Doug Kwartler

Bio

Beep, "Hey Doug Kwartler, Bruce Hornsby calling." About a month earlier, Kwartler had sent his own version of Hornsby's "On the Western Skyline" to the legendary songwriter's manager who promised to get it to him. The recording, which landed on Kwartler's latest release, is a more organic version, featuring a laid-back tempo, plaintive vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle and a low-key piano. Hornsby had called to leave the message on Dougâ s answering machine, adding that they hadn't played the song in years and that he was taken with Doug's version, saying, "...I like your version, I might play it like you play it Doug...thanks for the revitalization of the tune..." n September of 2007 New York City based songwriter / producer, Doug Kwartler released All Sides, a sprawling double cd and his 3rd solo disc on his own Hollow Body Records. The record features two parts, disc 1, called "Just About To Die" features traditional folk, bluegrass and jazz arrangements, while disc 2, "Strong" jumps with classic rock formations and also quiet singer / songwriter acoustic ballads. Freight Train Boogie.com named it a top 10 cd of 2007, writing: â the same intelligence and detail that has always marked Kwartler's songwriting is evident in abundance. There's not a superfluous song to be found. Doug is a regular on the NYC music scene playing venues such as: The Living Room, Cornelia St. Café, The Mercury Lounge, the Baggot Inn and more. Doug Kwartler's musical initiation was filled with the enduring storytelling of Bruce Springsteen, the in-your-face folk-rock of Tom Petty and the rockabilly twang of Brian Setzer. He began playing guitar at age 15. Soon, other guitarists like Keith Richards and Pete Townshend would influence his style. Then in 1984 Doug's older brother brought home Born in the USA. "Springsteen has been the most influential artist on me as a songwriter.â Additional influences Doug sites are Tom Petty, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Jay Farrar, Jackson Browne, Woody Guthrie, Bruce Hornsby and more. In addition to being a songwriter and performer, Doug is also a highly respected producer, working out of his own Hollow Body Studios on Long Island, NY. He has produced and recorded dozens of artists both from the New York area and artists from as far away as Nashville, TN. For 5 years, Kwartler led the roots-rock band, Foundry. The band released two albums, World Rattles 'Round, and Give Me A Reason To Live, both receiving critical acclaim and selling internationally.

INFLUENCES

Springsteen, Dylan, Cash, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Lucinda Williams, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, U2, The Who, Beatles, Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, Brian Setzer...more...