Ambiance
[1809804032]

Fate has a magical way of bringing people together. Take the case of Joe Scott and Hannah Alkire, aka Acoustic Eidolon. In 1995, Hannah, a studio cellist, received a call to play on a Boulder ensemble's record. As they gave Hannah directions to the recording studio, she grew more incredulous as they brought her up the small road near her and turned down her street! Little did she know that across the street and three houses away lived the greatest double-neck guitjo player in the world (ok, the _only_ double-neck guitjo player in the world). And their paths had officially crossed. Fast forward to 1998, Joe and Hannah each found themselves between full-time musical engagements. Joe called Hannah, saying he'd always wanted to hear their two instruments together. So on a snowy day in February, they got together to play for the first time. There was such a magical timbre to their combined sounds that they agreed then and there to clear out their schedules, start rehearsing together, and form what would become Acoustic Eidolon. On October 14, 2001, what had started as a musical/business partnership and friendship blossomed into their marriage. Acoustic Eidolon was off and running, and Hannah and Joe (and Zach and Alex) had become a family. Joe and Hannah like to joke that this was a marriage of convenience (they were already together all the time anyway!!) but anyone watching them perform can feel the love that draws them together and speaks through their music.

Susan Craig Winsberg began her musical studies in her hometown of Chicago at the ripe age of five. Her first instrument was the piano, but at ten years old she discovered the flute, and that soon became her instrument of choice.

By the time she was sixteen she had won several competitions and auditions, including the Chicago Symphony Youth Auditions for which she was awarded a solo performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Susan began her college career at Northwestern University, studying flute with Walfrid Kujala of the Chicago Symphony; then transfered to California where she went on to receive her Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees in Flute Performance from San Jose State University under the tutelage of Isabelle Chapuis Starr of the Paris Conservatory. She has studied, performed and taught extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Canada.

Susan currently lives in Los Angeles where she freelances as a performer, teacher, composer/arranger and recording artist. Although her musical training has been mainly classical with some exploration into jazz improvisation, she has in recent years been delving into the music of her Scottish heritage (her mother, Millicent Craig, hails from Hamilton, Scotland), and has expanded into playing traditional wooden flutes, pennywhistles and recorders.

Kevin is the founder and principal recording artist of PianoOne, an international record label and publisher. He has recorded three CDs of original contemporary piano solos: Collage, Inner Voices, and Awakenings. Kevin has composed, produced and performed original compositions for special events and multimedia projects with clients such as Miss Teen U.S.A.® , PBS, The Business & Technology Network, U.S.A. Olympic Training Center, Denver Botanic Gardens, Broadmoor Resort & Spa™, Habitat for Humanity International, Colorado Boys Ranch, Cordillera Lodge & Spa and the Center for Creative Leadership.

Ron was born in Southern California, the eldest of 5 children. At 10 years old, his mother suddenly decided that he was going to play the accordion. He was not happy! Why not guitar? The accordion was not cool, especially in California! Studying with Tony Lovello made a real connection with Ron as Tony encouraged the students to arrange and compose in their own styles. The accordion was a drag, but Tony's influence, in retrospect, was huge for Ron as a musician.

Entering UNLV as a music major, he was ready to play more "intense" music. He was also introduced to bands like Deep Purple and Yes.

After college and several band experiences, Ron joined the Air Force. During basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, he auditioned for and was asked to join the 539th Band of the West. Here he had the opportunity to play music and serve his country at the same time. He worked hard and after a year was promoted to leader of the band that played numerous events and concerts.

After a long absence from music and a divorce, Ron again began seeking solace in music and found himself writing like never before. Every time he played, it seemed some melody or chord progression was just "there." This amazing inspiration was healing to him and it seemed natural to record it. Thus was born his first solo CD, Songs from The Sky.

Mark is a man of many facets. He is a cellist, composer, pianist, keyboardist, father, husband, brother, son, friend, dog and cat lover, hiker, artist, jeweler, writer, worker, player, Floridian and human being (probably).

Gregg has been performing Celtic guitar styles for over a decade. A lifelong professional musician, Gregg has engaged in many international styles of guitar and percussion. Throughout the 90’s, Gregg recorded and performed with Tennessee-based Celtic ensembles “Planet Reel” and “Different Folks.” Gregg has 3 solo guitar albums highlighting his Celtic finger-picking style as well, and contributes his love of storytelling and humor to his duo of Peace & Love & Jigs & Reels' performances.

