Album Notes

MICHAEL ENGBERG

Engberg's newest CD, "Bula Learns To Dance," is an eclectic mix of fingerstyle-instrumental guitar gems, following loosely in the tradition of such artists as Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges. Engberg's stylistic explorations are wide-ranging; traveling from Renaissance and Celtic pieces, to jazz standards (such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," or "My Favorite Things"), pop standards from the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, and a handful of his own original tunes.

"Bula" (mentioned in the title) is the daughter of friends of Engberg (the liner notes explain that the little girl, when first learning to talk, had trouble saying her own name of Veronica; so she called herself "Bula," and the nickname has stuck). Bula has danced almost from the time she could walk, and this inspired Engberg to write the title number in her honor. The entire album follows suit by having a sense of dance, or playfulness, by which every number is treated.

This new CD was favorably reviewed by Denver's Westword newspaper, as one of the "top-picks" of local offerings for 2001.

Michael Engberg is a guitarist/composer/songwriter/singer and music teacher, based in Denver, Colorado, and playing throughout the United States and Canada. His songwriting was recognized and honored at the Kerrville Folk Festival, where he was one of the winners of the Newfolk Songwriting Competition, and he has opened for David Wilcox, Chuck Pyle, and other artists. He is also a member of the band, Bedlam Abbey (playing medieval, Renaissance, Celtic, and world music). Michael's primary instruments are EVD guitars; hand-built instruments, made by luthier Edward Dick (based in Denver), and featured on the new CD.

In between tours, Engberg teaches guitar, bass guitar, composition, and piano at the Olde Town Pickin' Parlor (in Arvada, Colorado), and Olde Town Music (in Littleton, Colorado). His "downtime" is spent practicing yoga, meditation, guitar, cooking, and hanging out with friends (young and old). He is also working on his first novel and his first musical.