Justin King
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Justin King

| INDIE | AFTRA

| INDIE | AFTRA
Band Rock Singer/Songwriter

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


"Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles show review"

Justin King as a solo artist is widely known as the acoustic guy that taps. He is celebrated for his simultaneous percussion and guitar pair ups—footage of which is easily and frequently accessed on YouTube. No longer a solo act, Justin King as a group has been causing a stir in hearts and trousers alike. With a Jeff Buckley-esque sound and some Doves and Muse elements, Justin King is rich music for a pop-loving audience......Justin King’s songs are layer-after-layer of musical savvy soaking with sophistication, it is no wonder that each show amasses a collection of wobbly-kneed, speechless, star-struck fans. - www.lataco.com


"''GUITAR GODS: Justin King''"

Justin's official bio starts off, "Justin King has dramatically reshaped and extended the language of the acoustic guitar, introducing his own unique and outstanding techniques. With the intensity and passion with which he plays, Justin brings a quality to the music that is far beyond just his mastery of a dizzying variety of forms...". Most days, I ignore such hype, as it's easier to write a dazzling bio than to develop a dazzling guitar style, but in Justin King's case, this isn't saying nearly enough.

I first heard a gorgeous and haunting piece ("Something About Angels") from this extraordinary guitarist and mentally bookmarked his name. Then a friend sent a link to Black Albino Films, which featured a film clip of Justin playing 2 minutes of absolute acoustic frenzy combining folk, fingerstyle, flamenco, and rock techniques with utter abandon. I knew right then that if this guy isn't famous yet, he surely will be soon.

Turns out Justin is very well known in certain circles. He's been all over the US and Europe touring as both a solo act and opening for the likes of Diane Krall, B.B. King, James Taylor, and Al Green. He's also an amazing multi-instrumentalist who played ALL the instruments on his CD, "Opening" (his second of three releases), which includes various guitars, bass, lead & backing vocals, drums, saxophone, and piano. In addition, Justin holds intensive workshops at his home in Oregon every month for aspiring and advanced guitar players.

King's latest release, "Le Bleu" (editor note: see the Tinfoil review of the CD here), was recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios, and manages to cover a huge palette of musical styles while retaining something uniquely "Justin". From the opening track, "Taps" (which features not only ultra-cool backing percussion, but a steady hammer/pull ostinato with opposing bass notes, wicked 2-handed touchstyle techniques, airy synths, and sophisticated rhythmic variations) to the closing quiet strains of "Ashes" (demonstrating flawless execution of classic guitar techniques, interesting compositional shifts, and emotive vocals), Justin's work on this collection is a must-have for any serious guitarist and music lover.

If you're already a Justin King fan, you know this Guitar Gods interview is way past due. If you're not, then one listen and you will be. For more info, check out his site JustinKing.Com.
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- music.tinfoil.net


"Justin King review"

Justin King has dramatically reshaped and extended the language of the acoustic guitar, introducing his own unique and outstanding techniques. With the intensity and passion with which he plays, Justin brings a quality to the music that is far beyond just his mastery of a dizzying variety of forms.

Justin's extensive musical abilities and styles have been collected on world travels through Scotland, Ireland, Spain, the Czech Republic and various pockets of Europe. It was in this time that Justin discovered his own alternative techniques for the acoustic guitar, which he developed into his own varied sound, rhythm and style with a common thread of passion and soulfulness.

Justin's third self-released album, Le Bleu is a rhythmically sophisticated, rich and textured musical journey that was recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World studios. "These songs have lived and each one is a fundamental piece of the CD" (Justin King). Le Bleu features Justin on double neck, seven string, flamenco, toy, slide and standard guitars. It's world music; seductive, effervescent sound will appeal to fans of all music and be received with solid interest.

Recognized as a musical prodigy, Justin's first two albums, the self-titled "Justin King" and "Opening" have been met with international acclaim from critics, musicians and fans alike. A multi-instrumentalist, Justin recorded all of the instruments on "Opening" including lead and backing vocals, guitars, basses, drums, piano and saxophone.

Justin's brilliantly arranged and passionate performances resulted in an invitation for him to tour with Diana Krall as her opening act in August 2002 during her U.S. tour. Justin is also endorsed by Larrivee Guitars and Elixir Strings. Justin also caught the attention of B.B. King for whom he opened for in Vancouver, British Columbia and received a standing ovation.

Justin will release his fourth album in early 2003 that will continue to showcase his amazing talents, versatile style and songwriting skills.




