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"(an)
acclaimed performer on the Midwest's burgeoning acoustic folk
scene, Siemsen is well recognized as a leading guitarist whose
sound is defined by his unique, perfectly honed flat-picking
style. That, combined with his wide vocal range, makes Siemsen
a uniquely well-rounded performer"
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The
Weekly Alibi, Albuquerque, NM
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"…(a)
fabulous recording artist…"
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The
Milwaukee Journal
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"One
of the finest songwriters and performers on Wisconsin's acoustic
music scene."
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Wisconsin
Singer/Songwriter Concert Series
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"Craig
Siemsen is one of the brightest performers on the Milwaukee
folk scene, widely noted for his excellent original songs,
lyrical guitar picking, and mellow vocal style."
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The
Coffee House, Milwaukee, WI
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Drawn
to all music since he can remember, Craig plays mostly by ear, teaching
himself to play guitar… listening to what moves him in other's playing.
This approach, along with a stubborn resistance to not "play it
like the record" has created a very unique flat-picking guitar style.
Craig has always enjoyed great vocalists. After taking lessons from
the late jazz great Jessie Hauck, Craig learned to use his voice
as an instrument to communicate his music.
For
almost twenty-five years audiences have been heartened by Craig's
personal blend of original, old time country, and traditional folk
music. With a voice made for crooning, Craig uses a playful stage
presence to deliver his songs and stories to audiences around the
United States.
When
Craig was a child, his parents used an overstuffed chair in the
family living room to stage acapela sing-a-longs during his childhood.
Raised a Unitarian, Craig was introduced to the politics of folk
music at an early age. Pete Seeger, The Chad Mitchell Trio, and
Peter Paul and Mary were all family staples.
As
Craig entered adolescence, he developed a strong interest in rock
and roll and the bluess, a well as an activist's outlook on civil
rights, the environment, and peace. After taking the mandatory piano
and violin lessons through his youth, Craig decided he wanted to
play like "B. B. King", so he taught himself to play guitar by ear.
This is what brought him to performing, along with the novel offer
by a new friend in college to start a band. Having never played
in public before, or even entertained the notion, Craig of course
said, "Sure!".
This
decision started an odyssey which took Craig around the country
and back again several times. Traveling with his dog Ms. Moe in
a "68" Chevy Impala, Craig lived for his music, playing bars, coffee
houses, concert halls, as well as more than a few impromptu shows
at gas stations and campgrounds. A Milwaukee native, it took many
years of traveling on a shoestring for him to land back in his heartland
home.
Years
later, Craig met Patty Stevenson at a music festival in Milwaukee.
Before he knew it, the love bug had bit and Craig stayed put. Craig
and Patty now enjoy performing both as duo and as solo acts. For
Craig, their music has become so intertwined that he hears Patty
playing and singing her parts when he's performing solo.
For
information about Craig's recordings, please click on "recordings"
in the menu.
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