Steve DeVries Music

Texas-born finger-style guitarist, Steve DeVries, has developed his own warmly passionate and personal style of playing -- igniting elements of strong neo-classical techniques bred to true thumb-style flare. He displays a remarkable gift for improvisation, composing and melodic grace,

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 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.

Odes, Myths and Lies, released in April 2010, flows with honesty, haunting melodies and humor. This recording evidences Steve's growth as a composer, player and performer. The artistry, insight and raw emotion demonstrate the purity of his passion.

Steve's

"Weapons

of Choice"

Steve performs finger-style music on a pair of Charis guitars, a cedar top and a spruce. Both guitars are loaded with B-Band electronics. Additionally, he performs on a Breedlove 12-string loaded with a Fishman pick-up system.  He uses an Alvarez classical with a GHS microphone system as well.  Preferring simplicity, Steve's live performace rack consists of a small mixing board, Boss delay, two Boss 7 Band eq's and a Boss tuner. For recording, simplicity is still the key. He uses two mics - an AT 4033 and a Shure 57 with a Samson pre-amp. He prefers medium guage Elixer Nano-Web Phosphor Bronze or Cleartones.  The Breedlove is strung with light guage strings.  Steve uses Bumblebee thumb picks, medium thickness flat picks and his natural nails.  Currently, Steve uses Bose sound systems 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.

In 2009, Steve teamed with longtime friend Danny Brevard of Acoustic Pro Musician (APM) to video showcase over 100 handmade guitars.  Recently, he agreed to record still more videos for Acoustic Pro Musician. The new videos will be available soon, but in the meantime feel free to view the 2009 videos and the unparalleled collection of guitars APM offers via the link below or peruse APM videos featuring Steve on YouTube.

(www.acousticpromusician.com) 

photos by: lindahelmsphotography.com