Sheehans Acoustic Avalon

Yvonne Bloor

Yvonne Bloor teaches guitar in Leicester and has studied with Professor Michael Lewin of the Royal Academy of Music and Nicola Hall. She has worked as a specialist guitar examiner for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and for Trinity Guildhall and given a series of lectures on learning the guitar at Trinity College London. She has also been a regular monthly contributor to Guitar Magazine.

Yvonne has played in concerts throughout this country and abroad and has broadcast on Radio Leicester. She has performed in master classes given by John Mills, Carlos Bonnell, Gary Ryan and Simon Dinnigan and has played with the Graff Orchestra of Great Britain as soloist in Schubert's Sonata Arpeggione and with the Knighton Chamber Orchestra playing Rodrigo's Fantasia para un Gentilhombre.

Yvonne appears courtesy of Martinez Classical Guitars

Steve Fairclough

Steve Fairclough spent most of the 90's as the International Demonstrator for Takamine & Parker Guitars and KORG keyboards.

He toured throughout Europe and America playing at all the major Music Industry Shows, and built a reputation as a consummate musician and composer. His work featured on many promotions and features. His demonstration tracks were featured by leading Sound Magazines in England and America, and he was involved with the voicing of the early "Toneworks" range of Effects from KORG.

He stopped touring in 2000 after being invited to play at the "Muriel Andersons All Star Guitar Nite" in Nashville, and in his career has worked alongside such diverse musicians as Brian May, Pat Martino, Billy Cobham, James Burton, Martin Taylor to name but a few.

After 6 years heading his own highly successful Sound Design company (www.stevefairclough.com), he still continues to write for TV and Film, but now he has now returned to the Music Industry, with a new enthusiasm and desire to spread the word about Breedlove Guitars.

In Steve's words, "these guitars are phenomenal. They have a great story to tell and a fine pedigree to back it up, and I cant wait to get out on the road to tell guitarists all about."

Steve Fairclough appears at Acoustic Avalon courtesy of Breedlove Guitars.

More info → www.stevefairclough.com

Bruce Gaitsch

Bruce Gaitsch was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. His early inspiration to write and perform came from many sources. His father was a pedal steel player on the WLS Barndance for years and owned a music store frequented by many up and coming stars of the midwest scene. (Ted Nugent, The Shadows of Knight, The Buckinghams and Chicago) Bruce's exposure to all this led him to follow the same road. Bruce paid his dues in grade school, high school and college by playing every possible kind of gig in Chicago. He joined Jim Petenck's (Ides of March, Survivor) band in 1975 and together they recorded an album for Epic Records. Touring with Boston and Heart as an opening act further fueled his passion. He went on to record more than 3000 sessions in Chicago up until he moved to Los Angeles in 1984.

Arriving in LA, he played David Hawk Wolinski ("Ain't Nobody") a few songs. Hawk was producing Evelyn Champagne King at the time and used two of the songs on her records with Bruce playing the guitars. Bruce's first cover went to #13 on the soul charts, "Just for the Night."

Another friend from Chicago, Richard Marx, was looking for a record deal at this same time. Bruce played in Richard's band for the showcases that got him signed. Then they wrote and recorded Richard's debut single "Don't Mean Nothing," which was Bruce's first song in the top five. Richard and Bruce continue their friendship as well as their writing and recording relationship to this day.

Another frequent collaborator (and fellow ex-Chicagoan) is Patrick Leonard. Together with Madonna they wrote a song for her "True Blue" record and it became Bruce's first number one song: "La Isla Bonita." This song won Bruce an ASCAP most performed award for 1987. The song has gone on to be #1 in over 24 countries worldwide.

Timothy B. Schmidt (Eagles), Peter Cetera, Chicago, Kansas, The Fixx, Restless Heart, Poco, Phillip Bailey, Tom Scott, Agnetha Faltskog (ABBA), Lara Fabian, and over 100 other artists have also recorded Bruce's songs.

We are delighted to welcome Bruce to Avalon who is representing McPherson guitars. A huge thank you to Mcpherson for all their support.

More info → www.brucegaitsch.com/

Thomas Leeb

Austrian born Thomas Leeb plays a style he calls 'the bastard child of acoustic fingerstyle'. This style owes as much to percussive techniques as traditional fingerstyle guitar as his tunes are usually punctuated by slaps, pops and beats. Adding to the overall effect is his frequent use of ringing harmonics. The resulting blur of busy hands and fingers has to be seen to be believed.

His repertoire consists of self-penned numbers, traditional tunes and occasional covers of Guns 'n' Roses, Bjork and Bob Marley songs..

Leeb released his first album, the now out of print Reveller, as a precocious 17 year old. However, his unique style didn't come into full force until his 1999 album Riddle. He has since released four further albums and toured Asia, North and South America and Europe.

Along the way he has picked up a number of influential fans such as Eric Roche who was his guitar teacher, "for about five minutes and then I heard him play" and Guthrie Govan who thinks that "what Thomas does on an acoustic guitar probably shouldn't be legal.".

