Roger Hudson

Roger Hudson offers the music world a rare and prized combination -- exceptional performer and gifted composer. Classical guitar is Hudson's instrument-of-choice, and he employs it to express a variety of moods, styles, and techniques. The Virginia native began studying the guitar at age 12 and performed jazz and popular music around the Washington, D.C. area throughout his teen years. Once committed to classical study, Hudson earned a B.A.

in Fine Arts (Music Theory & Composition) from the College of Charleston and an M.M. in Music Theory from Georgia State University. In addition, he has studied and performed in master class with renowned guitarist Christopher Parkening, as well as instructors Fred Sabback, Christopher Berg, and John Sutherland.

Recently, Hudson's work caught the attention of Mel Bay Publications, resulting in a book/CD entitled The Guitar Collection of Roger Hudson. The collection includes 12 original guitar solos performed by the artist. Audiences that hear Hudson's performance witness a fresh approach to musical composition and an exciting, masterful delivery.

In 1994, Hudson released two albums on the Tikal Records label. Guitarchitecture, a collection of 12 original compositions and two arrangements, reveals his talent for compositional excellence and instrumental mastery. The recording, available on compact disc and cassette, features a unique blend of Latin, Jazz, and NeoClassical pieces performed on solo guitar.

A review of Guitarchitecture in Soundboard magazine noted Hudson's "infectious melodies" and remarked that he "has created some strong themes and many gorgeous moments within fetching rhythm figurations."

Another title from Tikal was Strings of Light, twelve Christmas classics juxtaposing traditional tunes with Hudson's innovative style.

Jeff Cook, a member of the popular country group Alabama, was so impressed by a Hudson live performance that he commissioned the guitarist/composer to record Alabama Christmas Memories, an album for Project One Records. The cassette release features instrumental guitar versions of Alabama Christmas (1985) performed by Hudson.

Hudson's performances carry on the traditions and integrity of classical technique and repertoire, while offering audiences an opportunity to hear the composer's original work. Hudson hones his creative skills continuously, and his concerts often include the premiere of new compositions and original arrangements. To date, he has penned over 50 works for guitar, as well as compositions and arrangements for String Quartet, Brass Quintet, and diverse ensemble formats.

After Roger performed as featured entertainment for Chet Atkins at a private dinner, he was encouraged to move to Nashville, Tennessee. Since moving there in 1997, Roger has struck publishing deals with Mel Bay publications, performed for many more luminaries in the music business and done studio sessions for Elton John and Leeann Rimes.

Prior to his move, Hudson was a featured performer at Callaway Gardens resort; Artist Affiliate in Guitar at Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia; and Director of Guitar Studies at LaGrange College, LaGrange, Georgia.

He currently lives in Nashville with his wife Brenda and their children, Camille and Elijah. His pastime studies of anthropology, theology and nature often influence his music and composing. In addition to music, Hudson's interests are wide ranging, including foreign languages, art, travel, gourmet cooking and sports.

copied from http://rogerhudson.com/bio.html