Steven Dillon
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Solo Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitarist
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An acoustic fingerstylist from Virginia, Steven Dillon has recently released his full-length instrumental CD debut, First Of All. The album showcases his broad background and features his progressive acoustic style. Listeners will appreciate the intimacy of the recording - when played on a nice stereo system, you'll feel as if Dillon is there giving you a private concert, replete with yearning, grittily beautiful melodicism and a plethora of ringing open-string licks and tasteful harmonics (the CD is loaded with one-take performances). From the technically challenging, roller-coaster ride of "Flyin' Low" to the emotional dedication song, "Rusty's Spirit", there is plenty of superb listening material to be enjoyed on First Of All, especially for acoustic guitar enthusiasts. Highly recommended.
Steven cut his musical teeth on Bluegrass and by the age of 14 was exercising his musical skills on a 12-string guitar, writing and recording his own songs. A Van Halen concert turned his attention to the electric guitar as well, but all was pushed to the background for 10 years as Steven completed his college degree and began working. A near-fatal car accident prompted him to rearrange his priorities and he once again began writing music and playing guitar. Steven considers himself a, "second generation Michael Hedges-influenced player," and is also influenced by acoustic players such as Don Ross and Billy McLaughlin. He currently is enjoying success on mp3.com, with 4 songs in 3 different genres in the top 40.
Dillon continues to pursue commercial and college radio play, as well as increased webcasting. His music has appeared on the Radio Free Kansas program.
Contact Information
Steven Dillon
P.O. Box 2173
Yorktown, VA 23692
United States
E-mail:
Steven Dillon
Web site:
www.stevendillon.com
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Michael Ripoll
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Latin/Flamenco Based Music Marks Debut
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Mark Ripoll's debut solo CD, Esperando, displays a heavy Cuban/Latin/Spanish flavor throughout, as the ten tracks contain examples of gripping acoustic Flamenco playing ("Esperando", "Nuevo Flamenco") spiced with some fiery electric Latin playing ("Mamboleo"). "Nuestra Cancion" even features a nice blend of acoustic and wah-wah electric leads. While primarily acoustic and about half instrumental, the CD does feature vocal contributions on some tracks (in Spanish, keeping with the flavor of the album). Ripoll's guitar is the star and focus of the CD however, riveting the listener with piping hot playing, which is reminiscent of some of Al DiMeola's Latin/jazz acoustic work. If you like Latin rhythms and are into discovering new talent, pick up a copy of Esperando, you won't be disappointed.
Michael first became immersed in the musical sounds of rock greats such as Eddie Van Halen and Joe Satriani, and dedicated himself to becoming an accomplished guitar player. A native of Long Island, New York, he relocated to South Florida to study jazz and classical music. At age 17, Michael began his professional career playing in the venues of Key West , Palm Beach, and others. At that point, he began to include his Cuban roots in his playing, and quickly unleashed a passion for Flamenco guitar. Soon after can Steven's debut album, Esperando.
Ripoll, who is currently residing in Nashville, is pursuing his solo career while playing and recording with artists, such as Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp, Mark Antoine and many more.
Contact Information
Michael Ripoll
2900 Baby Ruth Ln.
Apt. 220
Antioch, TN 37013
United States
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