Sounds Like a
Genius
Birkenhead
Town Hall - 22 November 2001
International Guitar Festival of Great Britain
by Tragic Sally
Well this
was something different and another excellent guitarist that
I haven't seen before. A player with many facets. His
representation of many instruments within the medium and
confines of an acoustic guitar is very very impressive. I
have always had trouble just getting a guitar to sound like
a guitar!!! His sound is full and convincing - innovative
and great entertainment. How do you get an acoustic guitar
to sound like a heavy metal rock band one minute and a
thumping intricate rhythm section the next? US based Preston
Reed is indeed a creative genius and a great asset for this
years festival.
Dressed
in black and with his blue Ovation guitar at the ready
Preston took to the stage at about 8 o'clock and opened with
an exciting piece called "Blasting Cap". His first few
pieces, including one of my favourites "Ladies Night",
really set the scene. He uses a mixture of normal and
alternative tunings and with many pieces played with his
hands spread across the top of the guitar it is impossible
for a modest guitar player such as me to have a clue what is
going on. The answer is to just sit back and enjoy the
sound. Preston had recently played at the Torcy Guitar
Festival in France and he has clearly made his name on a
world stage. His visit to Wirral this year includes not only
a concert but also a popular guitar workshop. The evening
concert was well attended by yet again a knowledgeable
audience some of whom had travelled far to get to the event.
He has recorded thirteen albums over the years and is still
enthusiastic to deliver live performances to as wide an
audience as possible.
Now
I know what he can do I would love to see him again. Lets
hope he can return to Wirral for another look.