Music

Introducing professional guitarist, Dennis Olsen, his music has been enjoyed by audiences for over 30 years. Being a small instrument, the guitar is portable and very adaptable. Dennis has played many weddings over the years, and has found weddings to be exciting in their uniqueness. He has had opportunity to play weddings in churches, in homes, in gardens, on beaches and in forests! As an instrument, the guitar lends itself to be used in small settings unplugged, or large settings simply by amplification. Whether it is an intimate gathering for friends and family or a large traditional wedding, Dennis' guitar music is a wonderful addition to the occasion. To request a free quote from Dennis, please email dennis@dennisolsen.ca.

To hear some excerpts of Dennis' playing, including a wedding music demo, select a track below:

ComScore

Michelle
El Testament D’Amelia
Yesterday
Samba Pa Ti
Classical Gas
Stairway to Heaven
Love Me Tender
Lagrima
Adelita
Romanza
Recurados
Shadow of your Smile
Stairway to the Stars
Laura’s Theme
On Green Dolphin Street
Somewhere over the Rainbow
Softly as I Leave
Desperado
MASH Theme
Spanish Eyes
Misty
Gavotte 1 Bach
Gavotte 2 Bach
Magic Flute
Adagio Rodrigo


As Time Goes By
Body & Soul
Night & Day
Torija
Alcaniz
Albada de Torres
Siguenza
Montemayor
Manzanares el Real
Greenselves
Lute Suite #3–Bach
Canco Del Lladre
Sleepwalk
Days of Wine and Roses
Madronos
Little Wing
Wind Cries Mary
Look of Love
Time in a Bottle
Canon in D
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring
Air on a G String
My Originals about 45 mins

This is a partial list. I have many more, or I can arrange something.

Discography

West Coast Sketches (2005)

A series of 8 musical sketches celebrating the remarkable paradise that we live in here on Vancouver Island.

1) Water Dances - When the Afternoon Sun catches the water of the Alberni Inlet it dances
2) Cathedral Grove - I love this place, many spirits roam here
3) Cassidy Stomp - A favorite watering hole and Country music venue south of Nanaimo BC, I’ve played there many times. Try two stepping to this.
4) Mist - The mist rises from the mountains and trees across the inlet from us
5) Rain - A west coast rain storm
6) Patricia Swing - A live music venue in Nanaimo BC, is dedicated to the Late Peter Scheibel
7) Eagles over Spanish Banks - This song was written shortly after my Father passed away and is dedicated to him. My father was a member of the Eagle Clan in the Nisga First Nations
8) Snowflakes (lullaby) - A lullaby written for our second son Ivan, the title was suggested by our youngest daughter Brittany

Produced and Performed by Dennis Olsen


J.S. Bach - Goldberg Variations for Two Guitars (1983)

Abstract from original album sleeve:

Two classical guitarists, Dennis Olsen - eight string, and James Oldenburg - six string, have, as a Duo been described as "...the emergence of an exciting new musical force..." by Cynthia Ashton, music critic for CHQM Radio.

Both guitarists have devoted the last two thirds of their lifetimes developing their talents as classical artists; studying and benefiting from such noted guitarists as Gordon Crosskey (England), Robert Benedict (Canada), Jose Thomas (Spain), George Sakellariou (United States), and Manuel Barrueco (United States).

Since the Duo's inception in December of 1982, they have performed extensively throughout Western Canada as well as embellishing the repertory with their own transcriptions of musis for the unique ensemble of six and eight string guitars.

This recording of J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations started as an outlandish but very interesting suggestion from Canadian composer Robert Benedict, and has been realized here with the help and support of many friends and relatives.

Special thanks to the man with infinite patience and a wonderful studio - Selwyn.

SIDE 1

Aria, Variations 1-15

26:40

SIDE 2

Variation 16-30, Aria da Capo

26:37

Technical Notes:

Guitars by Bob Holroyd
Strings by D'Addario - J44
Sony Digital Audio Processor
Neumann and A.K.G. Microphones
Neumann Disc Mastering

Recorded at

Selwyn Pullan
Studio 12

Mastered and Manufactured by:

IRC Vancouver
Canada