Uncle John Sawbriar Acoustic Guitarist from Virginia Beach, VA

Uncle John Sawbriar is a guitarist that, for the uninitiated listener, may appear to be somewhat, if not entirely unconventional. People commonly make such comments alluding to having never seen or heard anything comparable before, which can usually--if not always--be interpreted as a bewildered compliment. Influenced by a long line of the world's greatest solo guitarists of many periods and musical genres, Uncle John Sawbriar draws upon elements of all styles to create a composite sound like none other. Although often leaning toward the traditional sounds of roots music such as old-time blues and jazz, most of his instrumental pieces and songs are also influenced by music as diverse as classical or rock, and thus would be difficult to attach to a definitive stylistic label. One thing is certain--that those who enjoy pure steel-string acoustic guitar always will be drawn to the percussively rhythmic sounds of this unique music. Although a composer that performs original instrumentals and songs, there are songs of many periods, genres and styles in Uncle John Sawbriar's repertoire. There are no artists or songs in which--given adequate advance notification--that are beyond becoming yet another of his unique interpretations through solo acoustic guitar. His original music is most often compared to that of the late Michael Hedges, but also has been likened--depending upon the composition--to that of Leo Kottke, John Fahey, Kaki King, Preston Reed, Adrian Legg, or Chet Atkins. While his music is often frenetic and violent, it can also be serene and tranquil--with instrumentals full of mental imagery, or with songs of love, loss, of travels, travails, or perhaps even of feral cats. No matter what style of music a person typically prefers, in this music most everyone will always find something by which they are entertained, whether they had expected to be or not.