Los Angeles, CA - Guitar aficionados worldwide are eagerly awaiting the release of the new album by guitar virtusoso and Supertramp legend Carl Verheyen on February 14th. Titled 'Alone', this is Carl's second acoustic solo album. In his 40-plus years of playing the instrument, Carl Verheyen has created a wildly successful, multi-faceted career. He is a critically-acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator with 13 CDs and two live DVDs released worldwide. Carl is commonly regarded as a guitar virtuoso capable of playing any style of music with remarkable mastery and conviction. He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players for the past 25 years, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows. Carl has graced the pages of countless industry publications and been the subject of numerous articles chronicling his rise to the forefront of the modern day guitar scene.
The idea for Carl's acoustic solo albums was established many years before he became a guitar hero. Carl relates, “When I was 11 years old and 3 months into guitar lessons, my Dad came into my room and said, 'Play me something, son.' So I played the riff to 'Satisfaction' by the Rolling Stones and he said, 'No, play me a song!' When I argued that this was a song he asked, 'Where's the melody?' I replied that the singer sings the melody and he's not here! But he wouldn't buy that answer and said, 'You should be able to play an entire song.' From that day onward I've endeavored to arrange and play solo guitar and compose original music for it. Since this instrument is one of the few that can accompany itself, I believe every serious guitarist should have music they can play alone. I count my father as a major influence in my development as a musician.”
The music on 'Alone' comes from a variety of sources. Says Carl, “Most of the material on this album is covers of songs I like. Three John Lennon tunes form a little suite in the middle of the set. I recorded some jazz standards, a Peter Gabriel song, a few originals, a movie theme and a Pat Metheny tune. My goal is simple: I only cover a song by another composer if I feel I have something new to say about it. A good musician makes music sound different and the object is to make the standards your own. The recording process was easy! As a few songs come together I'd book some studio time and knock out three or four at one sitting. One phone call, zero cartage trucks full of my amps, just a single guitar case!”
Carl Verheyen has won numerous polls and musical honors in the US, Germany, France, Italy and the UK. A member of the smash hit British rock group Supertramp since 1985, Carl has played to millions of enthusiastic fans in sold out arenas worldwide. As the creative force behind The Carl Verheyen Band, he has released an impressive and eclectic discography that showcases his endless talents across a wide array of musical genres. His musical influences are just as diverse and range from George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Alvin Lee, Leslie West to Miles Davis, John Mclaughlin, Steve Morse, Chet Atkins and Andy Summers, among others.
“*Carl is a true pro and a great player/musician. He can do anything, and as one who is supposed to do this, me (ha-ha), Carl comes through with heart and soul and is really not only an awesome musician but a really good guy. That counts ALOT in this biz, especially these days.” - Steve Lukather*
A much sought after studio musician, Carl plays on other artists’ CDs whenever his busy schedule permits. He has recorded and played with a virtual who’s who of the music industry. His vast collection of movie soundtrack and television credits are enviable. Carl was heard by 67, 000,000 people as a featured soloist at the 2009 Academy Awards. He will also be heavily featured in the forthcoming film documentary about the electric guitar, 'Turn It UP!'
On the educational front, Carl has produced two instructional videos called 'Intervallic Rock Guitar' and 'Forward Motion' as well as three master classes for Truefire. He also has a book/CD detailing his unique “intervallic” style called 'Improvising Without Scales'. Another book entitled 'Studio City' is a compilation of all the columns Carl wrote for Guitar Magazine between 1996 and 1999. He has written a monthly column for Chitarre, Italy’s #1 guitar publication as well as Guitar and Bass in both Germany and France and Guitar Techniques in the UK. He currently writes a monthly column for Guitar Player, contributes to other guitar publications, and blogs regularly for GuitarPlayer.com and his own site. Carl also lectures and teaches at clinics and master classes regularly when not on the road.
Carl recently co-designed a signature guitar with LsL Instruments, the “CV Special,” combining the best elements Carl seeks in his ideal guitar; they are now available for purchase worldwide. As if that weren’t enough, working closely with Dean Markley, Carl developed a line of signature strings for the electric guitar that perfectly balance the tremolo bridge of the Fender Stratocaster, the Carl Verheyen Balanced Bridge Helix HD string set.
“*Carl is one of those experienced, great players that you could put in any situation and get a wonderful guitar solo. I personally love the fact that he enjoys what he does and radiates positive energy whenever I have seen him.” - Steve Morse*
In support of his new CD release, Carl has several west coast shows scheduled for the spring. In closing Carl has this to impart about 'Alone', “Most of these arrangements came about while improvising on the songs during practice sessions. I like to state a melody and see where it takes me, which is the improvised part. The sheer joy of hearing the music in the air can take you to places you've never been as a musician, and I live for that!”
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