Artist description Once a die-hard rocker, Don Conoscenti is one of the most respected musicians and critically acclaimed songwriters in acoustic music today. His live performances are a unique fusion that Conoscenti has made his signature by soulfully blending roots musical styles using 12 string, 6 string and acoustic steel guitars. He drives his acoustic, one-man band with multiple and partial capos, an unusual frailing and fingerpicking style, trance-inducing rhythms, unexpected segues, humor, personal reflections, and amazing narratives. His wayward, angelic voice entices audiences on a journey through songs about lovers, outcasts, healing, murder and redemption. His performances go beyond being a guitarist, however. Each is a multi-instrumental showcase built on the cultural foundations of folk, blues, jazz and rock roots music ... distinguishing Conoscenti more as a 'folk artist' than a 'folk singer' or 'singer-songwriter'. An avid supporter of Woody Guthrie's legacy and close acquaintance of many members of Woody's family, Conoscenti is as likely to present one of Guthrie's songs as he is one his own. In 1999 Conoscenti appeared in Boston as part of the first Inner Forest Concert bands along with jazz legend Bob Moses and nomadic tribal chief Datu Mandipensa from the Philippine rain forest. He has met the direct descendents of American tribal chiefs Crazy Horse and Geronimo and following a 1999 performance at the Kennedy Center was added to the archives of the Library of Congress as a folk revivalist. His most recent release, "Paradox of Grace", climbed into the top 20 albums played by folk and acoustic DJs worldwide. In particular the song "The Other Side" received widespread accolates and Conoscenti was invited to perform the tune on the nationally televised show, "Crossing Over with John Edward." NPR, World Cafe and Acoustic Cafe all spotlight his music.

Artist History At seventeen Conoscenti set out across America, traveling by whatever means available, from freight hopping to hitchhiking, from trucks to motorcycles. He trekked to every one of the forty-eight contiguous states plus Hawaii, Jamaica, South America and Japan. While living in Vermont...scooping ice cream at a homemade shop in Burlington run by two guys named Ben and Jerry...he formed the first of dozens of bands comprised of virtuoso players from the rock and jazz worlds. After bouncing from north to south and coast to coast for a few more years he settled in Atlanta, rising through the thriving acoustic music scene based out of Eddie's Attic in Decatur. After that, Oklahoma was home and he returns each year for several performances including concerts at the Blue Door and the Woody Guthrie Free Folk Festival. Conoscenti commands an astonishing array of instruments: acoustic and electric 6 and 12 string guitar, steel guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, percussion, flute, recorder, mandolin, banjo, didgeridoo, and harmonica. The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival and Song School, Lamb's Retreat for Songwriters and similar venues regularly request him to be an instructor. Now based in Colorado, he tours incessantly and is part of a nationwide family of musicians. His stellar guitar playing and dynamic vocals attract folks such as Tom Paxton, Ellis Paul and David Wilcox. Increasingly, other artists ask Conoscenti to produce their albums. Drawn by his gentle nature and impressive talent, friends eagerly contribute guest appearances on Conoscenti's albums. The credits for his CDs, released on his own Cogtone Records, read like a Who's Who of contemporary music, featuring the aforementioned David Wilcox and Ellis Paul, along with such luminaries as Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls, and Shawn Mullins. The players that he has "sat in with" are equally renowned, encompassing the complete spectrum of musical genres.

Albums Paradox of Grace, Mysterious Light, One for the Road, My Brilliant Masterpiece, Boxes of Bones, Beneath Your Moon, The Code, Carved in Stone

Location Alamosa, CO - USA

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