Thumbsing

Thumbsing

Editorial Reviews
<"b0001990fg2999"> About the Artist
RICHARD GILEWITZ

Known for his command of the 6 and 12-string guitar, an offbeat sense of humor and amazing tales from the road, this international fingerstyle guitarist continues to delight audiences at every turn. Composing and performing kaleidoscopic mixtures of complex and energetic instrumental selections for the guitar, Richard Gilewitz forges a new voice to embrace the expanse of his influences, captivating crowds with his virtuoso chops and valuable insights.

From New Zealand, to the borders of Canada, to Ireland and the UK, Richard incorporates his own personality and orchestration into a sound tunnel of timeless musical history. He delivers an invitation to travel on a journey filled with colorful imagery of samples from European, Contemporary, and Spanish Classical works to the Traditional Folk, Blues and American Primitive eras.

States the May/June 2002 issue of Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine, "To say Richard Gilewitz has a unique personality would be an understatement. His quick wit and twisted sense of humor has made him an entertainer as well as a fine guitarist. He interacts with his audience as he puts it; ‘the whole room is in concert.’ Whether it’s a workshop or concert, Richard leaves his audience with a unique experience."

<"b0001990fg4999"> Album Description
Title song "Thumbsing" - played with Richard's right thumb using only down strokes.

"Wazamataz" premiered live during a Chet Atkins tribute at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. A lively, finger-snapping alternating bass style selection.

"Have You Ever Seen a Rainbow at Night?" first played on a nylon-string guitar. A playful nursery rhyme melody skips throughout the song.

"Daughter of Pete's Feet" pushes the envelope of the blues genre as Richard's first 6-string slide tune. A contagious rhythmic selection with a groove.

In the tradition of the folk hit "Cripple Creek", "Pete's Feet" is a fast paced, spunky, toe tapping gem. Features Richard's left hand playing up to the 19th fret.

Composed on only five of six strings, "Sarah Natasha" is Richard's salute to his niece. When the tune was almost finished, a sixth string and note was added.

Classical selections include a Bach prelude and Alonso de Mudurra's complex "Fantasia", a 16th century lute piece recorded on a steel-string guitar.

The uniquely sounding Papoose Guitar adds a whimsical mood to the 45-second version of Elizabeth Cotten's "Freight Train. A short, sweet Traditional folk offering.

"Layover", one of Michael Hedges signature pieces, chosen by Richard to honor this innovative player. In an unusual tuning of DACGCE.

Following an appearance with John Renbourn at the Blackstone River Theatre, Richard asked the composer of "The Hermit" for some technical guidance. Smiling, John indicated pleasure with Richard's intention to record his tune as he has not played it in a number of years.

A rendition of a John Fahey standard, "Sunflower River Blues", continues Richard's quest to preserve the legacy of the "father" of American primitive steel-string guitar.

"Dirt To Dust", a solo 12-string rendition of the 1996 version. Exactly as Richard performs it live with the "Gypsy Minor" introduction, and revised middle section.

Thumbsing, Music, Richard Gilewitz, A thumbprint of acoustic instrumental singings from the guitar with originals that deliver just the right mix of grooves and six very contrasted covers including a 16th century lute piece, the traditional "Freight Train", and "The Hermit".

Thumbsing

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