Don Ross — Afraid to Dance
Album: Masters of Acoustic GuitarsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1075
Length: 3:13
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(Instrumental)
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Yay! I love Don Ross. I saw him a bunch of times in Toronto back in the 80s/90s, both solo and with the Harbord Trio. (Sadly the other members of the trio, Don’s first wife Kelly McGowan and fiddler Oliver Schroer, have passed away). As well as being a superb ‘picker’, he’s also a super nice and genuine guy. I used to have his song Groovy Sunflowers as my answering machine message, you know back when answering machines were a thing.
I would have guessed this was Michael Hedges... Excellent guitar work
mread wrote:
What the heck? Frets, nut and bridge — all not parallel.
The guitar in the Wikipedia pic appears to be a "Super Jumbo" model by Canadian luthier Marc Beneteau: http://www.beneteauguitars.com/new-index-2#/super-jumbo
The "not parallel" configuration is called the "fan fret system" on his website. It would be fun to try it out, but them custom guitars are pricey!
What the heck? Frets, nut and bridge — all not parallel.
The guitar in the Wikipedia pic appears to be a "Super Jumbo" model by Canadian luthier Marc Beneteau: http://www.beneteauguitars.com/new-index-2#/super-jumbo
The "not parallel" configuration is called the "fan fret system" on his website. It would be fun to try it out, but them custom guitars are pricey!
jimtyrrell wrote:
If she is as good of a picker as Don Ross, then I'd like to hear her stuff on here!
How does RP find these awesome players? Rebecca is great picker.
If she is as good of a picker as Don Ross, then I'd like to hear her stuff on here!
I've been hanging outside Bill's radio station for a long time. This is a new one for me... sweet!
Don Ross
He is the only person to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship twice (1988 and 1996
He is the only person to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship twice (1988 and 1996
NeilBlanchard wrote:
That is weird. It looks like the bass strings are longer, and the treble strings are shorter, so either a different tuning, or the strings can be at a lower tension?
It's a "fan-fret" guitar.
That is weird. It looks like the bass strings are longer, and the treble strings are shorter, so either a different tuning, or the strings can be at a lower tension?
It's a "fan-fret" guitar.
mread wrote:
What the heck? Frets, nut and bridge — all not parallel.
That is weird. It looks like the bass strings are longer, and the treble strings are shorter, so either a different tuning, or the strings can be at a lower tension?
What the heck? Frets, nut and bridge — all not parallel.
That is weird. It looks like the bass strings are longer, and the treble strings are shorter, so either a different tuning, or the strings can be at a lower tension?
jimtyrrell wrote:
I see what you did there. Nicely done.
How does RP find these awesome players? Rebecca is great picker.
I see what you did there. Nicely done.
What the heck? Frets, nut and bridge — all not parallel.
How does RP find these awesome players? Rebecca is great picker.
I overrated it but I love it. Probably not so great for a really close listen but this and the Danny Gatton are nice changes from the mopey teenage love anthems I get on the student station. Thanks Bill. Aw.. so you follow with Sinead....lol.
Enough already!
too repetitive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Burnhead wrote:
Oh yeah, Tommy Emmanuel is a genius, at the top with Michael Hedges
Very engaging. If you like this then try Tommy Emmanuel, one of the finest acoustic guitar players around. You tube 12 bar blues in the key of e. Pure showmanship.
Oh yeah, Tommy Emmanuel is a genius, at the top with Michael Hedges
Wizzuvvoz wrote:
Guitar slapping, or "percussive guitar" techniques have been utilized by guitarists for hundreds of years, particularly by flamenco players.
?
Pretty cool sound, the acoustic as rhythm. One of Gabriela's (of R and G) trademarks
Pretty cool sound, the acoustic as rhythm. One of Gabriela's (of R and G) trademarks
Guitar slapping, or "percussive guitar" techniques have been utilized by guitarists for hundreds of years, particularly by flamenco players.
Don Ross strolls around the stage like he owns it, which he does, I guess. He has mellowed a tich since he remarried. (BTW his wife is no slouch on the guitar either).
Some of his students have won pickin' prizes too. One of them is to be found here. Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to identify the player.
In short, Don R is the real deal.
PS “Nobody does what Don does with an acoustic guitar. He takes the corners so fast you think he’s going to roll!” – Bruce Cockburn
PPS If you prefer something more melodic, here you go:-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKupfayqB00You should never be afraid to dance.... 