- Positive Productions


"Justin King"

Justin King has dramatically reshaped and extended the language of the acoustic guitar, introducing his own unique and outstanding techniques. With the intensity and passion with which he plays, Justin brings a quality to the music that is far beyond just his mastery of a dizzying variety of forms. Justin’s extensive musical abilities and styles have been collected on world travels through Scotland, Ireland, Spain, the Czech Republic and various pockets of Europe. It was in this time that Justin discovered his own alternative techniques for the acoustic guitar, which he developed into his own varied sound, rhythm and style with a common thread of passion and soulfulness. Justin’s third self-released album, Le Bleu is a rhythmically sophisticated, rich and textured musical journey that was recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World studios. “These songs have been lived and each one is a fundamental piece of the CD” (Justin King). Le Bleu features Justin on double neck, seven string, flamenco, toy, slide and standard guitars. It’s world music; seductive, effervescent sound will appeal to fans of all music and be received with solid interest. Recognized as a musical prodigy, Justin’s first two albums, the self-titled “Justin King” and “Opening” have been met with international acclaim from critics, musicians and fans alike. A multi-instrumentalist, Justin recorded all of the instruments on “Opening” including lead and backing vocals, guitars, basses, drums, piano and saxophone. Justin’s brilliantly arranged and passionate performances resulted in an invitation for him to tour with Diana Krall as her opening act in August 2002 during her U.S. tour. Justin is also endorsed by Larrivee Guitars and Elixir Strings. Justin has since opened for B.B. King, Al Green, North Mississippi Allstars, Loudon Wainwright III and James Taylor. Justin started NYA (Not Your Average) Records in his hometown of Eugene, Oregon, in the winter of 2002 and has begun building NYA Recording Studios to support his work as well as associated artists. Justin will release a fourth album in 2004 that will continue to showcase his amazing talents versatile style and songwriting skills. Visit: www.justinking.com - webcds.com


"Live show Promoter Comments following Spring 2006 tour with label mates Matt Kearney and Josh Radin"

"He was BRILLIANT! And such a great guy to work with! I would love to have him back anytime! What an amazing talent! You have complete support from me in the market, when you come back through." -Ashley Givens at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville

"I'm watching him on stage right now and if there's any justice he's going to be f**king huge." -Jeff Zuckerman at Birdy's in Indianapolis

"We were all raving about him. He's welcome back anytime. "-Guy Carson at Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco

"I did catch his set, and Justin was awesome. Crowd loved him and I think he sold a ton of merch." -Mark Adler at True West in Portland


- KF


"show preview headline in magazine"

"One part guitar virtuoso and one part nascent pop star, Justin King visits from Oregon to rock out on his acoustic guitar and tap on some wicked riffs."
- San Francisco Bay Guardian - SF Bay Guardian


"Have Guitar, will dazzle"

April 14, 2006
"...The Oregon based King is no ordinary guitarist. He attacks the instrument in a variety of ways, including two-handed tapping (think Michael Hedges, an admitted influence, blended with Eddie Van Halen), slap-and-pop (hard striking/ plucking of the strings) and frailing (using the thumb of the strumming hand much like a banjo player does)...." -Chris M. Junior - Ashbury Park Press


"King of the Road"

"If you know King's previous solo work, especially the mostly instrumental Le Bleu, his work with bandmates Drew Dresman, Ehren Ebbage and Nadir Jeevanjee might surprise you. King's a talented songwriter, able to match a catchy phrase with a catchy riff whether for a slow ballad or a Wallflowers-like rocker." - Eugene Weekly


Discography

Justin King
Opening
Le Bleu
Fall/Rise
Justin King & The Apologies

Photos

Bio

Hailing from Eugene, Justin King released his debut band album and toured nationally and internationally in 2007. The band, which blends melodic rock with adventurous rhythmic and textural elements, started in 2004 when Justin set aside his promising career as solo acoustic guitar virtuoso to pursue his true love of singing and writing with a band.

In 2008, Justin is returning to his solo career and embarking on recording an album that is entirely written by him, he will play all of the instruments and it will be recorded at his own "Blackberry Hill" studio in Eugene. Justin is known for his guitar playing, but he is also a talented multi-instrumentalist; he plays keyboards, drums and bass on many of his previous recordings.

The solo career Justin took a break from was no ordinary one; known for his innovative techniques and virtuosic style, Justin toured all over the world as a solo artist, opening for the likes of B.B. King, Diana Krall, and James Taylor. In 2003 he released a CD of original songs and instrumental compositions entitled 'Le Bleu', recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios. Videos of Justin's playing can be found all over the internet, posted by Justin's fans in various parts of the world.