Album Notes

by John D'Agostino Award-winning Music Critic, Los Angeles Times "...Auten's recordings attest to the wisdom of his career choice. If you had to describe his guitar style in terms of well-known artists, you might say he grafts Chet Atkins to Albert Lee. But Auten's instrumentals are more than clumps of notes and chords thrown together to invoke familiar influences or to exhibit technical prowess---although he has that in abundance. They are more like finger-orchestrated songs with silent vocals, their expressive phrasings and thoughtful transitions speaking of the joys, heartaches, humorous musings, and simple pleasures that can't find expression in mere words. From adrenaline-pumped breakdowns to bittersweet tone poems, from sly, country-fied ambles to highconcept epics employing otherworldly "special effects" (with nothing but his hands and guitar, he variously evokes a cat's meow, Scottish bagpipes, a swamp frog's ribbit, a locomotive's rhythmic chuff and lonely whistle, a bass guitar, a spider's crawl, or a Chinese parade), Auten's solo compositions have the depth, breadth, and texture of "acoustic paintings" (which, not coincidentally, is the name of one of his finest albums). As if his guitar playing weren't enough gift for one human being, Auten also is an exceptional singer. Indeed, fans of his guitar work are blown away when they hear his voice, which seems to blend the emotional delivery and sensitive phrasing of Kenny Loggins with the dulcet, Dixie tenor of Vince Gill. D.R. Auten is a complete package---a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter-composer, performer, and recording artist whose spark of originality is beginning to set some brush fires in the music world. Someday soon, everyone will be feeling the heat. I heartily urge the discriminating music lover to check him out now, while it's still possible to discover him." ----------- D.R. Auten Solor Guitar and Vocals - Vol. 1 is is a collection of songs from 4 previously recorded albums. Hold on to the Moon, Songs From the Heart, Acoustic Paintings and Boogieman. Ths CD was recorded with both Acoustic and Electric guitar. ----------- Coments by others in the Music Industry... "...Auten is recommended to those who like fingerpicking guitarists with bravura chops and a steady compositional sense. A player to watch." -JazzTimes Magazine "...D.R. is a great guitar player! Have you all heard him?" -Chet Atkins "...A hearing of his music will make an unforgettable impression, hot jazz, blues and country licks all played with consummate musicianship and imagination. -John Schroeter, Fingerstyle Guitar "...A guitarist, vocalist, songwriter-composer, performer and recording artist whose spark of originality is beginning to set some brush fires in the music world." -John D Agostino, Los Angeles Times music critic "...Sculpting a cool contour through Chet-style country pluck, Celtic balladry and ragtime, Auten crafts enviable acoustic tones imitating cats and frogs sounds." -Guitar Player Magazine "...This dazzling instrumental blend of styles will attract acoustic guitar fans from classical to rock. Auten hones his predominantly finger-picked style to artist perfection. His playing is complex, weaving both emotion and heart into the songs." -Robert Hayhurst, San Diego Union Tribune "...The player's player, the one all the other guitarist speak of with a bit of wonder in their voices. He plays jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, and folk with aplomb. His touch is beyond deft; his dynamics are so sensitive that you're left with the impression that you're listening to a piano player." -Philip Dawdy, Slam Magazine