Todd Bauchspies

Artist Information

Biography

Todd's acoustic guitar playing has been compared to guitarists such as Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, Al Petteway, and Phil Keaggy. This is no coincidence as each of these players has had a large part in his development as an acoustic guitarist. Todd also credits electric players Steve Morse and Alan Holdsworth as huge influences. His music has been described as evocative, soothing, spiritual, happy, mournful, and playful.

Todd has always enjoyed the creativity and freedom in composing and performing original material and always enjoys playing for large and small crowds alike. His performances invite the listener to a wholesome and relaxed setting and have been said to take the listener “to another place”. He enjoys sharing stories behind the eclectic titles of his pieces as well as the various tunings and techniques he uses.

People of all ages and musical backgrounds enjoy relaxing, listening and watching Todd perform a variety of music which has been influenced by many genres.

Instrumentation

Todd's performances are primarily solo acoustic guitar. On occasion, Todd will be joined with his wife on piano and a percussionist.

Discography

Above The Rain - Original Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals

Audio

• March Of The Baby Sea Turtles
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• Hedge Hawk Clearing
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• Pieces Of Time
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Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Above The Rain [+ Show ]
  

  "Rough little guitar doodles" -- that's how Todd Bauchspies describes the contents of his new CD "Ab..."Rough little guitar doodles" -- that's how Todd Bauchspies describes the contents of his new CD "Above the Rain." He's being modest.
  
  Rough is certainly not a word that springs to mind while listening to these 18 mostly solo guitar pieces. One is more apt to think along the lines of "contemplative" and "soothing." And if many of Bauchspies's acoustic guitar tunes sound as if they evolved from little doodles, the same can be said for the music composed by a lot of kindred spirits, including the late Michael Hedges. Bauchspies pays homage to Hedges here in spirited fashion, with the percussive "Hedge Hawk Clearing," but more often the mood is pensive or lyrical. The use of alternate tunings allows Bauchspies to take advantage of sustained tones and resonant textures, a sound occasionally augmented by violin, piano, cello, recorder, percussion and other instruments.
  
  "Grateful Hearts," which features the guitarist's wife, pianist Cindy Bauchspies, is among the more intimate collaborations, while the back-to-back pairing of the sprightly solo pieces "Day Is Done" and "Track Trestle Run" help prevent the album from succumbing to New Age-ish fatigue (The same can be said for the swift yet blues-tinged instrumental "Seven More Miles.") With a distinct flair for guitar portraiture, Bauchspies caps the album with three evocative vignettes: "Atlantic Mast," "Soldier's Parting" and "Chesapeake." Doodles they're not.
  
  - Mike Joyce, WASHINGTON POST
  
  

• Above The Rain [+ Show ]
  

  In the tradition of Michael Hedges and Al Pettaway, Todd Bauchspies plays with inspiration and convi...In the tradition of Michael Hedges and Al Pettaway, Todd Bauchspies plays with inspiration and conviction. 'Above the Rain' is full of beautiful melodies that take the listener on a musical experience that is peaceful and spiritual. 'Above the Rain', the new release from Todd Bauchspies, is an instrumental guitar album that will remind you of how, in the proper hand, the instrument can define a range of emotions. Happy, mournful and playful, Todd does it all very well. Fans of acoustic instrumental guitar music will find a lot to like on 'Above the Rain' the new release from Todd Bauchspies. Eighteen original songs that showcase a talented guitar player and composer.
  
  - Michael Macey, WRNR RADIO
  
  

• Above The Rain [+ Show ]
  

  Todd Bauchspies, a fingerstyle guitarist for more than 15 years, has performed a lot throughout the ...Todd Bauchspies, a fingerstyle guitarist for more than 15 years, has performed a lot throughout the USA East Coast. He was the principal composer and guitarist of the jazz fusion group Permanent Vacation. Now Todd has released an instrumental acoustic guitar album called Above the Rain, on which he establishes himself with his own guitar compositions. Todd is inspired by the late Michael Hedges and Al Petteway. Above the Rain contains 18 tracks, which are quite soothing. Todd plays in alternate tunings, and this gives him the liberty to create his own unique sound. Most of his compositions are intimate and reflective, and the mood is very pensive. Hedge Hawk Clearing is truly an ode to Michael Hedges, and I must say that Todd is as creative as Hedges was, with tapping and slapping techniques. Todd uses a 1975 Yamaha FG-160 guitar, which was a gift from his parents. Light from the Red Gentle Sky has a very nice melancholic feeling. On Grateful Hearts, Todd is assisted by his wife, Cindy, on piano, which creates a wonderful ambiance. March of the Baby Sea Turtles includes great percussion, performed by Jonathan Sardella. Track Trestle Run contains Celtic influences, with an uplifting melody line. Seven More Miles is a piece which reminds one of Leo Kottke. Atlantic Mast, which is played in arpeggios as well as using tapping and slapping techniques, creates a great atmosphere. The addition of violin, piano, cello, recorder and percussion makes this album very versatile. Todd Bauchspies succeeds in captivating the listener with great compositions in various styles. This album showcases a distinguished guitarist and composer.
  
  -Henk te Veldhuis, Bridge Guitar Reviews
  
  

Setlist

Todd typically performs pieces from a large repertoire of original compositions. Additionally, Todd improvises using a phrase sampler allowing him to compose on the spot laying down multiple guitar parts--some of which resemble bass and violin.

Todd will play 1.5 hour sets containing selections from the following:

Out of The Valley of Giants
Cuttin' Through The Creek
Sun On a Dolphin's Sea
Canopy Crest
Flight of the Grasshopper
No More Big Shots
Back To Basics
The West Wind
Risen Indeed!
Above The Rain
Pieces Of Time
March Of The Baby Sea Turtles
Gilded Dawn
Seven More Miles
Cherry Dip
From Ice To Water
Hedge Hawk Clearing
Full Moon At Bacon Hollow
Atlantic Mast
Soldier's Parting
Warm Robin
Greatful Hearts
Chesapeake
Lake Mist Rising
Brooke Side Wonder
Track Trestle Run
What Wondrous Love
Norway Bound
Light From The Red Gentle Sky
Day Is Done
Various Untitled Compositions

Basic Requirements

Calendar