If this guy practices hard he'll be pretty damm good one day
Very engaging. If you like this then try Tommy Emmanuel, one of the finest acoustic guitar players around. You tube 12 bar blues in the key of e. Pure showmanship.
morePremier great guitar !
Thanks for playing Don Ross he's great !
Love to hear Jimmy Wahlsteen also!
Love to hear Jimmy Wahlsteen also!
fran_tarkenton wrote:
..oddly, "that's what she said", too..she's one smart cookie..
Stay calm
Be Brave
Watch for the signs!
Be Brave
Watch for the signs!
..oddly, "that's what she said", too..she's one smart cookie..
mrdak wrote:
"That's what she said!"
The mans got some wonderful fingers 
"That's what she said!"
The mans got some wonderful fingers
Stay calm
Be Brave
Watch for the signs!
Be Brave
Watch for the signs!
"In 2010 Ross is now a Dalhousie University professor teaching history of guitar and techniques, while still travelling extensively for music."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Ross_(guitarist)
"Afraid to Dance?" Not with this acoustic boogie in the background!
ashbyman wrote:
Had to search back to 2005 in the comments to see if anyone else thought that Ani DiFranco must have been heavily influenced by Don Ross' technique. I've never heard of him, but I'm keen to hear and learn more.
Bad ass, never heard of Mr. Ross, but I'm predisposed to like anything that comes in with that percussive Hedges/Ani D. slap the acoustic guitar technique.
What will make me like an instrumental is if the player as any sense of groove. This is all about groove, excellent.
What will make me like an instrumental is if the player as any sense of groove. This is all about groove, excellent.
Had to search back to 2005 in the comments to see if anyone else thought that Ani DiFranco must have been heavily influenced by Don Ross' technique. I've never heard of him, but I'm keen to hear and learn more.
Stingray wrote:
Um yeah, that would not be a problem you can relate to.
Dude, I'd gladly be a perfectionist if it would get me playing like this. Sign me up.
HAAAATE this perfectiionists!!!
Um yeah, that would not be a problem you can relate to.
Dude, I'd gladly be a perfectionist if it would get me playing like this. Sign me up.
Stingray wrote:
Since when has this been a 'ROCK-STATION'?
WHAT IS THAT?
WHAT DOES IT DO ON A ROCK-STATION?
HAAAATE this perfectiionists!!!
WHAT DOES IT DO ON A ROCK-STATION?
HAAAATE this perfectiionists!!!
Since when has this been a 'ROCK-STATION'?
WHAT IS THAT?
WHAT DOES IT DO ON A ROCK-STATION?
HAAAATE this perfectiionists!!!
WHAT DOES IT DO ON A ROCK-STATION?
HAAAATE this perfectiionists!!!
Love to hear this guy and Bruce Cockburn jam it out. I like it and off to learn more.
Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:
Agreed!
Very nice!
Agreed!
This is a great example of a song I would give high marks for talent and musicianship but overall I'm not crazy about. Songs like this I often don't rate.
AdyMiles wrote:
How old are you........ 10? This guy is a master...
Don't get me wrong.... his use of harmonics, along with his rythmic patterns can be somewhat repeticious, but annoying?.... I think not. He plays from his soul.
this is just SO annoying and predictable. couldn't wait for it to end!
How old are you........ 10? This guy is a master...
Don't get me wrong.... his use of harmonics, along with his rythmic patterns can be somewhat repeticious, but annoying?.... I think not. He plays from his soul.this is just SO annoying and predictable. couldn't wait for it to end!
deadmessengers wrote:
Pretty cool sound, the acoustic as rhythm. One of Gabriela's (of R and G) trademarks
Whoa, is he SLAPPING on an acoustic guitar? Freaky...
?Pretty cool sound, the acoustic as rhythm. One of Gabriela's (of R and G) trademarks
Very nice!
Not too shabby...reminds me of Andy McKee's stuff. Actually, according to Wikipedia, Andy lists Don as one of his influences...they even did an album together.
Slap it baby - keep that good music commin' Bill
Whoa, is he SLAPPING on an acoustic guitar? Freaky...
It's turning out to be a good day here on RP. Lovin' the mix so far.
Crap- I've heard about this guy and I just missed it. Play it again soon,SamG. (Sam Goldsmith, not Sam Gamgee)
Sweet! :-)
healyf52 wrote:
I think this is very good - and the first person I thought of was Preston Reed also. I wish Preston would get approved here on RP. He is amazing.
