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 enchanting 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.
“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 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
LINKS
video
“Steam Powered”
ASCAP interview (audio)
http://www.ascap.com/audioportraits/r/billy_rogan.aspx