Thomas' technique and compositions have certainly put him into the 'world's greatest unknown guitarists' category. He has to be seen to be believed.
Guitar Techniques Magazine (UK)

Our thanks to George Lowden guitars for sponsoring Thomas at Acoustic Avalon

More info → www.thomasleeb.com

George Lowden

Making a special appearance at this year's event on Saturday 29th will be George Lowden of Lowden guitars. George will be bringing a selection of rare and exotic woods, and discussing the tonal advantages in sound that these woods can produce. All of these woods feature highly in Lowden's new 50 series custom range of guitars. You can choose the timber for your next guitar with the master himself!

More info → www.georgelowden.com/

Rob Lynch

Rob Lynch is the artist formerly known as Lost On Campus. Taking influence from pop, punk and folk, Rob plays honest, acoustic led, hook laden songs. Having completed multiple tours of the UK over the past 4 years, Rob has honed his live sound, preferring to perform alone with an acoustic guitar and a voice rather than as part of a band. His for forthcoming 3rd EP (first as Rob Lynch) is the strongest release to date and is due for release on 3rd October on Walnut Tree Records.

A big thank you to Fender and Takamine guitars for their support.

More info → roblynchmusic.com

Tricia McTeague

Tricia McTeague is a Vocalist and Number One selling Songwriter.

She has worked with a huge range of amazing people; as a session vocalist for Ronan Keating, Natalie Imbruglia, Simon Cowell (X-Factor), Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue), Andy McCluskey (Atomic Kitten) and Neil Finn (Crowded House), as a songwriting collaborator with Narada Michael Walden, Nile Rodgers, Ray Hedges (Take That, Boyzone, Westlife) and Ricky Ross, and as a Support Act for Lionel Richie, Elton John, Pink and many more.

You will have heard her voice most recently on the Hit UK TV Series 'X - Factor' where her backing vocals were used extensively throughout the show for numerous acts. As a busy Session Vocalist, she has worked on many albums by various artists in different genres, and performed live with many major artists - See Session Vocals

Tricia is also an extremely versatile performer and is very much in-demand on the Worldwide Corporate / Function scene, where she can perform solo, acoustically, or part of her 6 to 9 piece Live Band - See Functions & Events

Her song 'One of These Days' ('Onaji Te') is featured on the Number One selling album in Japan by Yuki, 'Ureshikutte Dakiau Yo'

Her vocals were recently used in the Feature Film 'R.I.P. Charlie Knowles' on the song 'By My Side'

Her Debut Album 'The Pleasure is Mine' was released in 2008 and she is currently writing and recording for her second album as well as writing for other artists

A big thank you to Yamaha guitars for sponsoring Tricia performace.

More info → www.triciamcteague.com/home/

Gareth Pearson

Welsh guitar phenomenon Gareth Pearson is already considered a virtuoso in the field of finger style guitar. He has already developed a distinctive style to his playing that has earned him the greatest accolades from world renowned players; he has been called a genius by Jan Akkerman, and Tommy Emmanuel was inspired to write a song about him which he named The Welsh Tornado.

"Gareth Pearson is no average guitar player. He has developed a distinctive style and execution to his playing that has earned him the greatest of accolades from World renowned players. In less than five years, he has grown from a relatively unknown guitar appreciator into a fully fledged professional who now performs in many parts of the World. With influences such as Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel and Merle Travis, Gareth's arsenal of techniques represents a broad gamut to be entertained by, even if one cannot see his fingers move as they dance with such fluidity. These opinions of popularity are beginning to grow further as guitar greats including Jan Akkerman and Tommy Emmanuel have invited and requested Gareth's company on tour. Add to this his characteristic vocal signatures and you have one of the World's most developed new guitar players that has truly blossomed"

Acoustic Magazine OCT 2008

"Those who have seen him play will agree that Gareth Pearson is a special talent. Fingerstyle pyrotechnics combined with explosive lead runs make Pearson one of the most exciting acoustic musicians gigging today"

Steve Harvey Guitarist Magazine Mar 2010,

Quotes.

"I'm Gareth's number one fan! What a guitarist! His original compositions hit the ears like cool spring water on a hot summer's day. His stage show has everyone up on their feet. Fingerstyle guitar is in good hands for the next generation" Stefan Grossman

"Not only is Gareth one of the most amazing guitarists around, he is a really nice guy and funny as hell!" Andy McKee

"My friend Gareth Pearson is a huge talent and in his genre, one of the best young players around. I mean there's many roads that lead to Rome, but this one is definitely a great one. I can see a great future for him" Jan Akkerman

"When the Welsh Tornado hits your town, get ready for total devastation!" Tommy Emmanuel

More info → www.garethpearsonguitar.com

Stuart Ryan

Regarded as one of UK's leading guitarists, Stuart Ryan first came to prominence in 2002 when he was awarded Guitarist Magazine's 'Acoustic Guitarist of the Year.' He quickly established a busy performance schedule which saw him appearing at all of the UK's Major guitar festivals alongside leading artists such as Martin Taylor and Eric Roche. He has performed solo at some of the UK's most prestigious performance venues including London's South Bank Centre and The Sage, Gateshead; in addition he has toured in Europe with major concerts in Italy, Ireland and Austria.

