by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
For fun, Don Casper put together an all-star classic guitar quartet to play an eclectic selection of genres from classical to country. He never dreamed it would be popular. But after starting the group last year, Don has been booking steady gigs and the group has caught on with diverse audiences. Now he’s having a website constructed and the quartet is a viable commercial entity. Go figure. After the group’s two-hour show last Thursday at European Street, I asked Don to tell me about the evolution of the group.
“I put the group together after only five phone calls. It wasn’t hard, because I only knew six people who could play at this level of artistry. We had a blast rehearsing and did a few weddings and corporate gigs that went well. Then we had a few small concerts and decided that we would pursue some commercial gigs. The group consists of me (Don Casper), David Gall, Brent Bevis, and Kent Smedley.”
“As for me, I have a degree in humanities with a minor in music. I studied jazz guitar with Gary Starling, Robert Conti, Ted Greene, and while at UNF, with Jack Peterson. I then studied classical guitar on and off and I’m now working with Dr. Robinson who teaches at Stetson. I run guitar programs at LaVilla School of The Arts and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.
“Brent Bevis has a degree in classical guitar from FSU, under the direction of Bruce Holtzman. Brent also plays rock guitar and performs around town in rock bands. David Gall has a degree from JU where he was a guitar and composition major. His arrangements have been recorded by internationally known artists. He also plays the Lute and teaches guitar full time.
“Kent Smedley is our newest member. He replaced Steve Flakus, who moved to Oregon. Kent is a quick study. I was impressed with how fast he learned the music. Kent has a very successful studio where he teaches privately and he is an awesome heavy metal player.
“I believe it is our diverse backgrounds that will benefit our sound and keep us growing. We all learn new things from each other, and there are no egos getting in the way of the music. We are planning to record a CD this summer and add some arrangements of our own,” Don said.
While listening to Don and Co. perform, I was mesmerized by this four-piece classical music ensemble. Don presented a variety of music, from obscure composers to Scott Joplin’s ‘Ragtime Dance,’ which his students call the “ice cream song.” Having four guitars allows for intricate counterpoint in the arrangements. For serious guitar aficionados, this was a rare and enjoyable trip into the subtle nylon string sounds that capture the true essence of the guitar.
During the show, David Gall and Kent Smedley played solo segments that were also engrossing. Of course, I’ve known Davie Gall since back in the old Homestead Studio era, 27 years ago, when he was playing in legendary new wave bands like The Great Invisibles. I have some great road stories about David, but they are strictly classified.
With the airwaves saturated with electric guitar based rock, it’s a special treat to hear real guitarists who have mastered the art of classical guitar. I’ve known and admired Don for years, and his Great Guitar Gathering every February is one of my favorite events. Don is moving the GGG to the Florida Theatre, Feb. 22, 2008. I’m very excited about that development and his guest artists, which are always the most admired guitar avatars in the business.
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EU Critic’s Choice Awards
