David Kraus - Composer & Guitarist

I have been studying and playing music since I was eight years of age having started on trumpet and percussion. Guitar study began at age thirteen in Philadelphia, PA then continuing in Providence, RI in my twenties where I also studied jazz composition. I have taught at Norwich University, Johnson State College, The Vermont Summer Jazz Camp (HS students), and continue to teach daily in my home studio. As a composer and performer I have recorded several CD's both as a solo guitarist and with my jazz/world crossover ensemble, in addition have been the guitarist with The Vermont Jazz Ensemble (Vermont's premier big band), and have composed music for independent documentary film. I have performed in concert, and at countless private functions such as weddings, corporate functions, anniversaries, private affairs, and more. My wide ranging musical background allows me to play guitar music from Bach through the romantic Spanish and Brazilian composers and players, in addition to my own compositions, jazz from the 20's Jazz Age through Bebop and the more modern sounds, blues, latin, The Beatles and more. When performing music for weddings and private affairs I keep the mood warm and alive, moving through different styles to maintain interest and entertain guests with well played richly artistic music. The ambience created from the warm tones of a solo nylon string guitar is at once intimate, warm, and engaging, encouraging a relaxed openness between people.

TESTIMONIALS:

"We cannot thank you enough for playing at our wedding. The music was incredible. I can't imagine what the mood would have been without your music. The piece you played as we walked down the aisle was beautiful and made the moment feel very special. Thank you for being a part of our special day."
Alyson and Jerry Graybill -
South Berwick, ME

"David's playing is absolutely first rate. His solo and group performances at our establishment always draw an overwhelming response. And his lovely ensemble CD "Some Sort of Angel" is the music enjoyed every night in our dining room."
Richard Fink - Ariel's Restaurant
Brookfield, Vt.

"Our firm recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking the occasion with two parties given in Montpelier and Burke. David's impressive performing and his personal warmth were felt by all of our guests to be central to the success of our happy events. He is a truly fine artist and his music a real pleasure to hear."
Jay Ancel - Black River Design Architects
Montpelier, Vt.

PRESS REVIEWS: 2010 CD "Between Silence: poems for solo guitar"

"Kraus makes everything he does with his instrument sound
easy, although there is nothing easy about it. His sound is
warm, his articulation is clean, and his playing exhales
mature confidence and the ability to communicate.
I can't imagine anyone not liking this CD."
Ray Tuttle - Fanfare Magazine

"Here is a player's technical prowess mingled with a discerning
composer's intent, yet the passion of the performance is the
overdriving impression left in the listener's ear."
Chip Wilson - The Bridge

"Vermont guitarist and composer David Kraus has created a new album that is as rich in sonic beauty as it is in ideas. Kraus plays with clarity, elegance and a warm sound. His musicianship flows naturally. The composition is truly inventive and the performance touches the heart."
Jim Lowe - The Times/Argus

- Check my website for more info, reviews, music, videos, and an in-depth interview with Fanfare Magazine July/Aug 2011 at: davidkrausguitarist.

NOTE: My pricing includes mileage and GigMasters' booking fee.

• PARTIAL LIST: CLASSICAL
• Lagrima - F. Tarrega
• Romanza - Anon
• Prelude in Amaj. - F. Carulli
• Prelude in Amin. - F. Carulli
• Gymnopedie No.1 - Erik Satie
• Partita No.III - J.S. Bach
• Prelude XXI - J.S. Bach
• Sarabande in Bmin. - J.S. Bach
• Invention No.IV - J.S. Bach
• Caprice in Dmin. - M. Carcassi
• Etude No.I - H. Villa-Lobos
• Pavane in Dmaj. - L. Milan
• Canon in Dmaj. - Pachabel
• Zarabanda - D. Kraus
• La Vuelta - D. Kraus
• Estudio del Jazz - D. Kraus
• Etude in Emin. - M. Giuliani
• Nessie's Dream - D. Kraus
• Chorinho - D. Kraus
• Jacob's Ladder - D. Kraus
• Etude in Bmaj. - D. Kraus
• Waltz in Cmaj. - M. Carcassi
• Etude in Amin. - M. Carcassi
• Andante - F. Carulli
• Estudio in Amaj. - M. Carcassi
• Etude in Amin. - N. Coste
• Prelude - F. Tarrega
• ------------------------
• PARTIAL LIST: JAZZ & POP
• What A Wonderful World - G. Weiss
• Over the Rainbow - H. Arlen
• Night and Day - C. Porter
• All the Things You Are - J. Kern
• Autumn Leaves - J. Mercer
• Beautiful Love - V. Young
• Here There and Everywhere - Lennon/McCartney
• Yesterday - Lennon/McCartney
• Stella by Starlight - V. Young
• Blue Monk - T. Monk
• 'Round Midnight - T. Monk
• In A Sentimental Mood - Ellington/Strayhorn
• Moonlight in Vermont - K. Suessdorf
• Misty - E. Garner
• Black Orpheus - L. Bonfi
• Take Five - P. Desmond
• Blue Bossa - K. Dorham
• Child Play - D. Kraus
• Corcovado - A. Jobim
• Here's That Rainy Day - J. van Heusen
• Gentle Rain - L. Bonfi
• A Child is Born - T. Jones
• Angel Eyes - M. Dennis
• Blue in Green - M. Davis
• Desafinado - A. Jobim
• Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Ellington/Strayhorn
• Four - M. David
• Girl from Ipanema - A. Jobim
• All This and More - D. Kraus
• Sometime Ago - S. Mihanovich
• What is This Thing Called Love - C. Porter
• When Sunny Gets Blue - J. Segal

Anniversaries, Banquets, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Cinco De Mayo Parties, Clubs, Cocktail Parties, Community Events, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Events, Family Reunions, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Grand Openings, Picnic, Private Parties, Restaurants, Retirement Parties, Reunions, Studio Session, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

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