Bill Demarco - Braided Chords (2020)

Listening to Bill DeMarco transports you to a place where music knows that it has a job to do. His music tells stories of love, paints pictures of optimism, and on occasion, artfully protests the establishment without pulling punches.

He can pull a big sound out of a small footprint or simply set the mood for an entire evening. Fans of classic folk, blues and rock can’t help singing along, while those with technical knowledge will appreciate his mastery of the acoustic guitar and harmonica. He stylishly weaves some electronic gear into his craft with a sublime, quiet confidence — enhancing, but not overpowering his tasteful set list.

As a boy, the guitar was his best friend. Sometimes they played rough as he honed his skills until his fingers bled. His household was quite musical with each family member playing no less than two instruments. As he matured, he embraced new friends — Dylan, Guthrie, and Don McLean inspired his journey. Like Bill, they also earned their chops in his hometown of Saratoga Springs, New York, performing at the legendary Caffé Lena, the oldest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States.

In his previous life, Bill climbed high on that corporate ladder but always remained down-to-earth. Today, after shooting the moon, he’s home once again. Playing songs that celebrate life, love, and pursuit of happiness, he celebrates the legendary singer-songwriters of the 60’s while skillfully paying homage to every era since.

In an age when musicians are banging out tunes on music-making apps or generating sounds on Abletons, Bill demonstrates that nothing will ever replace the epic stories written for, and performed on, the guitar. Watch and listen as Bill celebrates the best of American music.