VIKI GENFAN

Viki Genfan in concert

Biography

Drawing from folk, jazz, pop, soul and world music, Vicki Genfan is redefining ‘singer/songwriter culture.’ With a mastery of the acoustic guitar that borders on pure alchemy, audiences are mesmerized by the waves of sound Vicki creates with just two hands and her voice. Using 29 alternate tunings and the percussive technique she calls 'slap-tap', you'll find the addition of her pure, expressive vocals that dig deep and stir the heart to be the perfect accompaniment on many of her songs.

Vicki has been recognized among the world’s greatest guitarists and musicians at festivals such as The International Montreal Jazz Festival, Germany’s Open Strings Guitar Festival, Italy’s Soave Guitar Festival, as well as at venues and Performing Arts Centers across the US and abroad. In 2005 she was one of the featured artists on 'La Guitara', the first compilation CD featuring female guitarists from around the globe, released by Vanguard Records. With several additional ground-breaking recordings behind her, recent acquisitions of the 6 string banjo, 12 string and baritone guitars, high demand at clinics and music camps and an ongoing European presence, Vicki continues to reach beyond musical borders and into new territory.

Discography

  • UnCovered (2008)
  • Up Close and Personal (2006)
  • La Guitara (2005)
  • Vicki Genfan - Live (2003)
  • Outside the Box (2001)

Performance Highlights

Perhaps Vicki's most celebrated award came in the form of first prize in the 2008 Guitar Player Magazine's 'Guitar Superstar' Competition. Judged by guitar idols, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Elliot Easton, George Lynch and Brendan Smalls, here's what Jim Fusilli of the Wall Street Journal had to say about her win:

"It's a stunning victory, a barrier shattered. Guitar Player is a male-dominated domain -- the only photo of a woman musician at work in the current issue is a microscopic shot of bassist Rachel Haden with her back to the camera. The magazine is often a tribute to speed, power, volume and gear. Ms. Genfan plays an acoustic guitar without effects."

Viki Genfan's web site
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