Événement

Zak Borden at the Peninsula Arts Center

Zak Borden didn't really have a choice. He grew up in an extended family of full-time artists, musicians and writers. It wasn't exactly the quiet, cul-de-sac life. Parties would often turn into rowdy, late night discussions on the nature of this and that, passing a guitar around and singing old Hank tunes and the like.

"All manner of tuneful sorrow" Guitar World (Acoustic)

Zak has put down roots in many musical disciplines. In his late teens, he fell in love with bluegrass music. As it does for so many, that fertile American hybrid introduced him to a world of other styles: from the country soul of The Band to the lilting traditions of Ireland; from modern string band takes on Thelonious Monk to the syncopated rhythms of Brazil. However, as a performer and educator he soon came to find that it was really just passionate, well-played and interesting music that he loves. Music that connects and tells a story. Zak's shows employ nimble picking on guitar or mandolin and a deep baritone voice that leaps easily into a clear, high tenor.

"Captures your attention in the simple beauty of stuff going onfilled with love, lonelinesslike a favorite photo you tape to the fridge because it makes you happy when you see it. That kind of charm." -Performing Songwriter

Over the years his collaborations have reflected his diverse background, including tours with Portland rock veteran Casey Neill and Japanese / Irish flute master Hanz Araki, Willy Mason, Rachel Harrington and classical and jazz double bass and cello wizard Buell Neidlinger (Cecil Taylor). Zak is currently preparing to record both the debut of his Brazilian choro project "The Brazillionaires" and a long-overdue collection of new songs.