of the lower outside bout is where you can create “the snare”, as I've mentioned above, using one finger stretched out and stiffened (like a drumstick) or even a couple of fingers. This is the ideal spot for creating a dry, snappy, hip-hop-ish snaredrum.
Below the soundhole and towards the upper bout as well as above the soundhole in the same areas is where you can create dry and higher pitched percussive sounds, as the top's wood is stiffer and won't resonate as much. I often use my wrist to create a dry bassdrum above the soundhole, and my thumb, fingertips and -nails to achieve a wide variety of percussive sounds below the soundhole.
On the sides around the upper bout you will mainly find a similar sound as on the sides of the lower bout, maybe a tick higher and more dry, depending on your particular guitar.
Last but not least, and actually quite common and important – the strings! Hitting the strings with your hand and letting it rest there will create a distinct sound that reminds me a lot of a HiHat. Actually, the bottom two strings – E & A in regular tuning – create most of that sound, the high strings almost none. Mind that you can hit the strings either with your picking hand or with your fretting hand!
To cut a long story short and sum things up:
The kind of percussive sounds you can get out of your acoustic guitar depend mainly on where you hit it and with which part of your hand you will hit it. There is a great deal of variation and experimentation you can do. Just be creative and play around with it. Try weird stuff, like hitting your guitar's neck with the thumb of your fretting hand – yes, that makes a percussive sound too! - and keep your ears open to new ideas and ways of doing it. Also, watch the short video I made, showing what I wrote here in moving pictures for clarification!
Take it slow! Integrating percussion into your guitar playing is no easier or harder than any other technique, but it is actually very different from the “conventional ways” of playing the acoustic. Take your time and have fun.
Again, be careful not to damage your acoustic by hitting it. Don't play too hard. Think, before doing anything rash, like scratching the top with your nails or even breaking it. It is about the music!
Thanks for reading this, I hope you liked it. In the next installment, I will get into drums and percussion and how it all translates onto the guitar!
'Til then, keep on rockin'!
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Mon
03
Feb
2014
Though I've been living in Vienna for a long time now, the Pinzgau region of Salzburg has always remained the home of my heart. Hence, I was extremely excited and happy to stage the world premiere show of my new album 'Second Thoughts' at Musikhaus Hofer last Friday in Saalfelden.
It felt great performing in front of an audience of family and friends, as well as many new faces. Since a lot of songs on 'Second Thoughts' reflect the past two years of touring and playing in many different cities and regions internationally, going back to where I came from to play my music there was a very inspiring experience.
Now, I'm really looking forward to the Vienna premiere, which is scheduled to happen on March 12th at the Bar & Co in Vienna. You can preorder tickets here! I do look forward to seeing you in Vienna.
Wed
22
Jan
2014
Friday, January 31st, 07:30 pm, Musikhaus Hofer, Lenzing 68, 5760 Saalfelden
Just a little over a week to go until the world premiere gig of my new album SECOND THOUGHTS! Friday, January 31st, I will be performing at Musikhaus Hofer, one of the finest shops for boutique instruments in Austria, located amidst the Austrian Alps in Saalfelden. Admission starts at 7:30pm. If you're near the premises at the time, don't forget to drop by!
Got to be off now, to rehearse and prepare - hope to see you all soon at a stage near you!
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Fri
20
Dec
2013
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all of you! It's time to say thank you to everybody who has supported me in the past - I wouldn't be me if you weren't you!
Personally, I'm looking forward to January - when I will present my new album "Second Thoughts" to the world for the very first time. Currently we're still in the mix and I'm starting to rehearse for the show. I hope you'll all have a relaxing couple of holidays and that we will see each other at a venue near you next year!
Fri
15
Nov
2013
I gave a few hints, made a remark here and there and even talked about it on one or the other occasion - so now, let me finally make this official - my new album 'Second Thoughts' is in the works and coming up! For now it's all about being in the studio recording, editing, mixing and finally mastering until we're finally going to be able to present it to you - take a look at the Live Tab of this page to check for presentation dates & gigs! And let me add that I am so looking forward to get back out there and play my new stuff to you!
Wed
16
Oct
2013
While I'm busy in the studio, the next chance to hear and see some news will be on October 26th, when I will be interviewed by Aaron Young from Memphis, TN, in his Online Show and fill you in on how the recording of my new album is coming along, the production workflow, the songwriting process and of course I will also be performing a few of the new songs as an exclusive preview!
Tue
10
Sep
2013
Summer Holidays are coming to an end, sadly you might say, but really there is too much interesting stuff coming up to shed a tear! I've been busy working on my material as the recording of my upcoming second album is due to start soon! Also, on September 27th, 6:30pm GMT+1 time zone, I will be performing at AITP Online Music Festival - very much looking forward to that! Later, on October 21st, I will be hosting a workshop on Percussive Acoustic Guitar playing at the Vienna Music Institute - so if you are into banging on your guitar like that chimpanzee, don't forget to register your participation here...
I'll keep you posted with more news as the production of my new record proceeds!
Wed
07
Aug
2013
I'm uber-happy to announce the release of several new videos of my live performance at the Edinburgh Guitar & Music Festival 2013. Thanks to Ged Brockie for making this happen and enabling me to share some of it with you. I really had a wonderful time at the festival and it shows in the performance...
Mon
08
Jul
2013
It's been a really busy first half of the year so far and I am happy and thankful for all the opportunities, people and shows that came along my way already. Looking ahead, the next few months will be no less exciting, as I'm looking forward to go back into the studio to record a new album as well as playing a few highlight shows - among others the AITP Online Music Festival!
Sun
16
Jun
2013
Had a wonderful time yesterday at the first Strassen-Kunst-Fest on Brunnenmarkt in Vienna. Thanks to Gordana and the entire team of KunstSozialRaum Brunnenpassage for making this work. Also really enjoyed seeing the guys from Chilifish and their superb show!
Sun
02
Jun
2013
Had two great performances at the Acoustic Music Festival of Britain in Uttoxeter! Thanks to everybody who attended the shows, you were an absolutely lovely crowd. Nice weather too :-) and moreover, I had the pleasure of meeting up with my friends TJ & Murphy again, having a great time... cheers and see y'all soon.
Tue
28
May
2013
What a wonderful time in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Guitar Festival! Thanks to Ged and his team for the warm welcome, the supreme treat and to everybody who came to the gig. And a little extra special thank you to Alex, our driver - you rock, man!
Thu
23
May
2013
I'm happy and excited to be back in the UK to perform at the Edinburgh Guitar & Music Festival on May 27th and at the Acoustic Music Festival of Britain on May 31st! Do join us at one of those great events if you can. I'm sure the atmosphere will be great and I'm already all excited! Hope to see you soon...
Thu
16
May
2013
Some more good and spontaneous news! Wednesday, May 15th, I was performing at the Vienna Fingerstyle Night happening at the Cenario supporting the fabulous Michael Fix! I'm very happy and it was an honour meeting and performing with Michael, who is one of the great fingerstyle virtuosos of our time.
Sun
05
May
2013
It was one of these days, last Monday at the London Club Vienna, one of these really good days when you're joined by friends not only in the audience but also on stage, making and enjoying music together. Thanks again to everybody involved! As proof of concept I've uploaded a video of one of the performances for you to enjoy...