I think Preson Reed is way better than this guy. This guy sounds like he could be one of Preston's advanced students.
I think this is very good - and the first person I thought of was Preston Reed also. I wish Preston would get approved here on RP. He is amazing.
Don Ross calls his music "Heavy Wood" and the live version is identical.
At the last concert I saw, an intent front row would-be guitarist was so distraught by the DADGAD and other unusual tunings that his request was for "anything in C"
By the way, he's won the American Freestyle Guitar title (twice, I think).
At the last concert I saw, an intent front row would-be guitarist was so distraught by the DADGAD and other unusual tunings that his request was for "anything in C"
By the way, he's won the American Freestyle Guitar title (twice, I think).
olsaltybastard wrote:
Never heard this before, but would certainly like to hear it again. Very nice work!!
Me too!
healyf52 wrote:
I think Preston Reed is way better than this guy. This guy sounds like he could be one of Preston's advanced students.
It's funny you say that because I thought of Preston as soon as I heard this. I tried uploading Preston Reed - Slap Funk but it didn't make it.
I think Preson Reed is way better than this guy. This guy sounds like he could be one of Preston's advanced students.
Definitely *not* afraid to dance...my foot keeps on tapping. Thanks! :)
Man, this is sooooo white.
talibanismurder wrote:
Who died so young?
Hedges. The sentence structure was weak, if not lame but its in there.
He was 43 at the time of his death.
YourNameHere wrote:
One of the best parts of RP is hearing all these great guitarists. Thanks to RP I've bought Don Ross "Passion Session", Michael Hedges "Beyond Boundaries", Alex De Grassi "A Windham Hill Retrospective" and most recently Phil Keaggy's "Beyond Nature".
As someone who grew up on Kottke I was thrilled to hear other musicians of his caliber. Hedges in particular (though like Kottke not a gifted singer) was unbelievable. It doesn't seem fair someone with so much talent could die so young.
Who died so young?
this is just sick. NASTY even.
One of the best parts of RP is hearing all these great guitarists. Thanks to RP I've bought Don Ross "Passion Session", Michael Hedges "Beyond Boundaries", Alex De Grassi "A Windham Hill Retrospective" and most recently Phil Keaggy's "Beyond Nature".
As someone who grew up on Kottke I was thrilled to hear other musicians of his caliber. Hedges in particular (though like Kottke not a gifted singer) was unbelievable. It doesn't seem fair someone with so much talent could die so young.
Never heard this before, but would certainly like to hear it again. Very nice work!!
jablan wrote:
WOW. Thank -you- for this link. I was blown away by the audio, and watching him do his thing was just icing on the cake. That's some smooth talent there.
Well, I've heard lots of Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke, and other Don Ross tunes, but this is one of my favorite songs by any of them. Fantastic!
I have this song on a comp. CD from 10 years ago and would never have expected someone to know it besides me (I have *never* run into anyone who knew Don Ross or "Afraid to Dance").
So imagine my surprise to hear it this AM - I almost got teary-eyed. Thank you, RP!
So imagine my surprise to hear it this AM - I almost got teary-eyed. Thank you, RP!
Man Yeah! Another guitarist almost as good as Chuck Norris. Why isn't this guy famous?
Virtuoso, sure, but boring IMO.
This guy is great! How is it that I never heard of him before?
Another great artist brought to my attention by RP!
Wow.
Another to add to the must-have list...
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!
Who knew Leo Keotte (SP?) had a little brother?
If interested, there is a Montana guitarist who plays in this style --- John Floridis. He puts on a great live performance.
If you like this tune, look for the album The Art of Fingerstyle Guitar.
Damn! This makes me want to cry and snap the neck on my 5 guitars ...each of which I can't play half as good as this guy.
(It does sound like Michael Hedges)
Very Good Drummer...oooo.....I'm Drunk!?!phineas wrote:
beelzebubba wrote:
What maroon! Idiot Statement of the Year Award!
Huh? My thoughts matched beelzebubba's, but I don't know if for the same reason.
Technically this is great, but I miss the virtuousity of say John Williams.
It's all just nice background music to me. No urge to move with it's flow.
Not bad. But I've heard better.
What maroon! Idiot Statement of the Year Award!Wicked, wicked, wicked
It sounds as though he's got more than 6 strings on that instrument, and playing it with a kind of bass-style slap technique.
Impressive and as someone said below still funky without getting lost in the technical virtuosity.
Adds up to a cool sound.
