Chances are pretty good youíve never heard of Peter Lang unless you really know your world class guitarists. You can see for yourself on Saturday, Jan. 14, when he comes to the Performing Arts Center in Cambridge.

Peter Lang has long been considered one of Americaís premier finger-style guitarists, and he has now returned to music. Heís taken 20 years away from the music business to run an animation studio, and to produce films and commercials, and now he is back, as good as ever.

Who is he? A legendary pioneer of finger-style guitar music, Peter Lang followed John Fahey in laying the foundations for a new genre of solo instrumental music, sometimes called American Primitive guitar, a genre inspired by blues guitar music from the 1920s and 1930s.

He was discovered and recorded in 1972 by the legendary guitarist John Fahey who signed Lang to his own label, Takoma Records. Fahey launched the careers of other notable artists on Takoma, including Leo Kottke and George Winston.

His reputation as a composer of exceptional ability and originality was already established with the release of the 1972 and 1974 recordings, and four more albums followed in the 1970s and 1980s.

Peter Lang toured, recorded and performed for nearly 10 years, developing a reputation as one of the nations top acoustic players.

In the 70s he was in good company, having recorded or performed with John Fahey, Jerry Garcia, Chet Atkins, John Hartford, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Emmylou Harris, Leo Kottke, Phoebe Snow, Maria Muldaur, The Yellowjackets, Robben Ford, and many others.

Roger Wm. Anderson, Performing Arts Chair, has heard him. ìHe can really play guitar!î Roger said enthusiastically. ìSix or 12 string, he plays them both amazingly well, and the finger-style playing is so fun to watch! Itís easy to see why he has such a loyal following.î

Anderson also stated that, ìThe Performing Arts Center works out great for artists like this. The coffeehouse setting, sitting close to the stage, no assigned seating, and an informal relaxed atmosphere will be perfect for this style of music.î

Heíll be performing as part of the Coffee House series in the Richard G. Hardy Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006.

Tickets to the concert are $10. If you plan to attend all four of the coffee house series, the total cost is $33. Other performers in the next few months include Clearwater Hot Club, Kate McDonnell, and Dave Potts.

Call Community Education at (763) 689-6189 for tickets or they will be available at the door.

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com