Vicki Genfan's evening of folk, jazz, pop and world music will be taking place on 9th November, part of Music in Action’s star-studded 2024 International Guitar Festival. All the way from the US, Vicki will be bringing powerful percussive ‘slap-tap’ acoustic technique using 29 alternate tunings, with soulful vocals that captivate audiences worldwide!
“If I could play like Vicki, I’d stay home and entertain myself.” Steve Vai
Vicki Genfan’s performances are soulful, dynamic and deeply stirring. With a mastery of the acoustic guitar that borders on pure alchemy, audiences are mesmerized by the waves of sound Vicki creates with just two hands, with her expressive vocals perfectly complementing her guitar work, hence creating an unforgettable live music experience. While hopping between continents for performances and master classes, Vicki has 10 instructional DVDs to her credit and is in high demand at music camps all over the world. She has two CDs released on Germanys ‘Acoustic Music Records’ and three self-released CDs. She is currently collaborating with long time touring and writing partner, Sally Barker from the UK and up-and-coming guitarist, Ali Tod from Scotland on a new musical project.
Please give us a few personal/background details
I have been playing music from age 3 when I started taking piano lessons. At 5 yrs old I started guitar and have been playing ever since! I was into many kinds of music growing up from folk to R&B/soul to jazz. I played trombone in school from grade 4-highschool and was in many bands and marching band. I have also sang and written my own music since age 10.
What do you consider incisive moments in your career?
Starting piano, 1962. Starting guitar with my father, 1964. Hearing Joni Mitchell and her unique guitar tunings 1972, a, writing my first instrumental guitar piece, 1999, winning the Guitar Player Magazine's 'Guitar Superstar' competition, 2008.
Talk to us about your collaboration with Music in Action
I was so excited to be invited to participate in the Music in Action program 2024! I have been a performer and also an educator since 1975. I love sharing my music, and helping inspire people of all ages to reach for their musical and creative dreams.
Your style of playing is so unique to you. Talk to us about it!
I developed my style of playing over many, many years of experimenting with Open Tunings and percussive techniques that came naturally from my hands, body and heart. Each tuning brings about a unique mood, aesthetic, inspiration and so I began composing pieces that would really highlight these sounds, tunings and emotional landscapes.
How do you go about deciding what to perform at a concert and how would you describe your creative process?
What I perform at a concert is decided by things like the audience, the venue, the amount of time I will play. I also think about current world events and topics that will be relevant. My creative process is a fluid thing. It changes. Sometimes ideas just emerge, sometimes I need to set up certain conditions to allow inspiration to flow (location, other collaborators, slowing down, etc.) It is a lifelong practice to fuel the creative process!
Why does music matter to you?
Music is all around me and all of us. I have always been drawn into its magic and I have been healed and inspired by music my whole life. To share this in any way is an honour!
What is your favourite place on earth, or two if you cannot decide on one!
I may decide Jersey is my favourite place! I won't know until I arrive! Right now, I love the beauty in nature everywhere I have been...there are many inspirational places in the US, and abroad.
How is the music industry different now to what it was, say, 20 years ago?
Now there is the world of digital music and self-promotion that did not exist 20 years ago. This means you can manage a lot of your own career, but you have to put in the work to stand out above the crowds!
What can we look forward to from you next?
I have completed a wonderful collaborative project called 'Monumental Journey' which involved myself, Sally Barker (UK) and Ali Tod (Scotland). The music is rich in its various influences, and pays tribute to some of the sacred landscapes of the United States like Yellowstone, the Badlands, and more.
I am also working on new material with my Duo partner, Sally Barker which we hope to release in 2025. She and I are called 'Barker & Genfan' and have been touring in the US the past 2 years. We will get back to Europe next year!