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John Doan: Photos

Primal Twang - The Legacy of the Guitar

Dan Crary was the Master of Ceremonies and the Master guitarist and storyteller. Pictured here before a bigger than life harp guitar with Dennis Caplinger poised to pick up any one of the dozens of instruments in hands reach! (All Photos by Deirdra Doan)
As Dan Crary introduces me the famous Italian harp guitarist Pasquale Taraffo is pictured on the overhead screen behind.
Pasquale Taraffo was a legendary Italian harp guitarist of a century ago. He is pictured here on the big screen in a long list of legends projected in the background to the legacy of guitar history.
This was my debut performance on the 1829 harpolyre. It was then billed as the "guitar of the future" with it's long necks, deep resonance, expanded range, and indescribable music written by none other than Fernando Sor father of the classical guitar!
I was the first up to perform as a guest guitarist in the Primal Twang production. It was a great opportunity to share what I do on the harp guitar.
While on stage my image was also projected bigger than life on a screen behind me. You could hear a pen drop as the audience went with me on a musical journey!
Andrew York is an exceptional guitarist that is writing some of the most sought after material for the modern classical guitar. Great player even though he only uses six strings!
Guitar legend Doc Watson brought on much cheers and a standing ovation from the audience as he effortlessly made his way around on the guitar and sang. After playing my 20 string he may be looking into getting a harp guitar sometime soon!
Doyle Dykes is high energy and a tremendous crowd pleaser. He played some Chet Atkins style and then proceeded to throw everything that was possible to do on a six string into a series of pieces that left the stage full of smoke (without smoke machines).
Peter Sprauge is the Dr. Seuss of samba guitar! He just flows on stage as he plays while taking you to a magical place that you can only get to with a master guide. His music was pure joy!
Mason Williams performs Classical Gas as if it were the first time. A tremendous showman and great guitarist he helped take the production to a legendary level.
This is the final bow for Primal Twang complete with smoke machines, flood lights, and an amazing cast of guitar legends beside me!
Eric is the most elegant lead guitar player I have ever heard. Here we are having fun playing a duet on one harp guitar!
John Walmsley is perhaps the most versatile guitarist I have ever heard. He can play any style flawlessly! In addition to his guitar work he is part of the Hollywood scene (famous as Jason on the Waltons). I heard him at Primal Twang and was knocked out!
Albert Lee is a legend in country rock guitar. I was in the front row and still couldn't figure out how he got all those notes to come out of the guitar so quickly! He was loads of fun to listen to and very fun to meet.
Richard tours with his Grandfather Doc Watson. I let Richard play my harp guitar and thought he might not ever give it back! He's a great player and I suspect there will be a harp guitar in his future.
Mason Williams and Fred Benedetti were also in Primal Twang. Mason poured on the gas with his "Classical Gas" and Fred played everything from classical to flamenco to jazz impeccably!