Steven Hopp/Richard Houser
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Acoustic Progressive Jazz Meets New Age Fusion
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The recently released CD, Fingers Crossed, features the dual guitars and eclectic tastes of Arizona musicians Steven Hopp and Richard Houser. Among the eleven exemplary selections are six whose performance includes two acoustic guitars, three with acoustic-electric guitar, and one piece featuring a nylon-string balalaiki with acoustic guitar. This is an exquisite album, which will appeal especially to music fans who appreciate a wide variety of musical settings and tone colors, with the acoustic guitar acting as the cohesive element throughout the album. The classically new-ageish opus "Dawn Chorus" features some passionate guitar work and lovely, yet haunting violin laments. Excellent, melodic, flat-picked passages and tight rhythmic hooks make "Tinker's Dam" perfect for repeat listening, as Hopp and Houser subtly draw the listener into their acoustic aesthetic.
Steven and Richard have over 50 years of guitar playing experience between them! Fingers Crossed is their third album-length project by these two artists and represents the very best of their collaboration. Richard has played both guitar and bass for over 15 years. His proficiency at bass playing shows on his powerful and expressive rhythms. Steven has been playing guitar for over 30 years, and has explored a wide variety of styles from early rock to modern classical. They have been playing as a duet for over 10 years, and the interplay of styles and well coordinated expertise are prominent in this music collection.
Music from Fingers Crossed has already aired nationally as background on the Signature series, produced by Kentucky Educational Television, and used as transitional music for Another America, by Barbara Kingsolver, books on tape, by Seal Press.
Contact Information
Vireo Music
P.O. Box 31870
Tuscon, AZ 85751
United States
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Magic Elf
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Maniacal Instrumental Madness With An Elfin Flavor
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Take two New York musicians into instrumental rock/fusion/progressive rock, toss in a fondness for pointed ears, stir, and behold the explosive music of the Magic Elf, where drummer Dave Miranda and stellar guitarist Carl Roa aim to frighten away trolls and take listeners on a journey filled with full throttle, blistering chops and cunning melody. On their debut CD, Elf Tales, Roa's effortless exuberance on six strings and Miranda's prog-style drumming naturally lead to comparisons to the Dregs and Rush, however the deep, spiritual elfin vibe permeating the nine tracks has no equivalent. Prepare yourself for terrifying chops, unpredictable guitar solos marked by an absence of cliches and a clever album concept and you'll be ready to meet the Magic Elf.
The Magic Elf resulted from a recent reunion of prodigy musical talents from the Queens, New York area. Carl, Dave, and bassist Saul Zonana had formed and all-instrumental rock band back in 1985, called "The Wayne Foundation". After winning first place awards in several Battle of the Bands competitions and gaining local fame, the band members were forced to disperse. Each musician continued to develop their talents on various musical projects until the trio found themselves back in the same region once again. A great interest in setting off an all-out musical explosion led to the birth of the Magic Elf.
The band is currently gearing up for a touring assault, as well as continuing to write and record their second album. Be sure to catch these guys on the road and watch them dexterously navigate through the musical mazes of the elfin forest.
Contact Information
Big Shoe Music
P.O. Box 604024
Bay Terrace, NY 11360-4024
United States
Web site:
www.magicelf.com
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