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Don RossCanadian guitarist
Date of Birth: 19.11.1960
Country:  Canada |
Content:
Biography of Don Ross
Don Ross, a Canadian guitarist known for his emotional and rich playing style, was born on November 19, 1960, in Montreal, Canada. He is the only person to have won the American National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship twice, in 1988 and 1996. Ross's music incorporates elements of blues, jazz, folk, and classical motifs, creating a style that he himself calls "heavy wood."
Early Life and Education
Ross was born into a Canadian-Scottish family and began his musical journey studying composition at York University in Toronto under the guidance of David Motta, James Tenney, and Phil Werren. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music in 1983, he furthered his studies in philosophy at the Saint-Hyacinthe College and Seminary in Granby, Massachusetts. Ross then resided at the San Damiano Male Monastery in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He later became a novice of the Canadian branch of the Franciscan Monastic Order at St. Francis Monastery in Staten Island, New York.
Music Career
In 1986, Ross produced and released his first album, "Kehewin," which was distributed on cassette tapes. From that moment on, he dedicated all his time to music. In 1986 and 1987, he performed as a duo with his wife, singer Kelly McGowan, and later formed a trio with the addition of violinist Oliver Schroer. During this time, Ross also played in a New Age jazz quartet called "Eye Music" and composed music for several theatrical productions in Toronto. Additionally, he composed music for the CBC radio program "Dead Dog Cafe."
In 1987, several of Ross's compositions were performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The first major recognition came in 1988 when he won the Walnut Valley Festival in the United States after two previous unsuccessful attempts. This victory led to a contract with Duke Street Records, through which Ross released his next two albums, "Bearing Straight" (1989) and "Don Ross" (2000).
Over the next decade, Ross remained active, releasing several music videos, instrumental albums, and a compilation of his nine works. In 2001, his wife Kelly passed away, leaving Ross to raise their children alone. In 2005, he remarried to Brooke Miller, a singer and composer from Prince Edward Island.
Musical Style and Instruments
Ross cites Bruce Cockburn, Leo Kottke, John Renbourn, Pierre Bensusan, Keith Jarrett, Egberto Gismonti, and Pat Metheny as his inspirations. His advanced technique and strong sense of rhythm, combined with unique ideas, make his style instantly recognizable. He often incorporates percussive techniques and intricate fingerpicking patterns with his thumb. In the early years of his career, Ross played the Lowden S-10 guitar but switched to the Lowden O-10 in 1997. These instruments are custom-made for him by Canadian luthier Marc Beneteau from St. Thomas.
