An interview with classical guitarist, Alec Holcomb & engineer/producer, Dave Martin from Sweetwater Studios
This Zoom interview features the brilliant classical guitarist, Alec Holcomb and Sweetwater Studios engineer/producer, Dave Martin. Mark Rivett talks to the guys about the recent recording of Alec's new album, ALBÉNIZ : ESPAÑA - SUITE ESPAÑOLA NO. 1, which was recorded at Sweetwater Studios. Recognizable by his effortless, fluid style and stimulating musical statements, Alec has earned increasing notoriety as one of today’s emerging young guitarists. With a distinctive technique fueling new and impactful interpretations, he has been described as “a strong musical personality” with “the right blend of virtuosity, spirit, and whimsy.” Alec’s interpretive influences range all styles and eras of music, bringing fresh and innovative ideas to some of the guitar’s most popular repertoire.
Alec’s musical education began at the age of six, when his father began to teach him the guitar. The guitar, in many different styles, had been in the family for generations. His grandfather was an accomplished bluegrass guitarist, and his father played in rock and funk bands in his youth, until coming across the classical guitar as an avid hobbyist.
Alec has had the privilege to learn from many accomplished musicians. Through his high school years, Alec studied with Dr. Andrew Zohn (Columbus State University). Alec completed his undergraduate degree at the Curtis Institute of Music (2017), under the guidance of both David Starobin and Jason Vieaux. Recently, Alec finished his Master’s degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (2020), while studying with Judicaël Perroy.
Alec has found success in many competitions through the years, and was most recently a finalist in the GFA International Concert Artist Competition (2019) and the Parkening International Guitar Competition (2019). Additionally, In 2019, Alec released his first album of original transcriptions of two suites for piano, written by the Spanish composer, Isaac Albéniz. This album can be found on all major streaming services.
