Doug Spears
Blending elements of contemporary folk, Americana, bluegrass, country and folk rock, Doug Spears produces a sound that is fresh and new, yet immediately familiar. Painting lyrical images set to memorable melodies, delivered with a warm, unique guitar style and powered by rich vocals Doug is an east coast favorite at festivals, folk clubs, house concerts and listening rooms.
A seasoned performer, Spears has invested more than 30 years developing his distinctive craft and with each song bite, the rich flavors penetrate the listening palate. Often drawing comparisons to some of the best known and well established artists of the genre Doug has carved a special niche for himself in the folk music world from his native Florida.
A fourth generation Floridian, Doug was born in Leesburg, Florida and his best childhood memories tie back to the farm house his grandfather built just west of Leesburg in the 1920's. He took up the guitar at age 12, learning on an old Gibson J-45 loaned to him by a family friend, and soon began writing his own songs heavily influenced by the wealth of songwriter poets of the time. Doug's song craft has matured into a weaving of lyric portraits. His writing captures the essence of the often joyous though sometimes difficult aspects of our lives and, of his home state, he sings of the unsung and often undiscovered heart of Florida that so few know and appreciate.
In 2005 Spears released his debut CD, Truths & Lies, which received well-deserved praise for its song craft and musicianship. He followed with his 2007 sophomore album, Break Some Stones, a “live in the studio” solo recording. Chosen by Florida Times Union columnist Ron Johnson as his 2007 CD Release of the Year, Break Some Stones showcases Doug just as you’d hear him at a live show. With two new CD projects on the schedule for 2008, one a collection of Doug’s “Florida material” and the other a national release for folk radio, Spears continues to deliver songs with aching depth and enticing aspirations.
Sample Recognition and Awards
Winner of the American Songwriter Magazine Lyrics Contest July / August 2007 - "Break Some Stones" and Honorable Mention Sept / Oct - "Sinner's Song"
Will McLean Award – 1997 Banks of the Old St. Johns, 2008 Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams
Florida Times Union CD of the Year 2007 – Break Some Stones
Billboard World Song Competition 2006 – Honorable Mention Top 500 Songs for each of This Old House, Annie’s Chairs and It Must Be You.
Quotes
". . . a rich earthiness to his playing that recalls that of Gordon Lightfoot and a gruffer James Taylor", Creative Loafing Tampa
"... an impressive combination of economical wordplay and simple, evocative melodies." Jim Abbott, The Orlando Sentinel.
". . . an amazing songwriter!" Marilyn Duncan, Soona Songs, Dallas, Tx.
"Doug Spears . . . [is] an accomplished songwriter , and . . . Truths & Lies, is burnished like an old hardwood floor. . . . With a voice reminiscent of John Denver and a full acoustic backup band, Spears has put out a folk/Americana disc that's as enjoyable for the local storytelling as it is for the musicianship." Bob Whitby - Orlando Weekly.
" . . . definitely a complete artist--voice, guitar, writing, and stage presence all blend seamlessly and comfortably" says Rocco Colello, Colello Promotions, Tampa, Fl.
“His impeccable musicianship, heartfelt songwriting and warm and entertaining stage presence are welcome at Lena's Place anytime!" Steve Wells, Lena's Place Coffeehouse, Atlanta, Ga.
"Lightfoot meets Taylor w/ the smooth vocal delivery of Gene Watson, bravo!" LeAnna Mosely, Music Moonk Music, Virginia.
“Doug’s words and music go straight to the heart and he doesn’t let up, from start to finish.” Ron Johnson, Florida Times Union
". . . it just doesn't get any better than Doug Spears. He is a poet!" Greg Abate, Who’s Next?: A Music Review e-zine, Los Angeles, CA.