QUOTES

Masa Sumide, Guitarist, Japan http://www.h5.dion.ne.jp/~sumide/
Some time ago, I had the pleasure of sharing the bill with Don Alder and it took me no time to find out how cool a guitarist he is....he’s got it all!!! Unlike the way he bashes the guitar top and everything, Don is a very friendly/caring person, making you feel like you’ve known him for a long time.....I certainly felt that way when I first met him. Music-wise, Don Alder simply ROCKS with his one-man-band style. He’s also a groove lover and I gotta like that!!!!!!!!!

Michael Greenfield, Luthier, Greenfield Guitars
Don has a charged and rhythmic guitar style that is rich in tonal color. When listening to Don’s playing his command of the instrument is evident and his talent as a composer hard to beat. Don’s performances and repertory palette run the emotional gamut. It just doesn’t get much better than this! Don is Canada’s secret fingerstyle weapon…it’s only a matter of time until everyone discovers this world class player. I am honored to have Don endorsing my guitars.

Wayne Sawyer, Band Teacher, Terry Fox Senior Secondary
Don, thanks again for your willingness to perform for us. The concert you gave was one of the highlights of the year for me. Good luck with your upcoming competitions!! I think it was a huge testament to you and your performance that so many of our students wanted to stay behind to talk to you and ask questions following your concert. I thought if was fabulous the way you invited them to the stage and then kept them enthralled with your answers to their questions and your explanations of some of your playing techniques. Well done and thanks again.

Bob Norvelle, Luthier, Spirit Guitars
Thanks for playing my guitars at Santa Rosa. I was impressed by your wide range of techniques, especially the Hedges-style right hand tapping and the left hand over the top of the neck a la Preston Reed. Your skill with DADGAD tuning particularly suited the 26.5" scale length of the Rosewood dreadnought. It's always a thrill to hear one's own guitars in the hands of a competent player, but your strong technique and warm vocals was a real treat.
Thanks again.

Ricki Kneifel, Festival Organizer/ Musician,
Kispiox Valley Music Festival
"I want to thank you for your delightful festival spirit and for sharing your wonderfully creative and inspiring music with us. Your amazing talent yet down to earth presence has contributed to the Kispiox Valley Music Festival's continuing success.

Brian Vu, Owner, The Purple Crab
"Don is the very very best in Fingerstyle guitar that we have seen at the Purple Crab. We have asked him to host our open mic on Wednesdays."

John, the band "Lotus"
"Don Alder is by acclaim the *best* talent to walk through our doors. He writes great songs, and his fingerstyle technique is both powerful and elegant. "

Nenah Barkley, Singer/Songwriter/Performer
"Don is one of Vancouver's best kept secrets."

Peter Graham-Gaudreau and Anita Adams, www.alibiunplugged.com
Music Co-Ordinator and Founder of the Alibi Unplugged Script Reading Series.
" What a thrill to have the wonderfully talented Don Alder perform at our event, the Alibi Unplugged Script Reading Series, in May. A strong, ear- pleasing voice, smart lyrics and truly impressive fingerstyle guitar- this guy has it all, and brings it to every song. Usually at the Alibi, the film savvy crowd is busy drinking and schmoozing, waiting for the film script reading to begin, while the musician provides background music. Not this time. The 200 -seat Arts Club Revue Theatre filled up early, as people were pulled from the bar and lobby once they heard Don's sweet tunes pouring forth. Truly a pleasure- we can't wait to have Don back for another special occasion- if we are lucky enough to get him again! "

Jason Simpson, Luthier, www.simpsonguitars.com
It was a pleasure meeting you and having you demo my guitars. You're one of the most dynamic players I have heard. You are very talented at what you do! I wish you the best in your musical endeavors.

Clarelynn Rose, Fingerstyle Guitarist, www.heartwoodmusic.com
Don, just wanted to touch base again. I caught your next-to-last demo at the Guitar Fest and particularly liked your "Granny on the Run" piece. Great stuff you are doing with your right hand. I was expecting smoke to start rising...

Rick Micheletti, Luthier, www.michelettiguitars.com
I was so impressed with Don Alder's performance at the Healdsburg Guitar Festival this year. I found his imaginative playing style, ranging from explosive to gentle, to be a thrill to hear and see. Coupled with an excellent voice, he is definitely on my list of favorite musicians: Peppino D'Agostino, Pierre Bensusan, Michael Hedges and Leo Kottke to name a few.

Willy Krueger, Promotions, Purple Crab, www.soundclick.com/bands/1/willykruegerband.htm
"Few musicians in Vancouver can match Don Alder's wonderful gift for using his guitar both sonically and percusively to create such intricate rythmic mood expressions. One must wonder how many would-be aspiring guitar players have watched him perform ( * Don has hosted Wed night open mic's at the Purple Crab for the past two years), only to stoop their heads in shame and vow to someday rise up and play as well as him. (Or perhaps, (wink) just give up guitar all together and instead focus on playing bass.)."

Adrienne Pierce, Artist, www.adriennepierce.com
Don Alder is a one very talented man. Although he often sounds like two very talented men or three or four. Whenever Don plays the room gets quiet and people strain to listen, and move to a place where they can see his hands flying across the strings. Which is great because otherwise I would feel compelled to shush the crowd so that I could hear every note.