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The YouTube sensation Erik Mongrain held the small 60 seater Basement of City Screen in awe for his 90 minute non-stop performance. Currently on a worldwide tour the Canadian-born singer-songwriter is attributed nowhere near the praise he deserves. He rose to fame with his unique playing style in the song “Air Tap” in which the guitar is across his lap and he plays like a piano, the rich harmonics commanding the stage with his presence. Other fantastic songs he played were "Pandora’s box" which had beautiful chord progressions, "Ripple effects" and "Daisy Fields".
His percussive style, drumming the body of the guitar is similar to the likes of Newton Faulkner and Jose Gonzalez, and it creates a wide texture of sound that is stunning in the small candle-lit venue. It was difficult to believe that this talent had been started on the streets where he started as a busker teaching himself to play to earn money. This was at the age of 14 and since then he has played all his life being inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. Talking to Mongrain he said that he “Can’t imagine his life without his guitar” and this connection with his guitar kept the audience glued to the music. It is unfortunate that he is recognised solely for “Air Tap” because He truly takes the audience on a journey with him and the feeling at the end is one of catharsis and complete calm.
When asked the key to becoming a good player he simply said “Impossible is nothing. Will power can get you anywhere. I have no special talent. Just an affinity with the guitar. With pure enjoyment of the art comes constant practise and development. So keep at it”. An inspiration and an outstanding artist, I could listen to Erik Mongrain all day and not tire of it. Whether you’re a guitarist or simply a music lover he is truly worth a listen.
See the video below for Erik's 'Airtap' skills
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