A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Terry Vittone blends a unique mixture of traditional folk and Piedmont blues stylings with a modern pop perspective. Terry uses a flavorful blend of acoustic instruments, with old flattops, dobros, and tricone Nationals sitting comfortably in the mix. Terry nods fondly toward the forefathers like Doc Watson and Rev. Davis, winks with appreciation at Robertson and Dylan, and finally moves on to a synthesis all his own. In concert, Terry wows audiences with his finger-style virtuosity and the warmth and personality of his songs. It's not uncommon for listeners to be laughing out loud during one number and sitting in rapt reflection during the next. Perhaps best of all is his ability to consistently entertain diverse audiences.
The new CD,Move On Like the Tortoise: Inspired by the songsters, pickers, and wanderers of 20th century America and the scrapbook of echoes they left reverberating across the heartland, Move On Like the Tortoise speaks both to the living roots of folk tradition and the more modern vines of pop innovation. The songs range from the boisterous fingerstyle wallop of She's a Rider to the lush and introspective I Don't Mind to the sawdust music hall soft-shoe of Late Breaking Smile.
"...Salt on the Rim is classic. The almost stately resignation of the words and music delivers the listener to the doorstep of the Band's Music at Big Pink." Dave Luhrssen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Biographical Notes
In the mid 80's, Terry fronted a pop band, Bitter Pleasures, which released a record produced by Butch Vig and Steve Marker of Garbage. Bitter Pleasures toured extensively with acts including Mink DeVille and The Producers. As a sideman, Terry played guitar and lap steel with John Seiger and Semi-Twang from 1993 to 1995, and from 1996 to 2001 he performed live and recorded two records with Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans. Dates with Cebar included the Montreal and New Orleans Jazz Festivals, the Mountain Stage and "What Do You Know" radio shows, and national tours with Robert Cray and the BoDeans. Terry is an accomplished songwriter and has been covered by the House of Blues artist Paul Black, the gospel quartet the Masonic Wonders, jazz singer Donna Woodall, and has licensed his songs for film and television with OneMusic of Nashville and Los Angeles. Terry has opened shows for John Cale, Billy Brag, The Persuasions , Chris Duarte, Jonathan Richman, Butch Vig and Duke Erickson of Garbage, Robert Cray, and The BoDeans. Terry is a member of NARAS and ASCAP.
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