As well as concert work he is in great demand as a freelance writer and masterclass host - he has been the acoustic guitar columnist for Guitar Techniques magazine since 2005 and is a regular contributor to Total Guitar and Guitiarist magazines. His standalone 'Play Guitar' series of DVD's and instructional books for Guitar Techniques have sold in excess of 25,000 copies worldwide in 2010 alone and in 2008 he was invited to write a guitar supplement for The Observer on Sunday newspaper reaching 500,000 households in the process. Stuart's pieces are studied by guitarists the world over and several of his solo guitar compositions appear in the London College of Music Acoustic Guitar Syllabus.

Stuart is unique in his versatility being able to perform and record in a wide variety of styles on acoustic and electric guitars, effortlessly switching from traditional Irish airs and reels to fiery Delta Blues and modern styles. It is this versatility which has kept him busy in a wide variety of genres though his specialist areas remain acoustic guitar and blues/jazz.

A passionate spokesman for the guitar, he has made many appearances on BBC Radio and TV to discuss the role of the guitar today. He has worked as a clinician/demo artist for major music brands such as Vox and his demo videos for World Guitars have a loyal and growing internet following. When not performing or writing Stuart holds the post of Head of Guitar at the Bristol Insitute of Modern Music teaching on the degree programme.

"A World Class Guitarist, one of the finest of his generation."
Martin Taylor MBE

"Will be one of the greatest guitarists this country has produced."
Eric Roche

"That guitar sounds great in your hands!"
Paul Reed Smith

More info → stuartryanmusic.com/

Steven Sproat

We are delighted to bring something a litle different to Acoustic Avalon in the form of Ukulele virtuoso Steven Sproat.

Steven Sproat is a singer songwriter guitarist and probably the best known Ukulele personality in UK. With 4 albums behind him

His music has been played on Radio 2 in 2011 (Jeremy Vine, Aled Jones) and he has performed at many famous venues including Ronnie Scotts' London, Edinburgh Festival, Mean Fiddler , Cheltenham Jazz Festival and appearances in New York and Dublin.

He is author to Bestselling books 'Absolute Beginners Ukulele' Series and 'Starting Ukulele' (Music Sales/Wise Worldwide) with a 4th book to be released later in 2011 . His ukelounge DVD has sold

thousands worldwide.

As well as Steven's own guitar and uke numbers expect great uke versions of Paul Weller, Oasis, Coldplay, Keane to Steely Dan and the easy listening of Sinatra and Irving Berlin showing off his versatility and expertise.

FullCircle CD available on www.ukelounge.com

and i-Tunes

More info → www.stevensproat.com

Jacques Stotzem

In the acoustic guitar world today, Jacques Stotzem is one of the "fingerstyle" guitarists with the most diversified style. Born in 1959 in Verviers, the Belgian guitarist has recorded 11 CDs and is high up on the list for fans of the acoustic guitar. Readers of the influential German acoustic guitar magazine "Akustik Gitarre" have likened Stotzem to artists such as Leo Kottke, Paco De Lucia, Neil Young and Keb' Mo'. That's not really astonishing. His unique and highly refined playing style combines a well-developed melodic sense with a rare dynamic approach to the instrument that speaks directly to the listener. Jacques, unlike many guitar players today, possesses an in-depth sense of harmonic knowledge, which is evident throughout his compositions. All of this is cemented together by his perfect command of the instrument and by his optimistic personality. Jacques Stotzem has become a regular guest at European and American festivals and is often invited for tours in Japan, China or Taiwan. Since 2006, the famous American guitar company "Martin Guitar", produces an "OMC Jacques Stotzem Custom Signature Model", a dream for every guitar player, a consecration for Jacques. In 2009, his latest CD "Catch The Spirit" entered the Belgian pop charts and stayed for 41 weeks. His guitar-playing colleague Larry Coryell described Jacques as follows : "What he plays is pure music.

"Jacques Stotzem's guitar style is unique, his compositions have as well brilliant melody line building skills, as top-notch abilities in creating structure, balance und rests in his songs. Truly a genius in his genre."
BRIDGE GUITAR REVIEWS, NL 05/07

"Even without electricity, Jacques is able to capture and reflect the energy Hendrix demanded."
VOODOO CHILD, USA spring 2005

"Stotzem's version of "Purple Haze" has to be heard to be believed. Hendrix would have been proud."
AGR NEWSLETTER, UK 05/04

" Stotzem continues to impress with a voice that's wholly his own, Sur Vesdre may well be his strongest recording to date."
ACOUSTIC GUITAR MAGAZINE, USA 12/02

" For those of you who, in frustration with the whole new acoustic genre, have thrown up your hands, dismissing it as aimless open-tuning meandering, drenched in oceanic reverb, I have two words for you : Jacques Stotzem."
FINGERSTYLE GUITAR, USA 05/98

"Jacques Stotzem is a unique artist. ... I would definitely not say Jacques is making guitar music - it happens to be pure music - it's just that the instrument he uses is the guitar, which he plays very, very well."
LARRY CORYELL

More info → www.stotzem.com