Cynthia’s gifts were nurtured from a young age with training in classical, folk and world music forms on wind, keyboard and percussion instruments. She has studied and performed classical and improvisational styles of flute, as well as Carnatic (South Indian) bamboo flute and kanjira, in the U.S., Europe and India. Her Irish flute studies in the States and in Canada under flute masters Seamus Egan (Solas), Joannie Madden (Cherish the Ladies), Chris Norman (Chris Norman Ensemble), Catherine McEvoy, Mike Rafferty, Kevin Henry, and Shannon Heaton have been a great inspiration.

He is the Midwest's newest musical treasure. The piano is his true love. His music is the result. Together, we find "Treasures of the Soul" and "Hunter of Dreams", a collection of Aldo's original compositions of endless flowing piano music with orchestral undertones, coming straight from his soul.

Music has always been a focus in Aldo's life. Many of his treasured memories are reflected in the soulful passions of his music. Remembering dear friends and fun experiences has given Aldo the material to create many musical treasures. Aldo's greatest wish is that he has charted a journey of discovery that will help you find and hold onto your cherished memories.

Growing up on a farm outside of Moorhead, Minnesota, Aldo sat next to his mother, feet dangling off the piano bench, while listening to her unlock the secrets within the black and white keys. This was the beginning of his tender devotion to the piano. At fifteen, Aldo took his talent to the church and accompanied the choir for over six years, naturally leading him to a degree in music.

Since, Aldo has scored countless television shows and documentaries. He is most proud of his Emmy award winning documentary "Delafield." Other notable projects include the nationally syndicated PBS series "Painting with Paulson" and the theme to the popular Prairie Public Television kids' series, "Kid's Zone." His work is not exclusive to the small silver screen, however. Aldo's music has been heard countless times on "As the World Turns", the "Today Show", and the "Rosie O'Donnell Show."

Over the past ten years, Aldo has released five albums, which include: Treasures of the Soul, an adventurous and passionate blend of piano and strings, Hunter of Dreams, it takes you on an emotional exploration of life's escapade both past and future, his first holiday release, Unwrapped, piano music that may cause merriment, feelings of irreverence and extreme glee, and his most recent holiday release, Merriment, a collection of traditional holiday tunes done in a Jazz/Rock feel with upright bass and drums. Aldo's release Expressions, found exclusively through Cardtunes, is an energetic and avid balance of the ivories and the ensemble.

A native of Denver, Colorado, Dave Villano has been an accomplished musician, playing professionally since 1990. He plays a variety of instruments proficiently, focusing on guitar, violin and the Irish Whistle. In 2000 he returned from a year-and-a-half-long, nation-wide tour with Christian recording artists Shaded Red, where they shared the stage with such bands as DC Talk, Newsboys, Switchfoot and Delirious. Dave has also recorded with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Since his return, Dave has continued to record his music, which includes four instrumental CD’s. He also co-wrote the song “Bonded”, on Michael Tait’s (of DC Talk) CD, Empty. Lately, Dave has become a member of Dave Beegle’s acoustic band along with sharing his instrumental music at a variety of churches in Colorado. Dave’s purpose is to glorify God and reach people from all walks of life through his music.

Music For Candles is an organization and musical concept started by Nationally Known Recording Artist James Feagans and Kimmara Rosehart. Music for Candles is soft soothing or light uplifting instrumental music combining contemporary and traditional musical forms.

A native of Colorado, Andrew Harling has been performing professionally for over ten years. He has studied at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood CA, The University of Denver, The University of Colorado and performed at the world renowned Aspen music festival as a concert soloist. To date Andrew has released four CDs of solo classical guitar music.

Darren Curtis Skanson (1967 to present) American composer. Encouraged in music from a young age, Skanson began singing, playing instruments, and composing as early as he can remember. At 13 he took his first classical guitar lesson and began a partnership with the classical guitar that has produced a wide variety of music. After an outstanding collegiate career studying classical guitar, composition, and recording science, Darren spent the early part of the 1990's touring and composing for both the progressive band Mata Hari and violinist Malcolm Watson. Embarking on his solo career in 1995, his composition output exploded with works for classical guitar, acoustic fingerstyle guitar, 12 string guitar, cello, and violin. Skanson is known mostly for his classical guitar compositions and arrangements of Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, and other classical composers. Skanson continues to record, compose and perform out of his Denver, Colorado base. His discography currently includes 10 compact discs of classical guitar arrangements and original work with over 200 pieces to his credit. As well as playing solo, he performs with his trio of classical guitar, violin, and cello aptly named The Skanson String Trio.