Artist Information Biography Doug Spears – Florida’s Native Troubadour With sand in his boots and orange blossom honey in his throat Doug Spears’ fourth generation native Florida roots flow through his music revealing the history, values and perspectives that he treasures.  The finest blend of storyteller and musician, Doug’s songs reach out like long-forgotten picture postcards discovered on a rainy afternoon, subtly and artfully telling universal stories of complex characters in often difficult circumstances that go straight to the heart of audiences of all ages and don’t let up, from start to finish.  A seasoned performer and touring troubadour, Spears has invested more than 30 years developing his distinctive craft and with each song bite, the rich flavors penetrate the listening palate.  Often drawing comparisons to some of the best known and well established artists of the genre Doug has carved a special niche for himself in folk and Americana music. Doug was born in Leesburg, Florida and his best childhood memories tie back to the farm house his grandfather built in Lake County in the 1920's. He took up the guitar at age 12, learning on an old Gibson J-45 loaned to him by a family friend, and soon began writing his own songs heavily influenced by the wealth of songwriter poets of the time. Doug's song craft matured into a skillful weaving of lyric portraits capturing the essence of the often joyous though sometimes difficult aspects of our lives.  Of his Florida homeland, he sings of the unsung and often undiscovered heart of Florida, before Disney World and Margaritaville, a simpler place covered by thousands of acres of palmetto scrub, citrus groves, family farms and cattle range.  The Florida that so few know and appreciate. In 2005 Spears released his debut CD, Truths & Lies, widely praised for its song craft and musicianship. In 2007 he followed with Break Some Stones, a “live in the studio” solo recording. Chosen by Florida Times Union columnist Ron Johnson as his 2007 CD Release of the Year, Break Some Stones showcases Doug just as you’d hear him at a live show.  In 2009 Doug tapped long time friend, Jason Thomas, to produce a new project which showcases the very best of Doug’s regional Florida material produced for a national audience.  Officially scheduled for release to radio in January 2010 and promoted to folk, acoustic and Americana radio by Kari Estrin Management & Consulting, the new CD, Welcome Home, features a stellar, internationally known cast of supporting musicians including Claire Lynch, Missy Raines, Rob Ickes, Jim Hurst, Mark Schatz, Kenny Malone and Jason Thomas, as well as some of the very best of Florida’s wealth of musical talent.  Sample Recognition and Awards Winner of the American Songwriter Magazine Lyrics Contest July / August 2007 - "Break Some Stones" and Honorable Mention Sept / Oct - "Sinner's Song" Will McLean Award – 1997 Banks of the Old St. Johns, 2008 Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams Florida Times Union CD of the Year 2007 – Break Some Stones Billboard World Song Competition 2006 – Honorable Mention Top 500 Songs for each of This Old House, Annie’s Chairs and It Must Be You. Quotes " His performances reveal a genuine person, tempered by time and leavened with humor. Thank you, Doug, for the time, intellect, intensity and energy you bring to your craft." Jim Davis, Woodview Coffee House, Lecanto, FL "Great songs combined with fine play and entertaining, informative patter makes Doug a sure-fire success with any audience." Hank Weisman, Savannah Folk Music Society, Savannah, GA ". . . a rich earthiness to his playing that recalls that of Gordon Lightfoot and a gruffer James Taylor", Creative Loafing Tampa "... an impressive combination of economical wordplay and simple, evocative melodies."  Jim Abbott, The Orlando Sentinel. ". . . an amazing songwriter!"  Marilyn Duncan, Soona Songs, Dallas, Tx. "Doug Spears . . . [is] an accomplished songwriter , and . . . Truths & Lies, is burnished like an old hardwood floor. . . . With a voice reminiscent of John Denver and a full acoustic backup band, Spears has put out a folk/Americana disc that's as enjoyable for the local storytelling as it is for the musicianship." Bob Whitby - Orlando Weekly. " . . . definitely a complete artist--voice, guitar, writing, and stage presence all blend seamlessly and comfortably" says Rocco Colello, Colello Promotions, Tampa, Fl. “His impeccable musicianship, heartfelt songwriting and warm and entertaining stage presence are welcome at Lena's Place anytime!"  Steve Wells, Lena's Place Coffeehouse, Atlanta, Ga. "Lightfoot meets Taylor w/ the smooth vocal delivery of Gene Watson, bravo!" LeAnna Mosely, Music Moonk Music, Virginia. “Doug’s words and music go straight to the heart and he doesn’t let up, from start to finish.”  Ron Johnson, Florida Times Union ". . . it just doesn't get any better than Doug Spears. He is a poet!" Greg Abate, Who’s Next?: A Music Review e-zine, Los Angeles, CA. Instrumentation Doug Spears - Acoustic Guitar Discography "Truths & Lies" - October 2005 "Break Some Stones" - July 2007 "Welcome Home" - Coming January 2010 from Cypress Moss Records Links http://www.dougspearsmusic.com YouTube Video - This Old House YouTube - On the Other Side YouTube - Withlacoochee Dreamer Doug Spears Main Website Doug Spears MySpace Page