Denison Witmer talks just like his music sounds: soft yet articulate, gentle yet confident. It's no wonder he has been releasing albums for over ten years now.
Raised in Lancaster, Pa., Denison began taking guitar lessons as a boy with Don Peris, who encouraged Denison to record his first CD.
(Peris) recorded my earliest work as well as my latest CD. He's kind of a mentor to me
Witmer said.
After making 1,000 copies of his first CD, Denison gave some to his friends and family and then decided to sell them during his tour.
- and that is how it all began Witmer said.
After releasing six more albums and EPs, Witmer expanded his repertoire by joining up with a full band, The River Bends. Together they released an album titled And Flows Into The Sea with a different label, Tooth & Nail Records.
The River Bends is a little different than my music
a little bit harder (of a sound). I didn't want my die-hard fans to think I was doing something entirely different
Witmer said. But maybe I'll do another one of those records in a year or two.
Although he returns to more of his own sound on his latest solo album, Are You A Dreamer?, Witmer still embraces variation with some new musical contributors on the CD, including Sufjan Stevens.
I've known Sufjan a long time
nearly six years
Witmer said. He was actually my opener after his Michigan album was released G? and when he needed a new drummer
I suggested my friend James
and now James drums for Sufjan G? Working with him was a very natural process
Witmer said.
Other than his latest album, Witmer's current passion is working for his charity organization, Happy Birthday Denison. Every year on his birthday, November 4, Denison releases new tracks,-
