David Wilcox at the me & thee coffeehouse (Connor Garvey opens)

Cleveland-born David Wilcox was inspired to play guitar after hearing a fellow college student playing in a stairwell. His lyrical insight is matched by a smooth baritone voice, virtuosic guitar chops, and creative open tunings, giving him a range and tenderness rare in folk music. He released an independent album in 1987, was a winner of the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk award in 1988, and by 1989 he had signed with A&M Records. His first release on the label, 'How Did You Find Me… Show more Here', sold over 100,000 copies the first year largely by word of mouth. Now, 17 albums into a career marked by personal revelation and wildly loyal fans, David continues to find and deliver joy, inspiration, and invention.
Considered a 'songwriter's songwriter', his songs have been covered by artists such as k.d. lang and many others. In addition to his writing prowess, his skills as a performer and storyteller are unmatched. He holds audiences rapt with nothing more than a single guitar, thoroughly written songs, a fearless ability to mine the depths of human emotions of joy, sorrow and everything in between, and all tempered by a quick and wry wit.
Reflecting on well over 20 years of record-making and touring extensively around the US and world, Wilcox says, "Music still stretches out before me like the head-lights of a car into the night. It's way beyond where I am, but it shows where I'm going. I used to think that my goal was to catch up, but now I'm grateful that the music is always going to be way out in front to inspire me."
onnor Garvey's songs are like placing folk-funk guitar & ukulele, soulful vocals, and paradoxical metaphors in an electric juicer- you've never tasted it before, but its intriguing and delectable so you have to keep drinking. His clever, rhythmic string foundations provide a background for his most prominent instrument, his voice. His songs draw the attention of the entire room with humor, daring honesty, and grace through "a universal message that people can grab hold to just the kind of thing I needed." (Dennis Bigelow-Music Director of KRFC-FM) It is this conection with his audience that makes Garvey wonderfully successful in his live performances where he invites the them to share in the beauty of the moment- the shared night of music.
"Garvey's sandy tenor, attention to rhythmic detail and winsome way with a melody bring to mind the music of Paul Simon in his Rhymin Simon days as well as contemporaries Josh Ritter and Jason Mraz" writes music blog Direct Current. The entertainment publication The Portland Phoenix describes Garvey's style as "Martin Sexton-ish jangle-funk, Mraz-y confessionals, and a very clear voice." Time and again he is heralded for his unique voice, approach, and ability to connect with the listener- qualities that are necessary for a long career.

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