Community Corner
Munro Entertains Pearl River Audience With Unique Guitar Style
Guitar player Doug Munroe performed Sunday at Pearl River Public Library
Doug Munro presented an eclectic guitar recital Sunday in the Pearl River Public Library. A professor of jazz studies at Purchase College, Munro immediately won over the audience with his free-flowing style.
Although he performed alone, Munro used foot pedals attached to an amp to generate feedback, giving the sound of multiple performers. It’s a process known as looping, which took Munro over a year to perfect.
He was also able to incorporate percussion into his performance. Munro’s chambered solid-body guitar allows him to tap his instrument like a drum, a technique he effectively used throughout the performance.
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Munro spoke informally between pieces, explaining his inspiration and development as a musician. He noted how this style evolved after moving upstate.
“I was in a new town and didn’t know any other musicians. So I learned how to play all the parts myself,” Munro said to the audience. “Now I’m able to go around and do these crazy concerts.”
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He credits his diversity for his sustained success. While he has a large collection of songs in his repertoire, Munro doesn’t decide which tunes he’ll perform until he gets to know the venue and the audience.
On Sunday, he selected a mix of standard and original compositions, each inspired by a different Bible verse. Highlights included Curtis Mayfield’s People Get Ready, Mason Williams’ Classical Gas, Chick Corea’s Spain, and a medley of songs by The Beatles. Munro also performed his own original compositions Static in the Attic, Joy, and The Journey. Towards the end of the performance, Munro pleased the audience with his rendition of Amazing Grace, in which he used looping to imitate the sound of bagpipes.
Munro’s variety of music and unique approach to performance delighted the crowd. Lori Brodersen traveled from Milford, PA to attend the recital.
“He’s so innovative, and I love his looping and how he uses his guitar as a drum,” Brodersen said. “He’s such a versatile, great musician.”
For more information on Doug Munro, including his latest CD, Alone But Not Alone, visit his website, www.dougmunro.com
