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Timothy
Alexander, of Boiling Springs, PA, has been selected as one of the two
acoustic guitarists whose performances and arrangements are featured on
the inaugural release of the "Guitarist Presentation Series"
on the Piney Ridge Music label, Sparta, NJ. He is joined by labelmate
Sandy Shalk, of Smyrna, Delaware, on the CD entitled "Giving
Voice." The CD is
available through CD Baby, at
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/timsandy
In announcing the honor, El McMeen, of Piney Ridge Music, said "we
are delighted to take the historic step of expanding the offering of
acoustic music through our label to include these fine gentlemen and
players. Their music ranges from evocative original and traditional
pieces, to standards like 'Moon River', to uptempo jigs and blues tunes.
It was a privilege for me to produce this CD."
McMeen explained that the Guitarist Presentation Series was initiated to
showcase the talents of guitarists whose repertoire and deep musicality were
consistent with the prior contributions of the label to the field of
acoustic guitar. "I had worked with these sensitive musicians over
a period of years," McMeen explained, "and feel fortunate to
have them on our label."
In commenting on the honor, Alexander stated "I am very
appreciative of Piney Ridge's interest in my music, and it was a joy to
work with El McMeen, our engineer Marc Moss, and Sandy Shalk in the
studio."
Alexander's contributions to the CD consist of 7 tracks, including
Celtic gems, blues, and compelling original tunes called "Gift for the Tree" and
"Planxty Polly"--the latter, in honor of his wife of 21
years. Alexander has two children, son Cameron and daughter Emily.
Alexander was born in 1959 and reared in upstate New York as the oldest
of six children -- with four brothers and a sister. One of the fondest
recollections of his youth was finding an electric guitar under the
Christmas tree. "It was all I had ever wanted," Alexander
says. Throughout grade school, he took guitar lessons and played guitar.
On his16th birthday, Alexander began his first paying job, as a teacher
of beginner guitar players in a municipal recreation program. "Hey,
I was a professional guitar player at a tender age," he quips.
Alexander recounts, "I continued to play guitar and sometimes sing
through my college years." Alexander earned his B.S. in Education
from SUNY Cortland, and his Master of Public Administration from
Virginia Commonwealth University.
"Until my first year of graduate school, the guitar was my first
and only lifelong passion. In 1984, I started graduate school. In 1985 I
married my best friend Polly, and today we have two beautiful children,
Cameron (12) and Emily (11). In 1987, I began work in Virginia’s state
treasury, and my guitar playing was set aside completely for many years,
as work, home life, and family obligations took hold. In 1997, I joined
the Pennsylvania’s association of private colleges as its finance
director (www.aicup.org). In the fall of 1998, I decided it was long
time overdue that I resume playing the guitar. I’ve been playing
guitar consistently ever since, and I have actively sought out
fellowship with other players throughout the country."
Alexander is active in his local PTO, Youth Soccer, Municipal Sewer
Authority, and Youth Baseball programs.
In describing his contributions to the CD, Alexander explains "the
songs in this CD are my wordless and voiceless interpretations of some
very gorgeous melodies, as well as renditions of original pieces I have
created. I hope my pieces are pleasing and stimulating to the
listener."
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