Steve DeVries Music

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With a strong neo-classical technique, a remarkable gift for improvisation and composing, Texas born guitarist, Steve DeVries, has developed his own warmly passionate and personal style of playing -- blending elements of jazz, classical, country and roots acoustic. 

An East Texas native, now living in Virginia, Steve discovered the guitar at the age of 12 and started playing bass in his father's country & western band, along with his piano-playing mother.  Although self-taught as a guitarist, he received formal music training in college and enjoys success as a composer, performer and teacher.  While in his teens, Steve began to experiment in different styles of music other than the traditional country he was raised on.  By the age of 15, he was performing on guitar, bass and banjo.  By the age of 22, Steve was an accomplished musician, studying theory, composition and touring throughout the United States and Canada.

A highly sought-after sideman, Steve enhances the quality of any music he touches through his accomplished techniques, sensitivity and diverse musical savvy.

After years of teaching, performing and recording for other musicians, Steve released Steve DeVries, Guitarist, a classically-flavored collection of melodies from the Beatles to Zepplin to Fernando Sor, displaying his classical guitar prowess.

Stories Without Words, Steve's second release, introduced the listener to his original compositions performed on the steel string acoustic guitar.  This solo instrument work was recorded in Steve's own eclectic style. 

Horizons, Steve's most recent release, has a wee bit more Celtic feel than Stories Without Words.  However, he still exhibits the strong roots finger-style playing that marries a true guitarist to the heart, soul and passion of a poet.

Steve's "Weapons of Choice"

Steve performs finger-style music on a James Goodall RGCC, loaded with B-Band electronics.  Additionally, he performs on a Taylor 814 and a Breedlove 12-string, both loaded with Fishman pick-up systems.  He uses an Alvarez classical with a GHS microphone system as well.  For pre-amp/eq, he uses a BBE Acoustimax and a Holy Grail reverb unit.  Steve utilizes a variety of string guages on the Taylor (according to need), but uses medium guage Elixer Nano-Web Phosphor Bronze or Cleartones on the Goodall.  The Breedlove is strung with light guage strings.  He uses Bumblebee thumb picks and medium thickness flat picks.  Steve utilizes his natural nails, with a thin acrylic coating for added strength.  Currently, he uses a Bose sound system or an Ultrasound acoustic amp for very intimate settings.

Steve DeVries enjoys uncommon success and acceptance in the acoustic music community. He has performed in Texas cities such as Tyler, Jacksonville, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Waco, Houston, Austin.  Additionally, Steve has performed in Virginia, West Virginia, California, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, North & South Dakota, Wyoming, Minnesota, Montana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma -- as well as Canada and England.

 

Steve has been a featured performer and master class instructor at numerous music festivals, including National Public Radio's "Americana Music Festival" in Nacogdoches,  Winnsboro's "Folk Festival" and Tyler's "Mud Creek Music Festival".  Steve has also been a three-time featured performer on NPR's Red River Radio show.

 

With his relaxed stage presence, sense of humor and passionate playing style, Steve wins over many critical listeners.  These traits make him well-liked in his favorite venue ... home concerts.  He proudly participates in the "For Guitar Lovers Only" concert series with fellow musicians throughout the United States.

 

Recently, Steve teamed with longtime friend Danny Brevard of Acoustic Pro Musician (APM) to video showcase over 100 handmade guitars.  View Steve's videos and the unparalleled collection of guitars APM offers via the link below:

(www.acousticpromusician.com)