John Dorsch from Rideau Ferry is a talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist with a lifelong passion for music. As a teenager, he experimented with using pennies to slow down his vinyl records, seeking to capture "that sound" on his Les Paul guitar. This led him to discover influential bands such as Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and The Beatles. Over the course of 45 years, John honed his skills on both electric and acoustic guitar, as well as drums.His musical journey took an exciting turn when he discovered Fingerstyle guitar, inspired by mentor Tommy Emmanuel and influenced by the likes of Jerry Reed and Merle Travis. The challenge of creating a different sound by manipulating the strings exhilarated John, and he delved into acoustic duets, stepping into the role of lead singer.John's deep connection to his local music scene led him to shift gears from playing lead electric guitar in bands to focusing on acoustic fingerstyle and electric guitar. His wife, Dani, now accompanies him in live performances, adding African Djembe drum beats and percussion while blending harmonious vocals. Together, their motto is "Let's put smiles on faces!"Based in Ottawa Valley, Ontario, Canada, John has spent most of his life in the region and considers the Rideau Lakes area his home. The serene summer nights and the haunting call of loons, combined with his winter travels around the world, serve as great inspirations for his songwriting. Writing, recording, and promoting his original music are his primary focuses.Exciting news awaits as John proudly announces the upcoming release of his first full-length album, "Elevation," on July 14th, 2023. This 15-song collection features a blend of fingerstyle instrumentals, pop, and rock songs with captivating melodies. The entire album was recorded in John's personal studio, with mastering done at Little Bullorn Studios in Ottawa.John's musical style is unique, blending Fingerstyle, Jazz, Pop, and Rock influences to create a sound that is rarely duplicated. His collection of instruments includes an autographed Tommy Emmanuel 2018 CGP Maton "808" acoustic, a 2018 Gibson J45 acoustic, a Manouche "Django" Gypsy Jazz acoustic, a Gold Tone "Paul Beard" Resonator acoustic, a 2013 Custom Fender Telecaster, and a 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom electric guitar.Currently, John performs live as part of an acoustic duo, where he sings and plays acoustic guitars, while Dani provides harmonies and accompanies him on the djembe drum and other percussion instruments. They have found success performing at various indoor and outdoor venues, including restaurants, patios, and pubs. Their repertoire encompasses popular rock and pop hits, fingerstyle arrangements, and original compositions.

https://johndorschmusic.com/