San Francisco Bay Area fingerstyle guitarists Teja Gerken and Doug Young have performed together for more than a decade. Drawing from their individual catalogs of original compositions, Celtic tunes, arrangements of jazz standards, and the occasional classical piece, Teja and Doug present a varied repertoire. Often using a variety of guitars that may include baritone, metal-bodied resonator, and 12- strings in addition to more standard instruments, the duo takes advantage of a wide tonal palette. The duo’s 2020 release DUETS has received enthusiastic acclaim:
“Employing an impressive battery of artisan guitars, Teja and Doug produce a wonderful range of sonorities and musical directions that updates the classic chemistry of the ‘Bert & John’ (Jansch & Renbourn) recordings of the sixties–a treat for fans of both acoustic guitar music and the art of lutherie.” — Alex de Grassi
“DUETS represents modern fingerstyle at the highest level.” — Acoustic Guitar magazine
“DUETS is a beautiful and touching debut.” — Gitarre & Bass magazine (Germany)
“DUETS will be a welcome addition to your collection.” — Fingerstyle Guitar Journal
Teja has shared the stage with many guitar visionaries, including John Renbourn, Alex de Grassi, and Andy McKee, as well as with his mentors, Duck Baker and Peppino D’Agostino. He is a familiar face at most Northern California acoustic music venues, and has toured throughout the USA and parts of Europe, including as a part of the International Guitar Night series. Teja has also taught guitar workshops at events such as the Healdsburg Guitar Festival, Santa Barbara Acoustic Instrument Celebration, the University of Colorado, San Francisco’s Blue Bear School of Music, and Boston’s Club Passim. His two solo CDs, On My Way and Postcards, have received critical acclaim. Teja is a co-founder of the music instruction website Peghead Nation.
Doug is the winner of the 2011 International Acoustic Music Awards in the instrumental category. He has released two solo CDs, Laurel Mill and Closing Time, which feature his compositions and arrangements. Doug has written several best-selling guitar instructional books, he is a contributing editor for Acoustic Guitar magazine, and is in-demand for teaching workshops at guitar events throughout the country.
At The Back Room, Teja and Doug will perform material from the DUETS album, as well as new pieces, many of which were developed while creating socially-distanced recordings and videos during the last two years of COVID restrictions.