One of the most influential solo guitarists of the last 20 years is set to entertain a Moray audience.
Preston Reed’s two-handed integrated percussive style has influenced many of the contemporary acoustic guitarists including Andy McKee and Jon Gomm.
Fusing chord-based grooves and soaring melodic runs with polyrhythmic percussion integrating the breathtaking potential of the guitar body, Reed’s compositions are described as being as unique as the execution.
Describing Reed’s work the TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) website said: “Most guitarists the world over play their instruments in essentially the same way – the left hand holds the neck and applies pressure to each string to change notes, while the right hand plays the melody. Not so with Preston Reed.
“In the 1980s Reed began playing his instrument in new ways, sometimes twisting his left hand to pick out a melody while the right hand strummed accompaniment or tapping the guitar’s body like a drum.
“A new playing style was born, with deep chords, complex percussion, and weightless melodies. And he’s inspired new generations of guitarists to further innovate on the genre he pioneered.”
New Yorker Reed is kicking off his 2014 tour at the Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin on Thursday at 8pm, the opening set in a summer season of music at the Moray venue. Tickets are available behind the bar or online via https://billetto.co.uk/preston-reed.