In the acoustic guitar world today, Jacques Stotzem is one of the 'fingerstyle' guitarists with the most diversified style. Born in 1959 in Verviers, the Belgian guitarist has recorded 12 CD's and is high up on the list for fans of the acoustic guitar. Readers of the influential German acoustic guitar magazine 'Akustik Gitarre' have likened Stotzem to artists such as Leo Kottke, Paco de Lucia, Neil Young and Keb' Mo'.
That's not really astonishing. His unique and higly refined playing style combines a well-developed melodic sense with a rare dynamic approach to the instrument that speaks directly to the listener. Jacques, unlike many guitar players today, possesses an in-depth sense of harmonic knowledge, which is evident throughout his compsitions. All of this is cemented together by his perfect command of the instrument and by his optimistic personality.
Jacques Stotzem has become a regular guest of European and American festivals and is often invited for tours in Japan, China or Taiwan. Since 2006, the famous American guitar company 'Martin Guitar', produces an 'OMC Jacques Stotzem Custom Signature Model', a dream for every guitar player, a consecration for Jacques. In 2009, his CD 'Cath the Spirit' entered the Belgian pop charts and stayed for 43 weeks. His guitar-playing colleague Larry Coryell described Jacques as follows: 'What he plays is pure music. As an instrument he uses the guitar, which he knows very, very well.'
We are happy to welcome Jacques Stotzem for the second time in Switzerland for a clinic tour. He will present the new Martin Performing Artist Series as well as his own signature guitar. Of course: He will tell you all the secrets about playing the acoustic guitar...!
