Alan
Thornhill’s unpretentious nature could be misleading.
You might think upon meeting him that he’s simply the
modest legendary finish carpenter from the artist colony of
Ojai, CA. That myth evaporates when he picks up a guitar and
beautiful hands reveal what they were born to do. Long recognized
as a notably brilliant player ( winner of the prestigious
Telluride Fingerstyle Guitar Championship,) his distinctive
sound has been featured on numerous recordings (Kate Wolfe,
Chris Hillman, Hoyt Axton, The Rincon Ramblers and more.)
While his melodic playing captivates audiences of all ages,
from concert halls to festival stages, it is simply a stunning
accompaniment to what is called by many “one of the
most beautiful voices ever heard.” Alan’s a singer
admired by his peers and beloved by devoted fans and mesmerized
first timers.
This award winning songwriter (American Song Festival, Mavric
Music Awards) has been well-covered by Kenny Loggins, The
Desert Rose Band, The Cache Valley Drifters, Chris Hillman, Michael Parks, Jim Messina and others.
His
place among the best was confirmed with the release of his
solo album, “Sittin’ Out the Rain.” A spectacular
showcase of Alan’s definitive songwriting, guitar playing,
and vocal flair, the album, recorded in Nashville and produced
by Pat Flynn (New Grass Revival) has been very well-received. "Sittin' Out the
Rain" has quickly become a favorite with fans and a testament
to the talented guitar player, singer, songwriter, 'guitarpenter'
from Ojai, CA. "Sittin' Out the Rain"
has just been chosen the winner of
2008 Mavric Music Awards-Album
of the Year. Also chosen was "Lovers'
Question", Country Song of the Year, and "Martin's
Tune", Instrumental Performance of the Year.
Alan's
next solo release "Silver Morning" is
a collection of thirteen original songs produced by Alan and
Jim Monahan. The arrangements are more acoustically flavored
and allow the artist and his songs to speak for themselves.
Along with Alan's guitar and vocals, "Silver Morning"
includes Jim Monahan; Fender bass, weissenborn, and mandolin,
Bob Nichols; drums and percussion, Tom Ball; harmonica, Gabe
Witcher; fiddle, Randy Tico; fretless bass, Angus Cooke; cello,
and Jeff Elliott; flugelhorn. Engineered by Steve Miles, "Silver
Morning" was recorded in Santa Barbara and has received
enthusiastic response from fans, old and new.
Alan's
latest release is 'Guitarpenter's Dream' ,
an album of eleven original instrumental pieces recorded at
home over the past Winter and Spring. Alan had often been
asked about recording a collection of his instrumental songs,
and 'Guitarpenter's Dream' is just that. Recorded at home
, this record has captured the warmth and melodies of his
unique guitar style, as well as an occasional crackle of the
fireplace, and the warmth of the 1928 stone house where it
was recorded. Guitarpenters Dream was nominated for
2008 Mavric Music Awards Instrumental Album of the Year.
It
is said that "an evening of Alan's music is like
nothing else", and his albums are well worth a listen,
a "rare documentation of musical jewels" from
this guitar player, singer, songwriter, teacher, guitarpenter' from
Ojai, California