Holidaze « American Fingerstyle Guitar

Holidaze

by Ken on Jun.28, 2011, under Guitar Diaries, News!, gear

Hi,

Happy Holidaze everyone. Right now the smell of home made bread is in the air as I contemplate the end of a fabulous musical year; a year that exceeded my expectations. I played a bunch of new and old venues, new and old house concerts, filmed a half dozen TV shows, played at some great festivals, got to play with old friends and made a bunch of new ones too, oh, and I got to see a big part of this beautiful country on my Sea to Shining Sea and Back Tour. I’m excited to end the year at home with several shows to celebrate the holidays with my friend, cellist extraordinaire, Kristen Miller-check out the side bar to the right for up-to-date show information.

For the holiday concerts I’ll be bringing out the high-string guitar in addition to the baritone and harp guitar! The high-string is so perfect for the season, but after getting re-acquainted with it this fall, I think I can guarantee it a permanent place on stage as I move forward. It’s such a nice contrast to the other guitars with its music-box quality. I think you’ll enjoy it a lot. It’s very, very different, and I don’t think anyone is touring with a baritone, harp guitar, and a high-string. I’ll be proud to be the first.

I have been having a blast with the harp guitar. It’s the instrument I spend the most time with, and I’m writing with it almost constantly now. I’ll be featuring it on over half my material at the holiday concerts, and it’s getting more and more stage time in all my shows. Here’s my most recent creation. Enjoy!

I’ve finally got things figured out on YouTube and have my own channel. These are ‘home’ videos I record at my studio in Gloucester, and some are quite raw, shortly after I’ve written them. Check it out here. For more polished video click here, you can see individual songs recorded for a TV show in Salt Lake City, Brewin’ Bistro this summer. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel-you’ll be notified as soon as I post something new. Enjoy.

If you’re a guitarist, please consider a private workshop with me while I’m on the road. Or if I’m not near you, consider scheduling a guitar lesson on Skype-we can use today’s technology to get you on down the road with your own playing. I love doing 2-3 hour intensive lessons; just send me an e-mail at music AT kenbonfield.com and we can set something up.

Cheers, kb

Michael Faresich

Hi Ken,
I have heard a lot of Guitar players before, and I know song writers, But you have to be one of the best IF not, the best I ever heard in both areas. I lived in Gloucester for 20 years but moved to the U.K a ways back. Do you ever plan on doing any gigs in the U.K ? Your music has an unbelievable amount of depth, I thought of your music when I was off the coast of Scotland, "When time stands still " out of ten million songs I have heard in my lifetime, that piece of music echoed in my ears, as I ferried out to the Isle of Cumbria. Ken, Keep writing and playing, I knew the musicians in Gloucester, they do not have what you have ( you probably figured that one out ) Your spectacular !!!
Michael F.
Michael Million

Hey Ken, met you briefly at Mike Shirkey's house concert; we talked nylon string & classical guitar a bit. Savarez is the string manf that has made some high tension 'G' string sets (http://www.savarez.fr/anglais/.... Love my Contreras guitar ('75 by Manuel Contreras, Madrid) - tone is superb. Ramirez & other Spanish Luthiers produce bright, excellent guitars but I love the mellow tonal qualities of my fan braced Contreras ... You, Steve and Ed put on a wonderful show at Mikes! Hope to see you again soon.
Ken

Hi Michael,

While I don't anticipate making a move to nylon strings, I'll keep this information handy-you just never know, and I do love the sound of those fat trebles. Just wish it was easier to tune nylon strings to the assortment of odd tunings I use on the guitar. It was great playing for you in Fayetteville. Peace, kb
Ray

Hi, I must admit I had not heard of Malcolm and his custom string service. I will search him out and give his strings a go. Many Thanks for the information.
Ken

Hi Ray,

I think you'll love 'em. Let me know what you think.

cheers, kb
Les Paul

I've never heard of Newtone Strings before. Im looking to switch out my Ernie Ball acoustics, Ill give it a shot!