Billy Rogan

"Billy Rogan is one of those rare acoustic guitarists who is open to
learning all styles and incorporating them into his original
compositions. He is on the track to become one of the pioneers of
acoustic guitar. His melodic sense is strong and he's not afraid to
experiment with rhythms and textures."

- Al Petteway, Grammy Winning Guitarist and Composer (to doc. films
created by Lifetime Emmy Award Winner, Ken Burns)


Billy Rogan is a well-versed guitarist known mostly for his
instrumental acoustic work whose influences include the styles and
techniques of similar prominent guitarists such as Michael Hedges, Leo
Kottke, Keller Williams and Kaki King. His shifting rhythms and
melodies reflect a soulful and fiery connection conjured out through
his battle hardened guitar in an all-encompassing execution of
dramatic fingerstyle tap guitar and other aggressive hand techniques
described by Grammy nominated Americana forefather and Fender
Telecaster guitar god, Bill Kirchen as, "Fearsome."

Rogan's music has been featured on NPR, PBS, Sirius Radio as well as
chosen for The American Society of Composers and Publishing (ASCAP)
main web page for their highly-acclaimed "Audio Portrait" series,
which gives listeners unique insight into the creative process, as
told by the writers themselves. His solo acoustic technique has led
him to work alongside acclaimed artists in the music industry, opening
for Grammy nominated musicians such as jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, and
most recently with Bill Kirchen.

Rogan first began traveling from his home state of PA to New York City
performing small evening shows at local venues, large scale corporate
events at Terminal 5 and private performances where Good Morning
America Producer, Brandon Bodow stated, "Billy’s original music is
absolutely captivating. As a producer for GMA, I have had the
opportunity to work with a variety of top musicians, but few can
create such drama in their music.” Rogan also filled his days during
his first few years living in the city even by performing the subways
after auditioning for MTA's Music Under New York Arts for Transit
program. He continued honing his craft attending workshops with
prominent guitarists such as Al Petteway - Grammy winning
guitarist/composer for Emmy lifetime achievement winning director, Ken
Burns' documentaries, Tim Reynolds of The Dave Matthews Band, blues
great Toby Walker, Patrick Sweany, Gospel Blues legend Spencer Bohren,
popular ragtime/blues guitarist Roy Book Binder and New York City's
open mic night scene, most notably Jim Caruso's Cast Party at The
Birdland, where he still can be found performing and sharpening his
skills.

The mesmerizing music and guitar performance abilities
that Rogan creates is further described by The American Society of
Composers and Publishing as, "sweeping sounds of altered tunings with the drama of finger-tapping and other aggressive hand techniques. The result is
music that is evocative and atmospheric.". This allows Rogan to
capture and astound all ages in any setting, from performances at
Summer concert jam band scenes, large theaters/performing arts venues,
house concerts, as well as guitar clinics and educational workshops.

Now residing in Woodstock, NY, Rogan continues to travel and entertain performing arts venues, concert halls, museums and house concerts throughout the East Coast, and also working with film and multimedia background features, such as, most recently, with The Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase videos placed in Acoustic Guitar Magazine

QUOTES:

"Billy is a fearsome picker, although picker doesn't do justice to
what he does with and to the guitar. Catch him live if at all
possible, and see what one dangerous man armed only with a guitar can
do"

- Bill Kirchen, Grammy nominated guitarist singer/songwriter of
Commander Cody. Referred to as the "The Titan of The Telecaster"

"Billy, I am floored by what you do. I had the pleasure of seeing
Michael Hedges several times, meeting and talking with him. He was
taken way before his time. You're carrying the torch brilliantly."

- Eric Bazilian, Grammy winning singer/songwriter

"If you like groove, percussion and a fresh take on the acoustic
guitar listen to Billy Rogan. His influences range from Michael Hedges
to Ravi Shankar to the Grateful Dead...I like what he's into!"

- Adam Rafferty, Acclaimed Guitarist/Composer/youtube sensation