Southwest by Eric Tingstad

" He envisioned an earthy and evocative mood he refers to as "Native Americana Western Desert Chill music."

Building his compositions from the rhythm section up, with percussionist Tim Miller and a click track, Tingstad crafted nine ambient, acoustic cuts with an ensemble of Northwest talent. Drummer, TJ Morris worked with Tingstad's drum loops creating a Native Americana hip hop groove. Terry Lauber's pedal steel guitar outfits essential western underpinnings without turning the corner into an overt country sound. Petra Stahl contributes venerable chants and haunting vocals authenticating the echo of ancient voices.

The stable of contributing artists Tingstad credits with heartfelt thanks include bassist, Garey Shelton; native flutist, Gary Stroutsos; accordion player, Murl Allen Sanders; former Narada label mate and Grammy-nominated pianist, David Lanz; and Tingstad's musical partner, premiere English horn player and oboist, Nancy Rumbel.

Tingstad & Rumbel won music's highest honor, the Grammy Award for Best New Age Album in 2003 in support of "Acoustic Garden." In 1998, "American Acoustic" won Best Acoustic Album of the Year. Tingstad & Rumbel have 19 collaborative recordings to their credit including classics such as "The Gift," "Woodlands," as well as "In the Garden" which features the single, Medicine Tree. Tingstad acknowledges Medicine Tree as the most requested and popular song in their 21-year career and the inspiration for the earthy, evocative feeling in SOUTHWEST.

A classically trained guitarist in the Segovian tradition, Tingstad began his recording career in 1982 with the release of "On The Links" which met with critical acclaim in Tingstad's native Northwest. He has five solo recordings to his credit; and has been featured on 26 more recordings or compilations. By a vote of his peers, Tingstad was honored in October with the Coyote Award from Arts Northwest commemorating his leadership, visibility, and contributions to the constant change in the arena of live performance.

For more information about Eric Tingstad, his touring schedule, discography and history visit www.erictingstad.com; or www.tingstadrumbel.com. SOUTHWEST is Tingstad's featured recording on www.myspace.com/erictingstad.

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