Anthology

Ewan Dobson

Ewan Dobson has established himself as one of Canada’s most brilliant and exhilarating guitarists, having won first prize in nearly every single Classical Guitar competition across the country. His impressive list of credentials include winning the Grand Prizes from both the Burlington Rotary Fall Music Festival and the Pickering Rotary Music Festival where he emerged victorious, after having competed against the top prize winners of all of the other disciplines. In addition to dominating the provincial competition circuit, Dobson has made his mark nationally having represented Ontario twice at the National Finals of the prestigious Canadian Music Competitions (CMC) and having been awarded the top prize in guitar. In the summer of 2009, Dobson was crowned the Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Champion at the prestigious 5th annual Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition held in Kingston, Ontario. Shortly after this victory, he captured another first prize in the acoustic category at the 4th Montreal Guitar Grand Prix. However, the highlight of this season took place when he caught the attention of the world by capturing 3rd place at the 38th International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship held in Winfield, Kansas.

Matthew Santos

Grammy-nominated artist Matthew Santos has established himself as one of the rare and striking talents quickly emerging from the Chicago music scene. With an ethereal voice that has been the praise of artists such as Eddie Vedder, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna, Santos has secured his place in current music with his distinguished style and elusive musical gift. Far from all of the sound and fury of the modern music trends, Santos is quietly rising into one of the most remarkable voices of his generation.

Santos was nominated for “Best Rock Entertainer” for Chicago’s 2009 Music Awards and his band is featured as one of the “top ten bands to watch” in Chicago by The Chicago Sun-Times. His full band features Aviva Jaye (vocals, keyboard), Robert Tucker (drums), Graham Burris (bass), Chris Gelbuda (lead guitar) and Matt Nelson (keyboard).

Best known for his collaborations with Grammy-Award winning hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco, Santos has since stepped away from the flash and bang of the lime light in an effort to cultivate his own sound and songwriting, while carving out an independent road to creative success.

Gareth Pearson

Welsh guitar phenomenon Gareth Pearson is already considered a virtuoso in the field of finger style guitar. He has already developed a distinctive style to his playing that has earned him the greatest accolades from world renowned players; he has been called a genius by Jan Akkerman, and Tommy Emmanuel was inspired to write a song about him which he named The Welsh Tornado.

Craig D’Andrea

Craig D’Andrea is one of the younger faces you will find on the acoustic guitar scene, but he isn’t playing like he’s 24 years old. Craig has been receiving support from fans and critics alike since releasing his debut album “Crazy is Catching” on CandyRat Records in March of 2007. The release of his album, along with his title of 2007 Canadian Fingerstyle Champion, has given him the chance to tour in the United States and Canada with respected artists Andy McKee, Don Ross, Antoine Dufour and Peter Ciluzzi. D’Andrea found success in 2006 when he placed third in the Canadian Fingerstyle Championship, and even more, when he took first place in 2007. With the help of his win and a CD that showed promise, Craig was asked to tour with Andy McKee, Don Ross and Antoine Dufour in the United States and Canada.