Gary Smallwood and Michael Fath have been two of the most prominent and critically acclaimed guitarists in the mid-Atlantic region for decades. It was their mutual reverence for acoustic playing (steel string, dobro, nylon string and mandolin) and great vocals that convinced them to finally put together the project they’d been discussing forever.
So, here it is: acoustic originals and creative arrangements of roots and rock music’s greatest repertoire. Experience the magic of two brilliant players delivering these celebrated songs!
Gary Smallwood started performing professionally when he was 16 years old. A popular local band asked him to fill the guitar vacancy left by a leaving member. The other band members were older and did a bit of touring to nearby cities, sometimes rushing him home after a gig just in time to be dropped off at his school bus stop!
Since then, he has shared the stage with or supported such great acts as Robin Trower, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush, the late great Jeff Healey, Elliott Easton (The Cars), Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, Johnny Winter, Craig & Patrick Fuller (Pure Prairie League), Bill Payne (Little Feat), Bret Michaels, Catfish Hodge, and many more. His guitar playing, both electric and acoustic has been highly sought after by musicians as well as the public, as evidenced by Smallwood being named Loudoun County, VA’s, Musician of the Year many years running!
Smallwood’s style of music consists of Classic Rock, Country Rock, soulful Blues Rock or what he likes to call: “flat out guitar-driven blues-infused rural contemporary music.” He has a great appreciation for all types of music and sometimes will incorporate soul, R&B, funk, country and ‘show tunes’ into his playing. Gary also gives back to the community by playing shows for numerous benefits and charities throughout the region. He is a well respected and hard working musician, playing 200+ shows a year.
Michael Fath has established himself as a truly international phenomenon with a staggering range of instrumental recordings that have featured an unparalleled versatility with both acoustic and electric guitar. Named Guitarist Magazine Instrumentalist of the Year, he has headlined venues from Los Angeles to New York City to Miami, to Washington, DC’s The Kennedy Center, London’s Marquee and Wembley Stadium, and Glasgow’s Exhibition Hall.
Mesmerized audiences and critics alike have taken note of Fath’s seemingly impossible manner of freely blending the classical, roots, and jazz idioms, and be so vastly encompassing in his mastery of an instrument. His career is solidly anchored in the practical realities of the music industry. Yet, he continues to shine at the top of his field in his own terms, without compromising his genius and musical vision.
With a reputation well established in higher education circles, he has taught, guest lectured, and performed at such prestigious institutions as Berklee School of Music, Duquense University, and the Atlanta Institute of Music.