Top 5 Acoustic Artists

Through my life, I have encountered and enjoyed many genres of music.  With  well written Metal comes in at a close 2nd, I feel my heart will always live most with acoustic artists. There is something so simple and special about a voice and a acoustic guitar. You can love any artists in any style of music, but only in there can you really hear the voice of the artist. Being an acoustic artist myself, I thought I would share my Top Five Favorite Acoustic Artists. Hopefully, one of them may speak to you and you will discover a new musical friend for your listening pleasure.


1.Amos Lee
Amos is by far my favorite acoustic artist. His ability to be so raw in his musical talent has always amazed me. There’s not one song that isn’t good by this man! If you listen to a few of his songs, you will begin to see my point. Using big Jazz, Country, Rock n Roll, and Blues influences, Amos is able to create music that we haven’t heard in a long time and continues to release better music with every album he puts out. Look for his new album entitled “Mission” coming out towards the end of January 2011. For now, here’s a taste of a song off of his first album performed at the famous Abbey Road Studios entitled “Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight”



2.Jason Mraz
A man who is now very well known from his single “I’m Yours” (FUN FACT: I’m yours was written back in 2003 and was only played at live shows. It was never recorded of any album or ep. It served as a sort of secret song just for fans). Jason Mraz is a very radio friendly artist.  His music tends to have a Feel Good sense to it. His songwriting style uses Pop, Folk, and Jazz influences. We are still waiting to hear the release date for his next album but here’s a great song entitled “The Dynamo of Volition” from his “Live On Earth” DVD


 3.Newton Faulkner
Very well heard of in England but not as much in the US, Newton brings on a different style of playing. He uses his guitar as a percussive instrument along with some alternate tunings. He has two sides to his song writing. Great emotional songs and some pretty witty uses of lyrics. He’s great to listen to but even better to watch. Here’s Newton covering a massive attack song called “Teardrop” in a elevator


4.Ray Lamontagne
Ray is a very old school southern blues type artist. At first glance at him, you would never believe the voice that comes out of him. He is full of old school soul and he’s not afraid to use it. His music is usually used in commercials and TV shows. You might have heard him and never even knew. This guy may look like a dirt bag but he’s one of the only artists trying to keep his style alive and loud.  Here’s a video of him playing 2 songs at Abbey Road Studios, “Jolene” and “Trouble”

5.Glen Hansard/ The Swell Season
After writing all the music for the movie “Once” and starring in it, Glen Hansard was given the opportunity to get his music out to a broader range of audience. Glen is an Irish born acoustic artist who plays around in alternate tunings. He has been playing the same Takamine for a very long time now and you can see the wear and tear of it. Take a listen and let yourself decide how you feel about him. Here’s a song he wrote featured in the movie “Once” called “When Your Minds Made Up”

CLOSE CALLS:
Damien Rice- another Irish singer songwriter who has a very interesting style of writing. Listen to “Canonball” and “Blowers Daughter”
Brett Dennen- A San Francisco born musician whose catchy soulful pop-like music is fun to listen to. He has a very interesting voice though. It’s up to you who you feel about it. Listen to “ Make You Go Crazy” and “Aint No Reason”
Thanks for reading and I hope you found some new music to listen to.
-Tony