Ithaca..Crossing Borders LIVE, WVBR's multicultural radio concert series, is pleased to present a September Songwriter Series beginning September 6th, with most shows live from the Lost Dog Lounge at 106 S. Cayuga Street. The series kicks off with the return to Crossing Borders of Ithaca favorite Walter Strauss and his band Tensleep on Saturday, September 6th. The two- hour simultaneous broadcast can be heard on WVBR 93.5fm or online at wvbr.com. Admission for the live audience is $10.00 or free to Crossing Borders Passport holders.
"Michael Hedges meets Bruce Cockburn and together they steal Ry Cooder's smoking jacket..." is an often used description of Walter Strauss' musical style.
The fingerstyle guitar wizard was born in Wyoming and was seduced to look to the vast spaces of the American West for his musical inspiration. But while rooted in American folk forms, Walter's music evokes far reaches of the globe as well. He's worked with musicians from West Africa to Australia and Finland, and successfully weaves world beat, Americana, and jazz into a brand uniquely his own. Walter digs deep grooves for his audiences - he layers on highly articulated melodies and harmonies, rhythms and counter-rhythms in a way that gives the impression he is playing several instruments at once. His voice is smokey and intimate, and captivates the listener with a mischievous charm whether he's singing a lusty proposition or an existential lament.
Before embarking on his solo career, Walter performed for more than 15 years as an ensemble musician at concert venues, theaters and festivals throughout the United States, Canada and the UK. He toured extensively with The Burns Sisters Band, fiddle legend Vassar Clements and Celtic guitar wizard Martin Simpson. Walter also performs solo and with The Walter Strauss Trio (with bassist Sam Bevan (David Grisman, Joe Craven) and drummer/percussionist Kendrick Freeman (Alison Brown, Rob Ickes). For the last 5 years, Walter has also engaged in a unique transcultural collaboration, touring periodically in a duo with Malian kora virtuoso and 2005 Grammy nominee Mamadou Diabate. His band Tensleep includes two locally based musicians: Rich DePaolo and Bill King.
Posted by Dave B at 19:20 2008-08-27 | Trackbacks (0) | Comments (0)
September Songwriter Poster (Posters)
Here's a preview of the new September Songwriter Series Poster. Look for the larger version linked from the website main page following the Bertha Hope show.
Posted by Dave B at 21:32 2008-08-17 | Trackbacks (0) | Comments (0)
Welcome to the Crossing Borders Live Blog (General)
Allow me to be the first to welcome you to our new blog!
On this page, you'll find thoughts from all of the various Crossing Borders LIVE staff members.
Enjoy!
Posted by Dave B at 16:44 2008-08-17 | Trackbacks (0) | Comments (0)