As someone who started his professional liife playing guitar - I rate it an 8 - might go up if I hear it again!
How does he do it??? :D:D:D
And, as opposed to many other (boring) guitar acrobatics, this actually still sounds good.
Chair Boogie!!! \:D/
Great choice Bill ! I went to see Don Ross a few years back. What an awesome guitar player ! You would swear there was about four guitars playing... when it's only him on stage. He sometimes plays a custom made seven string guitar. All I can say is WOW ! Go see him if he comes to your town !
Don provides private guitar lessons as well. Though, as mentioned on his website ((click here)) they're on hiatus due to heavy touring.
The owner of the Music shop here in Whitehorse, Yukon studied under Don for some time (he has family up here). Some very interesting and unique techniques. Natural Harmonics, and tapping.
If you get a chance, listen to some of the stuff Justin King does with an acoustic guitar. You have to see it for yourself to believe it... a larrive promotional video can be seen here (click here)
Awesome! More Please...
Very reminiscent of Preston Reed.
Some people can just play guitar better than others......
A lot better.
gregorbill wrote:
Absolutely undeniable chops, but the composition seems to go nowhere. I'd like to hear other tracks from him to see what his other writing is like.
I would have to agree with that, but it is still interesting to listen to. Where have all of these guitar tappers come from? Last time I checked, Hedges was the primary innovator of that style - but maybe Leo Kottke before him. Don Ross is interesting, but he needs to expand on that song a bit.
GIMME MORE GUITAR! :goodvibes:
This guy is amazing! Thanks, Bill! 
Bad ass, never heard of Mr. Ross, but I'm predisposed to like anything that comes in with that percussive Hedges/Ani D. slap the acoustic guitar technique.
What will make me like an instrumental is if the player as any sense of groove. This is all about groove, excellent.
YIKES! Who IS this guy? Thought it was Michael Hedges, then Kottke, but mmmmmm, me likey Don.
Whos' this guitar virtuoso I had not heard of before? Thank you again, Bill.
Dave_Mack wrote:
I was just thinking that I would have to add this to my list of fantastic acoustic players like Michael Hedges, Jorma Kaukonen and Leo Kottke, when Bill followed this up with...Leo Kottke! Excellent stuff, my friends.
And he has again...yehaaa
more of this!! great stuff. 
My eye jumped and I read Diana Ross for a moment.
beelzebubba wrote: What maroon! Idiot Statement of the Year Award!
Not bad. But I've heard better.
What maroon! Idiot Statement of the Year Award!
now that's just plain 'ol great guitar-i-ness.. 
Nice!
What a surpise! Cool the first time around - even better the second.
Nice series, Bill... first Di Meola, then Kottke, and now this cut. I've not heard Don Ross before, but I like what I heard on this song.
Absolutely undeniable chops, but the composition seems to go nowhere. I'd like to hear other tracks from him to see what his other writing is like.
the_jake Likes IT!
Tasty!
I was just thinking that I would have to add this to my list of fantastic acoustic players like Michael Hedges, Jorma Kaukonen and Leo Kottke, when Bill followed this up with...Leo Kottke! Excellent stuff, my friends.
I like this better than Kottke, mainly because I much prefer the sound of a 6 string to a 12 string guitar.
zen and the art of finding the right fretPassion Sessions was one of the first fingerpicking discs I ever checked out (along with Michael Hedges and Billy McLaughlin), and it's still one I pull out from time to time. Just amazing.
Personally, I like him better than Leo Kottke for the lack of lyrics...when I want to hear guitar, who needs singing? But hey, they're all good in my book.
Originally Posted by beelzebubba:
Not bad. But I've heard better.
Well, excuuuuuuuse me...
Not bad. But I\'ve heard better.
Now I\'ll be spending all night trying to find my copy of this CD. The whole CD is really good. :)
Originally Posted by digitalRonin:
Must be hard to go through life with (at least) four hands!
So with Leo Kottke there would be 8 hands !
Must be hard to go through life with (at least) four hands!
Wow
Yay! I love Don Ross. I saw him a bunch of times in Toronto back in the 80s/90s, both solo and with the Harbord Trio. (Sadly the other members of the trio, Don’s first wife Kelly McGowan and fiddler Oliver Schroer, have passed away). As well as being a superb ‘picker’, he’s also a super nice and genuine guy. I used to have his song Groovy Sunflowers as my answering machine message, you know back when answering machines were a thing.
Wait, what? Answering machines are no longer a thing?