Live at 2nd Street Theater by Richard Gilewitz

The neck snap, throat capo tale relives the adventures of Florida’s heavy metal air guitar champion, while “Walbert, Wigs, and Nope” leaves little room for doubt that Richard is not like the other kids on the block!

And true to form, this latest project will not disappoint even those who have attended a number of Richard’s concerts, as once again there is always a surprise around each turn. This time joining Richard is Radim Zenkl, master mandolin player and fellow Breedlove Guitars clinician. Their combined efforts on “Minuet for the Backroads, “The Last Steam Engine Train”, “The Maison Blanche Exit Song”, and “Study in Bm” delighted the crowd that magical evening in Oregon, and will give the listener countless reasons to put this CD in rotation!

Richard Gilewitz - the uncommon soloist, fingerstyle acoustic guitarist, composer, humorist, and master teacher - is constantly in the news as he tours worldwide from Ireland to New Zealand and points in between. Known for his ability to make one guitar sound like an entire orchestra, he combines both standard and unique tunings in his originals with every single note treated as an individual character in a society of notes. Achieving a very distinctive sound with a voice of its own, it is apparent that Richard’s own DNA is reflected in his playing. Well versed in many musical styles from classical to blues, as he plays on his 6-string or his 12-string guitars he follows a distinct cadence and his light bulb seems to glow a little brighter. Planet Richard - Pop.1 seems to say it all.

Richard began honing his skills both as a performer and composer during the late 1970’s at the University of Alabama, playing the local coffeehouse circuit while pursing degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Music. Following graduation, Richard placed his music career in the background and joined the business world of flight simulation design, telemetry and satellite systems. Soon the pull of his passion for music was so compelling that Richard left corporate life to teach and perform full time.

The 1980’s brought Richard to Florida where he released his first LP recording, Somewhere In Between. He has released five more CD recordings, Voluntary Solitary, Synapse Collapse, The Music of David Walbert, Thumbsing, and Live at 2nd Street Theater (released July 7, 2006), plus an instructional guitar video and a self produced solo instrumental collection. Collaborating with Mel Bay Publications, Richard’s Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop book with an audio CD and instructional DVD was released in June 2005, as well as a DVD of popular tunes. Upcoming projects include 2 more DVD projects of popular tunes, a slide guide, and another instructional book. His wit and humor constantly fascinate audiences, whether he is playing a solo performance or sharing the stage with other artists. He has appeared in concert with The California Guitar Trio, John Renbourn, Mose Allison, John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Norman Blake, Kenny G, Adrian Legg, The Little River Band, David Bromberg, Taj Mahal, Greg Brown, John Hammond, Steve Morse, Patty Larkin, The Indigo Girls, Joe Ely, Rory Block, America, Mike Cross, Sonny Landreth, Maria Muldaur, Jane Siberry, and Jorma Kaukonen.

As an educator as well as a performer, Richard is actively sought after for his popular Clinic Workshop Series on behalf of several major music manufacturers including Audio Technica, Breedlove Guitars, LR Baggs, Shubb Capos, Rivera Amps, and D'Addario. His “Meet the Artist/Music in the Schools Enrichment Program”® gives Richard the opportunity to meet with elementary, middle school, and high school students across the nation as he conducts in-residence sessions. Richard also teaches private lessons and Master Classes. More information can be found at www.richardgilewitz.com.

Here’s what a few folks are saying about Richard’s performances…

“Richard Gilewitz is possibly one of the strangest men in acoustic music today. Much of the charm of a Gilewitz performance is in the stores he tells.” Spectrum

“Similar to like-minded souls Jorma Kaukonen, John Fahey and Sandy Bull, Gilewitz’s acoustic magic works best in a live setting.” NASHVILLE

“Richard Gilewitz has found a superb balance of playing skilled techniques in a wide range of styles in a rousing own signature.” Bridge Guitar Reviews

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