Artist Corps brings practicing musicians to classrooms

 

“Rey is one of the greatest modern players of the metal-bodied resonator guitar.” Acoustic Guitar Magazine

“Whilst known for her amazing instrumental skills … it should not be overlooked that she always provides a very entertaining show, full of variety, drama and humour.”  Blues In Britain

“Del Rey is one of the most sublime modern guitarists. “ La Hora del Blues Barcelona

Del Rey at the Tucson Blues Festival

I started playing guitar when I was four. At the age of thirteen I was introduced to the world of traditional acoustic music, when a friend and I stumbled into a concert at Folk Arts Rare Records in San Diego. About 20 people were sitting on the floor under the record bins listening to a kid named Tom Waits play his original songs.

Lou Curtiss, proprietor of Folk Arts and artistic director of the San Diego Folk Festival suggested I quit wasting my time playing “Stairway to Heaven” and listen to some Memphis Minnie. He put me on stage with Sam Chatmon when I was fourteen, and introduced me to Lydia Mendoza and Howard Armstrong. Lou gave me recordings that still influence everything I do on solo acoustic guitar. I soaked up country blues, stride piano, classic jazz and hillbilly boogie. It was a musical education hanging around the record shop. 

Thirty years later, I became fascinated with the ukulele. I try to play the same kind of complicated rhythmic blues and ragtime on four strings as on six. I expect a lot out of the little instrument.

 “The ‘ukulele taken to a new level of musicianship”.      (John Book)

“Virtuosic in just the right way, which is to say, in order to realize a musical idea. A very nice unlikely blend of things, accessible, slightly nostalgic, but fresh and thoughtful. ” (CD Baby review, “At The Ukeshack #1)

I play solo concerts world wide and also present a concert/lecture on women musicians called  I also collaborate and tour frequently with Steve James, Suzy Thompson and Adam Franklin.

Troublesome urban hillbillies-with Steve James. Photo by Jenny Sampson

 

 

Onstage at Centrum Blues and Heritage Festival with Suzy Thompson

 

 

 

Del Rey and Adam Franklin at the Great Northern Ukefest 2014

 

I’ve contributed to projects in honor of The Mississippi Sheiks, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Johnny Cash. I occasionally write about music for various publications, including Acoustic Guitar.

My latest full-length album, featuring Suzy Thompson, Matt Weiner and Hans Teuber is Art Walk. I also have a recent ukulele and guitar duet sampler out with Adam Franklin called Rocket Red and Ruby Chard. All albums available from

• Rocket Red and Ruby Chard with Adam Franklin 2014
• Art Walk 2014
• Four and Six 2012
• Hen Party with Suzy Thompson 2010
• Blue Week 2008
• At The Ukeshack #1 with Matt Weiner 2007
• When The Levee Breaks 2006
• Tonight with Steve James 2004
•  Why Say No? with The Yes Yes Boys 2002
• Twins with Steve James 2002
• X-Rey Guitar 2000
• Hot Sauce1995
• Boogie Mysterioso 1993
• I recorded a 45rpm record in 2010, the proceeds of which benefit Transportation Choices Coalition. With Del Rey and the Blues Gators I recorded Chartruese (Hobemian 1991) and Cafe Society (Kicking Mule 1985).