As one of the few musicians in the world actively composing and performing on the rare harp guitar, Dan LaVoie brings a unique sound and texture to fans of acoustic music.
After playing the six-string guitar for several years, Dan picked up the harp guitar in 2001 and has since composed solely for this instrument. Bridge Guitar Reviews said Dan's self-titled 2003 debut album contained "... a soulful atmosphere and a skilled and
progressive approach to music. The music Dan produces has deep basses and well-executed melody lines." Bob Makin of Relic's Magazine writes "Dan's
soaring execution will drop the jaws of unsuspecting acoustic music fans and
impress those familiar with this young man's chops!" Reminiscent of the
work of Michael Hedges and Richie Havens, Dan's music is sophisticated and
compelling, and his live performances are a special experience visually and
aurally.
In the short time that he has been working with the harp guitar, Dan has developed a keen relationship with the instrument, coaxing out harmonies and grooves impossible on lesser-stringed instruments. Combined with his passionate singing and creative use of a loop station, Dan inspires and impresses audiences everywhere he performs.
Dan tours over 100 dates a year extensively throughout the U.S., as well as internationally, with stops in the United Kingdom. He is also an annual performer at the Harp Guitar Gathering, a concert series featuring the world's finest harp guitarists. Dan has opened for and shared the stage with Vance Gilbert, Brooks Williams, The Dave Brubek Quartet, Muriel Anderson, Stephen Bennett, Vinx, Cliff Eberhardt, Dickey Betts, Levon Helm and many more. Dan is endorsed by Dean Markley Strings, Sunrise Pickups, and K&K Pickups.
2008 will see the release of Dan's second CD entitled "Cause and Effect". A new song entitled "Long Distance Phone Call" has already been featured on the compilation album "Nostalgic Memories: Acoustic Breath VI", released in Japan, to much critical acclaim.
View Dan LaVoie's EPK
