Michael Whisler is young self-taught acoustic fingerstyle guitarist and songwriter. He composes for both 12 and 6 string guitars with dynamic power and speed while drawing from American folk, blues and classical music. His tunes range from ripping fast paced instrumentals to slower more emotional ballads and even dissonant free time melodies. He also blends a unique bottleneck tone to some of his compositions which utilize alternate tunings. Although Michael is mainly a solo guitarist he does throw in his low warm vocals to some of the tunes, while all along never noticing there isn’t a band backing him up.
The Evergreen State College Olympia, WA
When you first see Michael Whisler, you expect a fluty, singer-songwriter voice and a meandering melody to come flowing from his fingers. The instant he touches the guitar, that changes. Michael’s bellowing vocals and surprisingly discordant tunes make his performances a spectator sport, rather than an easy listening experience.
Iowa State University – Ames, IA
“…For those who don’t know Michael has fingers of goldâ€
Kirk Albrecht - Minor 7th
"Whisler knows how to generate the power and sonic textures inherent in a 12-string. "Charley's Waltz," is a lovely tune that develops its melody well, revealing a charm that woos the listener. Other interesting songs are the closer, "Stump Grinder," and "In Between the Birch," with its slow whining slide parts painting the picture of what lies just beyond the trees."
Valley City State University Valley City, ND
Whisler is a real talent whose work is continually evolving . . .we’ll be hearing a lot more about him.â€
91.3 The Summit - Akron, OH
“Michael is a great guitar player and his words to his songs, fit the melodies!â€
Michael Young - Fingerstyle Guitarist Minneapolis, MN
"It's a propulsive, aggressive style. He's a rhythmic player. Guitar is the focal point, it has a dirtier, grittier sound"
Send booking inquiries to Paul Elliott at [email protected]
