Thu 11/14 @ 8PM
Doesn’t it seem as if the ranks of finger-style acoustic guitarists is exploding, with more talented newcomers joining the virtuoso veterans all the time?
It’s a style that admits both virtuosity and accessibility, inspiring a musicality in even the most technical players that can be lost in the aggressive attack of the electric guitar
Originally from Kansas, Andy McKee learned to play by listening widely, resulting in a style that’s musically adventurous and wide ranging, influenced by funk, blues, rock, pop, and jazz, among other genres.
He built himself a career piece by piece as well, releasing five albums, putting out teaching DVDs and books, creating popular YouTube videos, and touring tirelessly, including plum slots with Prince, Dream Theater and fellow guitar whiz Eric Johnson.
He’ll be at the Kent Stage with Cleveland acoustic fingerstyle guitarist Brian Henke opening.
Henke left rock and roll bands behind nearly two decades ago to work on creating his own technique and musical vision inspired by nature.
He’s released five CDS of his new age-leaning instrument compositions, and has shared bills with a vast variety including Robin and Linda Williams, Alison Brown, Richie Havens, the Kingston Trio, and Yngvie Malmsteen — a guy who makes you appreciate fingerstyle acoustic guitar even more by demonstrating the unmusical excesses to which a player can take electric guitar shredding.
Tickets are $20.