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Simplicity of Denis Skagen and Friends

September 2007

By Tom Stephenson


Dennis Skagen is a local finger style guitarist that plays in the style of Chet Atkins.  Over the past few years, Dennis has been learning how to produce CD’s and recently has released a CD entitled “Simplicity of Dennis Skagen & Friends.”

Dennis said, “The CD is getting some recognition around the world.  It’s being played in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Japan, and in many places in the U.S.    Locally though, there has not been a lot of people that have shown interest yet.”

Dennis belongs to over 230 guitar clubs, and is known as “Canada’s Guitar Player.”   The Internet has allowed him to meet people from all over the world.  Dennis said, “I’ve even been invited to do some work for the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society.  I am overwhelmed and feel honoured by that.”  One of the many contacts he has made is Wander Vieira, a guitar player in Brazil that has a unique style and technique.  Dennis said, “I did some sound work for a CD that Wander has released.”  Readers can visit Wander’s website at http://www.wandervieira.mus.br for more information.

Dennis’ friends are also all accomplished local musicians.  They are Wayne Richards, Len Nevin, Leslie J. Cook, and John McClenaghan.  Their CD contains 10 old style country songs that may be familiar to many Townies readers.  Click on each of the links below to hear a short audio clip from each song:

  1. Petite Waltz – Dennis Skagen
  2. Sho Sho Sho Shelala – Wayne Richards
  3. I Wonder Where You Are Tonight? – Wayne Richards
  4. Algoma Central Country – (written and performed by) Len Nevin
  5. Our Dreams Will Come True – (written and performed by) Len Nevin
  6. Liza – Dennis Skagen
  7. Do You Think of Me? – Leslie J. Cook
  8. Right or Wrong – Leslie J. Cook
  9. Ace in the Hole – John McClenaghan
  10. Only You – John McClenaghan

Dennis said, “As musicians we really need to support each other and we need support from the local public and media to bring success.  Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma have produced some very talented world class musicians.  I’d like to do more of these projects to assist some of those musicians to get their music out to the world.  I’m also working on starting up an online club for independent musicians to use to get their music out there.”

If you like what you hear, you can purchase the CD from Dennis for $20 – including the taxes and shipping by sending a cheque or money order to Dennis Skagen; RR#1, Hwy 552E; Goulais River, Ontario; P0S 1E0.  Dennis can also be contacted via e-mail at denis.skagen@sympatico.ca or by phone at 705-649-2514
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Copyright (c) 2007 by Townies Inc.
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