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Jim Tozier is an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist who performs traditional Celtic tunes and original compositions inspired by his Irish heritage and by his surroundings along the Chesapeake Bay in Southern Maryland.
Jim has studied with Al Petteway and El McMeen, two of the world's premier Celtic guitarists, and his tasteful playing reflects the influence of both mentors. His debut recording, Castlerea, has garnered high praise. Noted critic Art Edelstein describes Jim as "a lyrical, taste-conscious performer with considerable chops," and Guitar Nation states "Castlerea firmly establishes Jim as one of the most eloquent Celtic guitarists in the world."
Jim's playing has also gained the attention of some prominent fingerstyle guitarists. Former National Fingerstyle Champion Pat Kirtley says "Jim Tozier's debut recording is a fine one. His tone is rich and full, the recording is pristine, and his love and care for the music clearly shows." Celtic guitar guru Steve Baughman hails Jim as an "excellent guitar player who plays with discipline and passion," and Artie Traum praises Jim's playing as "tasteful, inventive, and precise."
Jim recently received an Individual Artist Award for Solo Instrumental Performance from the Maryland State Arts Council. The Individual Artist Awards are grants that are reviewed anonymously and determined solely on the basis of artistic merit.
Jim is currently putting the finishing touches on two new CDs that will be released early next year on Solid Air Records. One recording will feature traditional Celtic tunes, and the other will showcase Jim’s original, contemporary compositions.
For strings, Jim chooses Dean Markley’s Alchemy™ GoldPhos™ CL’s.
By the way—Jim is creative in many ways. As an example of only one of those ways, take a look at the pages for our products. Jim wrote most of the stories for the products. Look under the "The Experience" heading on your favorite Dean Markley product's page.
Jim had the following to say about Alchemy™:
“I knew as soon as I put the first set on that I had found something special. The tone was incredible, and I noticed a significant increase in volume and projection. When I tuned down to DADGAD, I was mesmerized by the bass response of the low D; it produced a satisfying rumble that had never been there before.”
“I played song after song, just listening and enjoying the sound. It was like experiencing The Wizard of Oz. I felt like I had always been playing in black and white and had suddenly discovered color.”
“I have to admit I’d never thought of strings being able to enhance the visual beauty of a guitar, but the golden hues of these strings are an eye-catching compliment to the gold hardware of my guitar. It makes me think of an angel’s harp. Of course, that image is only enhanced by the fact that the sound is heavenly.”
“I love the tone of Phosphor Bronze strings, but tend to go through them rather quickly. I tried several different brands of coated strings, but wasn’t happy sacrificing tone for longevity. Then I discovered the Alchemy strings, and I no longer have to choose between tone and longevity. With these, I get both.”
“I can’t say enough about these strings, Dean. I could continue praising them all day, but I think I’ll just go back to playing them.”
Be sure to visit the Jim Tozier website at:
www.JimTozier.com.
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