Optimistic proponent of "feel good blues" and all-round great guy Carl Verheyen put together his Acoustic Band set just for us several years ago on a challenge that he could leave his trusty Strat at home and bring only his acoustics - a dare that I'm glad he won!

He sent me this note recently:

He sent me this note recently:“While leaving the Sawmill restaurant in Pasadena with my family, I heard a man singing and playing acoustic guitar in the bar. I asked the waitress how to apply for that job, and she suggested I come back tomorrow when the manager is here. After school I drove over there, played him three songs and he hired me! But then he asked, “You are 18, aren’t you?” I replied that I was just 17 but would turn 18 in three months. On my 18th birthday I showed up and he honored it by giving me three nights a week which eventually turned into five. 

Since I’d been playing in rock n’ roll bands up to that point, this was the start of another path: an acoustic journey that would parallel my electric career in the recording studios, with symphony orchestras and in concert. Looking back it all stems from something my Dad said when I was 11 years old. Upon entering my bedroom where I was practicing and said, “Son, play me something.” I proceeded to play the riff from “Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones. He listened and said, “Where’s the melody? I want to hear a song, not a lick!” OK… Welcome to the wide wide world of Solo Guitar, a challenge I’ve pursued for the last 50 years!”

Since then, Carl has created a multi-faceted career as a critically acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, educator, and member of Supertramp, with 15 albums and two live DVDs released worldwide.

He is capable of playing any style of music with mastery and conviction. He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows. As a solo artist, Verheyen has been the feature and subject of numerous articles chronicling his rise to the forefront of the modern day guitar scene. He has won musical honors in the U.S., Germany, France, Italy and the UK.