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Doug Spears
Artist Bio |
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Doug Spears
Performing Songwriter
Bald Cypress Music
36 Interlaken Road
Orlando, FL 32804
407-257-4242
dcsnole@yahoo.com
www.dougspearsmusic.com
www.MySpace.com/dougspears
www.SonicBids.com/dougspears
www.cdbaby.com/dougspears
Winner of the AMERICAN SONGWRITER MAGAZINE Lyrics Contest, "Break Some Stones" and published in July / August 2007 issue.
Finalist, Tenth Annual (2007) Avalon Music and Arts Festival Rising Star Songwriters Contest
Winner Will McLean Award 1997
"Banks of the Old St. John's"
Finalist South Florida Folk Festival
Songwriter Competition 1998, 2000
Finalist Suwannee Springfest
Songwriter Competition 2000
Unisong International 10th Annual
Songwriting Contest 2005-06 - A Mother's
Tears top 20 finalist in AAA / Americana - Teppintine, Honorable Mention
Songwriter Universe Magazine - Top 5 songs of the month January 2006 This Old House
Billboard World Song Competition 2006 - Honorable Mention Top 500 Songs Submitted This Old House, It Must Be You, Annie’s Chairs
Drawing on elements of contemporary folk, Americana, bluegrass, country and folk rock, Doug Spears produces a sound that is fresh and new, yet immediately familiar causing one reviewer to call it "retro contemporary, yet neo-traditional." Painting vivid, lyrical images set to memorable melodies, delivered with a warm, unique guitar style and powered by rich vocals reminiscent of John Denver, Doug is a favorite on the festival and listening room circuit throughout the eastern US and beyond touring wherever the music takes him.
A seasoned performer, Spears has invested more than 30 years honing his craft to perfection and with each song bite, the rich flavors penetrate the listening palate. " . . . definitely a complete artist--voice, guitar, writing, and stage presence all blend seamlessly and comfortably" says Rocco Colello, Colello Promotions, Tampa, Fl. Often drawing comparisons to some of the best known and well established artists of the genre ( ". . . a rich earthiness to his playing that recalls that of Gordon Lightfoot and a gruffer James Taylor", Creative Loafing Tampa 6/6/07) Doug has carved a special niche for himself in the folk music world from his native Florida. He is a regular on the stages of the Will McLean Music Festival, The South Florida Folk Festival, The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, The Florida Folk Festival and other similar gatherings. In 1997 he garnered the Will McLean award for his song "Banks of the Old St. John's." He has had the privilege to perform alongside some of the highest regarded nationally touring folk artists, including Pierce Pettis, Ellis Paul, Andrew Calhoun, Michael Smith and Jack Williams. "Lightfoot meets Taylor w/ the smooth vocal delivery of Gene Watson, bravo!" LeAnna Mosely, Music Moonk Music, Virginia.
Doug was born in Leesburg, Florida, a rare fourth generation Floridan, and his best childhood memories tie back to the farm house his grandfather built just west of Leesburg in the 1920's. He took up the guitar at age 12, learning on an old Gibson J-45 loaned to him by a family friend, and soon began writing his own songs heavily influenced by the wealth of songwriter poets of the time. Doug's songcraft has matured into the skillful painting of lyric portraits of interesting characters, places and events and dealing with the often joyous though sometimes difficult aspects of our lives.
Spears’ critically acclaimed 2005 debut CD, Truths & Lies, received well-deserved praise for it’s songcraft and musicianship. "... an impressive combination of economical wordplay and simple, evocative melodies." Jim Abbott, The Orlando Sentinel. "Doug Spears . . . [is] an accomplished songwriter , and his new disc, Truths & Lies, is burnished like an old hardwood floor. . . . With a voice reminiscent of John Denver and a full acoustic backup band, Spears has put out a folk/Americana disc that's as enjoyable for the local storytelling as it is for the musicianship." Bob Whitby - Orlando Weekly.
His 2007 sophomore album, Break Some Stones, is a “live in the studio” solo recording of 14 songs covering a wide array of subject matter. Filled with strength, vulnerability and character, Break Some Stones wonders at the world’s beauty and flaws, it’s heroes and villains, it’s love and loss . Poised to rise to new levels within the folk music scene with this album, Spears continues to deliver songs with aching depth and enticing aspirations. ". . . it just doesn't get any better than Doug Spears. He is a poet!" Greg Abate, Who’s Next?: A Music Review e-zine, Los Angeles, CA.
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