Local Guitar Wizard Releases Album

GUITAR wizard Bruce Mathiske will perform two shows in the region over the next fortnight to launch the release of his new album Live In Ireland. For years, Newcastle-based Mathiske has been touring the world with his Australian-built guitar playing bass, rhythm and melody simultaneously to packed houses.

This year he celebrates a decade of touring the Emerald Isle and marked the feat by recording and releasing the album Live In Ireland. Featuring his usual solo guitar virtuosity and also his combo on bass and percussion, the album has struck a chord with Acoustic Guitar Magazine , which described it as ``powerful and addictive''.

Some tracks are more band- oriented, incorporating his combo Roots In Rhythm on percussion and bass while others blend Latin American, African and Mediterranean flavours.

Mathiske will launch the album at Maitland Town Hall on Saturday night and at Newcastle Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, August 6.

Bookings to both shows can be made by calling 4947 7443.