Tim Pacheco

"There are probably two things that matter most to me in any art form; one is "voice" the other is veracity. In the world of guitar, I can hear any three notes written by Michael Hedges and know it's him... likewise Alex DeGrassi. So unique and distinctive are their styles and melodic/harmonic structures that their musical voice is unmistakable. I also need to believe the artist. I'm not interested in facade or pretension. In the world of guitar there are a billion and fifty talented players who are gymnastically impressive but whose music is vacant of evocative emotion. Returning to Hedges and DeGrassi again (both artists I've produced), the staggering skills of these players is unquestionable, but the techniques always in the service of the composition and communication. Reversing the priorities is meaningless.

Tim Pacheco's music is his own. Of course you can hear his musical influences (as you can in all of us), but this is mature work in which Tim's voice has emerged very clearly. I also believe him as an artist. His music evokes clear, deep emotion.... in short, it's true. Tim is a fine, disciplined player, but not a slave to technique. Whether it was chanting in caves or beating on drums, music has always been about giving voice to the human soul. If we loose sight of the primal communication that is the language of music we've missed the point. Tim has not missed the point."

- Will Ackerman Windham County, Vermont

"Tim Pacheco is tuned into the acoustic guitar zen center of the universe. A Gathering of Guides contains some of the loveliest solo acoustic guitar music I've heard in years. Gentle, understated, lyrical, and melodic - this is gorgeous guitar music. You can learn everything you need to know about someone by listening to the music they create; the beauty and authenticity of this music is a reflection of its composer. A gem of a CD."
- Michael Gulezian

"Tim has a clear vision of what he wants his music to be. A soulful stillness is inherent in his pieces and his playing brings it out with confident and unhurried technique."

- Dorian Michael, guitarist

"A lovely, peaceful and beautiful work."

- James Jensen, Solid Air Records

Tim's earliest musical memories came from falling asleep as his mother played records of The Kingston Trio, Sons of the Pioneers and Jimmie Rodgers ("Kisses Sweeter Then Wine.”) Borrowing an old steel string Stella guitar from a cousin, Tim began playing at the age of nine, picking up songs and guitar licks from his older siblings' musical friends.

Like many others that grew up in the sixties, his influences also included the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Donovan and especially the Doors. Tim says, "Although I never joined a band, I started playing electric guitar and the music of the groups I loved at the time.”

In the mid-seventies he first heard the music of Leo Kottke and found himself intrigued by this raw acoustic fingerpicking. Not long after that, Tim went to purchase tickets to a Paul Simon show in Los Angeles. That show was sold out and so he purchased tickets to see Leo Kottke at UCLA instead. Magic! Tim explains, “Everything changed that night. I was completely enthralled by his playing and the songs I heard.” Tim immediately began exclusively playing acoustic guitar, exploring alternate tunings and writing original compositions.

"I'll find a new tuning, start playing, and the songs seem to immerge on their own. What's most important is the feeling I get from the music. The tune may be very simple or quite complicated. As long as I have an emotional connection to it, then I know I'm on the right track."

Tim currently resides in Shell Beach, California with his family where he continues to enjoy life, write, and play his music.

The eleven original instrumental compositions on "A Gathering of Guides" are best described as melodic and reflective pieces that evolved over the last 20 years from experiences and people in Tim's life. "I had a number of songs from which to choose to record, from early pieces like "Moonstone" to "Van Tassell's Vision" which was written just before we completed the CD".

The cover artwork on "A Gathering of Guides" pays homage to four important figures that have made a strong impression and helped guide Tim's musical journey. Represented by symbols that have been associated with their careers, these "guides" include Will Ackerman, John Fahey, Leo Kottke and Jim Morrison of the Doors. Morrison, although not a guitarist, has been a musical and creative influence. Tim adds, "It's from their foundation which I build upon in hopes of connecting with people through my own music."