Scott Curfman, The Listening Room, Fargo, ND You don't hear a lot of 12-string guitarists. That's because it requires a mixture of natural talent and a dedicated commitment to be any good. Michael Whisler certainly has natural talent and as soon as you hear him play, you will see how his dedication has paid off. Whisler is an accomplished acoustic fingerstyle guitarist and songwriter composing on both 12 and 6 string guitars. His blending of alternate tunings and a sweet bottleneck tone gives his music an identity you will come to know as his own. Often starting shows with ripping fast paced instrumentals that demonstrate his dynamic power and speed, listeners hear a unique style that draws from American folk, blues and classical music. Michael's music is clearly Americana. Once he has your attention, he'll add some mellow ballads, and then you begin to watch his diversity unfold. Some concert listeners are lucky enough to hear him slip into one of his mesmerizing dissonant free-time melodies that make them hope the song won't ever end. He is first known as an accomplished solo guitarist, so you might be surprised with his warm vocals. His voice carries a scale as effortlessly as his fingers find notes on his guitar.
This unassuming guy walks out on the stage carrying his guitar and you are not sure what to expect. The minute he begins to play you know it's not going to be your average show."
The Evergreen State College Olympia, WA
"When you first see Michael Whisler, you expect a fluty, singer-songwriter voice and a meandering melody to come flowing from his fingers. The instant he touches the guitar, that changes. Michael’s bellowing vocals and surprisingly discordant tunes make his performances a spectator sport, rather than an easy listening experience."
Iowa State University – Ames, IA
“…For those who don’t know Michael has fingers of gold”
Kirk Albrecht - Minor 7th
"Whisler knows how to generate the power and sonic textures inherent in a 12-string. "Charley's Waltz," is a lovely tune that develops its melody well, revealing a charm that woos the listener. Other interesting songs are the closer, "Stump Grinder," and "In Between the Birch," with its slow whining slide parts painting the picture of what lies just beyond the trees."
Valley City State University Valley City, ND
Whisler is a real talent whose work is continually evolving . . .we’ll be hearing a lot more about him.”
91.3 The Summit - Akron, OH
“Michael is a great guitar player and his words to his songs, fit the melodies!”
Michael Young - Fingerstyle Guitarist Minneapolis, MN
"It's a propulsive, aggressive style. He's a rhythmic player. Guitar is the focal point, it has a dirtier, grittier sound"
Thanks for adding Thunder Mountain Rockfest, a three-day outdoor rock festival July 8-10, 2010!! Please visit www.rockdakota.com or call 1-877-205-3792 for more information.
first of all thanks , Michael for adding- you got that Kottke'tuning-but with your spirit - i really dig- and enjoy your great acoustic music- love from Beige Fish
