JACQUES STOTZEM (Belgium)

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In the acoustic guitar world today, Jacques Stotzem is one of the “fingerstyle” guitarists with the most diversified style. Born in 1959 in Verviers, the Belgian guitarist has recorded 14 CDs and is high up on the list for fans of the acoustic guitar. Readers of the influential German acoustic guitar magazine «Akustik Gitarre» have likened Stotzem to artists such as Leo Kottke, Paco De Lucia, Neil Young and Keb’ Mo’.

That’s not really astonishing. His unique and highly refined playing style combines a well-developed melodic sense with a rare dynamic approach to the instrument that speaks directly to the listener. Jacques, unlike many guitar players today, possesses an in-depth sense of harmonic knowledge, which is evident throughout his compositions. All of this is cemented together by his perfect command of the instrument and by his optimistic personality.

Jacques Stotzem has become a regular guest at European and American festivals and is often invited for tours in Japan, China or Taiwan. Since 2006, the famous American guitar company “Martin Guitar”, produces an “OMC Jacques Stotzem Custom Signature Model”, a dream for every guitar player, a consecration for Jacques.

The two volumes of his CD “Catch the Spirit” (Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Nirvana, Neil Young arranged on acoustic guitar) have been a big success and stayed respectively 41 and 23 weeks in the Belgian Pop Charts.
His new album “To Rory” is an acoustic instrumental tribute to his major influence, Irish Blues-Rock guitarist Rory Gallagher. It is the very first time that Gallagher’s music is performed this way, and this new project is already getting rave reviews all over the world.

stotzem.com