Sam McPherson -

Having been born into a musical family, the guitar was presented, at an early age, as a way to make a living. By 15 Sam was playing regularly in the bars and clubs in and around his hometown (Mobile, Ala.). His musical opportunities would soon move from country and rockabilly to rock, blues, and upon entering college, classical, jazz and theory would be added. Finger-picking is the constant feature in all his performances - whether it's solo (where an arch-top is used exclusively) or fronting his trio, where it's the Telecaster that's used exclusively. Where teaching is concerned, Sam feels that each student is different and that the teacher should have the knowledge and resources to make the learning experience as enjoyable as possible. His extensive collection of transcriptions allows focus on the students' specific interests.

A few main influences are Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Thumbs Carllile, Jimmy Bryant, Danny Gatton, Albert Lee, Merle Travis, Scotty Moore, Jerry Reed, Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessell, Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, Tal Farlow, Joe Pass, George Barns, Django Reinhardt, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddy King, Peter Green, Jaco Pastorius, Mike Stern, Jonny Winter and too many more to list.

Sam's formal studies have taken him from the University of South Alabama to Laval University.

Visit Sam's website at www.sammcpherson.net

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