John Doyle, a master at his craft

I first met John Doyle at the Champlain Valley Folk Festival when he performed with fiddler, Liz Carroll. He was standing by one of the booth's checking out CD's. I thought it would be a good opportunity to go introduce myself so I walked over, pulled out his CD with Liz Carroll called In Play and I said "I hear the guitar playing on this one rocks." He just giggled as I introduced myself.

I was spending the weekend, as most people do for this weekend long festival, and throughout my time there I just followed him and Liz around like a puppy dog. The two of them together bring more energy to the stage then any duo I have ever seen. Their music is so rhythmic and catchy, it just makes me want to dance. John plays with such passion that he can't keep still when he's on stage. He smiles, dances in place and just plain rocks.

John is well known for his past guitar playing in the band Solas. He sings, he plays guitar exceptionally well and he's a ripping fiddle player, as I found out at a late night session during this memorable festival.

A little back history about my relationship with Liz Carroll: I was taking fiddle lessons with Sarah Blair. I told her that I want to play fast and in tune. She said "listen to Liz Carroll." So not only did I run out and by some CD's but I signed up for a week long workshop in the Catskills where she was teaching.

So here I was at the Champlain Valley Folk Festival listening to a session hosted by Liz Carroll, John Doyle, and other great musicians when Liz looks at me and invites me into the inner circle to start a tune. My heart was racing. I had Liz on one side and John on the other. I was in heaven. I started some tunes that I knew I could get through and there I was playing with two of my heroes. It was amazing.

So as you can imagine I was psyched to find out that John Doyle will return to Vermont on December 8, to play with Ashely MacIsacc and other very talented musicians, in a benefit to raise money for Jerry Holland's battle with Cancer.

I also hear that John Doyle will be giving a guitar workshop so for those interested call (802) 728.6464 or click here for more information.