K&K's Artist of the Month: Carl Tosten
August 2002
Acoustic
Fingerstyle Guitarist and Singer/Songwriter
"Acoustic excellence" is how Carl is described by his peers. Carl's style is the culmination of years of eclectic listening. From Bach to Rock 'n Roll, he does it all.
Carl began playing guitar at age 11 after listening to Chet Atkins and Roy Clark. For many years his playing centered around the electric guitar, performing with various groups in diverse styles from country to rock to jazz. It wasn't until 1994, when a friend showed him an alternate tuning, that Carl began playing acoustic guitar. Now, with over 25 different tunings, some incorporating multiple capos, he is able to create masterful acoustic fingerstyle compositions. His dynamic use of right hand tapping and percussive body slaps adds a dimension rarely seen today.
Along with his unique guitar style, Carl is also a gifted singer/songwriter, and his love of guitars has made him an expert on the instrument. Dean Parks, LA studio legend, says Carl is "one of the best acoustic players I have ever seen - he's unpretentious." Robb Eagle of Guitar Emporium in Seattle says "Carl's technical ability is enhanced by the fact that he makes original music." Kyle Liedetke of KNLR Radio says "Carl is the most natural player I have ever heard. He can make music on anything." Carl's first recording, "The Kindness of a Stranger" won him the notice of several manufacturers, including Gibson Guitars, for which he is now doing clinics. He also performs at many private and public events.
Carl's latest release is entitled "A Road Less Traveled" and features beautiful guitar melodies, all composed and performed by Carl.
Carl is an avid user of the K&K Trinity System and says, "the Trinity System blew away all other pickups and pickup-mic combinations I auditioned during my clinics. It sounds so much more natural! The pickup captures the true voice and all the resonance of my guitar and the mic adds an even more open tone. It has such a great tone and frequency response."
For
more information or to order CDs:
Carl Tosten
PO Box 114
Arlington, WA 98223
cjtosten@hotmail.com
www.carltosten.com