Reviews for Freestyleguitar
Master of the acoustic guitar. A Texas transplant now living in Charlotte, NC, Nevels is a world- class acoustic guitarist. His style is fast and free and while his touch is exceedingly delicate, the sound he projects is often reminiscent of a locomotive. One can hear flashes of jazz, country, blues, and bluegrass, but his style is all his own. He’s alone in his genre- there’s no one else like him. Watching him perform is an unforgettable experience, and hearing the tones he coaxes from his instrument will change the way you think about acoustic guitar pickers forever. A former North Carolina/South Carolina finger picking champion, he mixes delicacy with raw power in ways that most guitarists have never even imagined …………. Shenandoah Valley Blues Bash
"Nevel's guitar style is fast and free. Combine
bluegrass and acid jazz, or perhaps the sound of a
steaming locomotive. Highly recommended.."
Bryan Baker, GAJOOB
"Travis Nevels plays guitar on his own terms,
and caters to a rougher audience.
Freestyleguitar is very good."
Minor 7
"American Freestyle Fingerstyle Guitar - this self taught musician has cut
his teeth doing street gigs and pool rooms in Southern redneck bars
and you can almost hear the pool cues dropping onto the felt in disbelief"
Balladtree.com
One of the best examples of the new power-acoustic guitar sound, the latest CD from North Carolina-based Travis Steele Nevels is bursting with incredible flat-picking acoustic guitar work. Nevels claims to have been influenced early on by banjo great Earl Scruggs, yet on his new album he clearly breaks new ground with a unique and thoroughly invigorating guitar sound. Nevels takes the spirit of Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges and Southern guitar greats like Duane Allman and Dickey Betts and rolls it all up into one highly appealing new acoustic guitar set. Some may call it unorthodox, but guitar fans will be blown away by just how commanding a steel string acoustic guitar can sound...
20th Century Guitar Magazine
Aggressive, unorthodox fingerstyle wins fans...
banjo rolls, alternate tunings, power riffs,
and his own patented fingerstyle-flatpicking...
Some really fine music here."
Guitar 9 Records
Travis Steele Nevels debut CD is a gem of a recording that emphasizes the piercing tonality of Nevel's unique approach to the acoustic guitar. Each of the ten selections on this disc showcase a variety of techniques including banjo rolls, hammer-ons, pull-offs, two handed tapping, string-bending, percussive banging and altered tunings. Every track is imbued with an aggressive attack. There is an edgy fire throughout this well crafted disc..
PauseRecord, Ted Silverman
He plays with the aggressiveness of Doyle Dykes, yet he also has that "chunk" thing going on reminiscent of Preston Reed or Michael Hedges. His inventiveness hints of D.R. Auten. He retunes his guitar "on the fly" ala Adrian Legg. His technique incorporates banjo rolls, fretboard slaps, taps, and power riffs- all delivered with solid articulation. His CD is notable for intelligent and sparse use of digital delay and studio panning effects. Lastly- but most importantly- Travis' songs are fun and immediately engaging, and he has the most unbelievable TONE that I've heard in ages...
Jim Earp
Had this CD once, lost it, and hate myself for it!!!!! If only i had a Credit Card lol!!!! Travis "Steele" Nevels is a prodigy among today's lesser known artists. If you love the sound of pure bliss, this is the CD for you!!!
I'm always on the lookout for fine folk musicians and fingerpickers, but somehow I never came across Travis Steele Nevels. Pure dumb luck though shone down upon me, and he ended up playing at a house concert of mine opening for Pops Walker (another fine CD Baby artist). This CD isn't quite as consistent as the newer album, but both CD's have stellar tracks. Songs, "The Rogue" and "Hair Brained Scheme" are my personal faves from this album. A genuinely nice guy who is worthy of your attention.
Travis has some of the most unique licks I've ever encountered. Being somewhat of an artist myself, I've received some accolades about my guitar prowess - many times I've responded, "you think I'm good? - Have you heard Travis Steele Nevels"? Granted, Travis doesn't sing much. But with guitar work like this, he doesn't have to. He's patented his guitar style. If I was that good, so would I. Pops Walker.
A mutual friend of ours (Dave C.) sent me your CD and we listened to a couple of licks that were VERY creative. I've re-spun your 3 song and added a little volume during a practice gig. Maybe Dave & you can meet me and the boys the next time I'm in Charlotte (august?). Gotta run. Keep the faith!!
Great CD. Travis Nevels pulls a great sound out of his guitar, but what really gets your attention is his unconventional finger picking style. I look forward to hearing more remarkable playing from Travis.
Travis Steele Nevels is a master of the solo acoustic guitar.