Rik Emmett | Toronto | Session 2 Rik Emmett has his
fair share of gold and platinum hanging on the wall after surviving
three decades in the music biz. Awards ranging from Best Guitarist
at the ‘81 Junos to Best Smooth Jazz Guitarist in 2005, along with
induction into the Canadian Rock Hall of Fame in ‘93 for his work
with Triumph, the Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2007 and the
Junos Hall of Fame in 2008 highlight an ever-evolving career. The
multi-dimensional guitarist/singer/song writer at the heart of it has
nothing to prove except the dignity and maturity of his continuing
commitment to great music. Audiences marvel at his versatility from the hard rock that made his
reputation in the first place to classical to jazz to acoustic pop & folk vocal stylings. He is counted
amongst the world’s finest guitarists performing alongside legendary performers such as George
Benson and Steve Vai. A dozen years as a writer for Guitar Player Magazine and his instructional
books demonstrate his commitment to music education.
Dave LaRue | Toronto | Session 1 One of the finest bass players
around, two time Grammy nominee Dave LaRue has been touring and
recording with the Dixie Dregs and the Steve Morse Band since 1988. Dave
has also kept busy working with other artists including Joe Satriani, John
Petrucci (Dream Theater), the Hellecasters, Pat Travers, Steve Lukather, Mike
Stern, Eric Johnson, Andy Timmons, Steve Vai, Albert Lee, Vinnie Moore,
Paul Gilbert, Rik Emmett (Triumph), and Tony MacAlpine. Education is a
big part of Dave’s career - he wrote an instructional column for Bass Player
magazine for several years and served as a member of their Advisory Board. In
addition, Dave has an instructional video as well as a bass method book.
Don Ross | Toronto | Session 2 One of today’s true innovators of
guitar composition and technique, Don Ross has emerged as one of the
most respected musicians in Canada and one of the top guitarists in the
world. Noted for the emotion and intensity of his playing as well as his use of
extended technique, Don’s music borrows from blues, jazz, folk and classical
music creating a style that he describes as “heavy wood.” Don is the only
person to twice win the U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship
(1988 and 1996). His album Huron Street reached the top ten on the
Billboard new age chart. Don passionately plays the six and seven string
guitars as well as dobro. He has released several mostly instrumental CDs,
has published three instructional videos, several single transcriptions, a book
with nine of his pieces, and has worked with Canadian Musician magazine.
Don continues to tour extensively in Europe, Canada, the U.S., and Asia.
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