Reviews

YELP

“Stunning musician….would without hesitation hire him for a concert,  party, or gathering where you’d like BEAUTIFUL instrumental guitar. Thoroughly enjoyed hearing him in Santa Barbara at the Voyager gathering on the Sunday artwalk along the boardwalk.” -Karen S.

“Bruce Goldish is a gift to the city of Santa Barbara.  After enjoying his music echoing on State Street for years we recently invited him to come and play for our Voyager event on the art walk.  He was amazing and graceful in all of our dealing with him.  The music was wonderful as was Bruce’s attitude and professionalism.  Thank you Bruce!  You made our day!” -Tim B

“Bruce has generously played for several community events that I’ve coordinated for SB nonprofits and has done an outstanding job. Easy to work with and a real help in creating an environment that everyone enjoys. I would highly recommend him and his talent!!” -Jennifer S.

“Bruce is an amazing musician, with a unique sound!  I have  had the pleasure to not only enjoy Bruce’s music, but work with him in the workplace as well.   And his goofy sense of humor and smile is  contagious.  I remember the first night I heard Bruce play parking lot #9, such a different yet beautiful sound was heard.   Most recently I asked him to play for my wedding ceremony and reception.  His unique style  was perfect for my beach wedding ceremony and dinner style reception! Guests too enjoyed the beautiful music he made.  We were more then pleased with his services!!” -Mandie T.

“i heard Bruce playing one evening at the sb courthouse. His sound is beautiful and unique. The music drew me in and I decided to book Bruce for an upcoming event. He was amazing at the event. The music he plays is mesmerizing and yet familiar. If you want to have live guitar at your event I highly recommend contacting Bruce. He is very talented, sweet and professional. A shining star!” -Maud Z.

“Heard this amazing classical guitar music one day downtown and got his card.  Hired him for a party and he was very professional and played amazing music.  I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a musician for their event.” -Debi S.

“I’ve enjoyed watching Bruce perform for many years. This extraordinary, fun-loving, and incredibly talented individual always knows how to read his crowd, and give them exactly what they need.

Recently Bruce played for my wedding ceremony, and completely knocked the performance out of the park. My new wife and I couldn’t have been happier with Bruce’s communication, reliability, rate, and of course, musical ability. We highly recommend him for any happy occasion you’d plan. He’ll make it even more memorable! Thanks again a million times, Bruce!” -JM S

“Bruce Goldish is Santa Barbara. His beautiful instrumentals echo the streets of our city. All Santa Barbara citizens find his presence comforting, be it parking lot 9 or a private special event for which he is a true professional. I would hire Bruce again and again and again for many of the special events and organizations I have the privilege of working with. In fact, he will be playing for the VIP reception at our next event in the fall. He also is a genuinely kind and caring person, which makes him a joy to work with. Thank you Bruce!” -Maria L

“Bruce Goldish treats Santa Barbara to his music around town– whether it’s SoHo, private events or the parking lots on State Street. We asked Bruce to play at our wedding reception and were so pleased. Bruce was responsive and professional. He’s a seasoned performer and came with everything needed for a few hours of guitar playing. His instrumental strumming created the perfect ambiance for the cocktail hour at our reception.  I’m only disappointed that I didn’t get to listen to more!” -Alexandra S

MISC

Wedding Wire – “Fanatastic.” “Awesome” “Having Bruce Goldish play music at our event was one of the best decisions we made!”

Singing Savior on Celluloid – Montecito Joural (montecitojournal.net)– “Guitarist Bruce Goldish… one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved folk heroes”

QUOTES FROM THE PROS

CD Review, Merlin’s Leap:
“…exploring and reaching the ear of those who have the fortune to listen to these enchanted melodies of joy.” 
– The Channels, April 2005

“Leo Kottke on speed!”
– Steve Garvan, Garvan Management

“Oh my God…  I’ve never seen fingers strum and pick and pluck so fast in my life…  Song after beautiful song after incredible song, I was truly impressed…  You come across someone as talented as this and you go, ‘Oh my God!  That was incredible…’  Reminds me of Leo Kottke…. great, blew me away… He’s strumming so fast and so hard with his fingers, when I was watching his index finger – that thing was going so fast, it was like, jeez dude, some of us got turned on…”
– ROCK99, Salt Lake City, UT, Live on the Mick & Allan Show

Editor’s Pick
– CD Baby, Dec 2001

“This album is great!!! Just fantastic playing & writing.”
– Micah Solomon, President, Oasis CD Duplication

“Lovely!”
– WJFF, NY

“It has a very warm feel too often missing from solo guitar CDs.”
– WUNC, Chapel Hill, NC

“Nice!”
– National Public Radio

“Incredible guitar-work.”
-KRVM, Eugene OR

“Lovely work – will be a favorite & played often.”
-WELY, Ely, MN

“Very nice work – the cut Caffeine especially!”
– KFCF, Fresno, CA

“We’ll continue to share it [Coast] with listeners for a long time to come.” [Then, describing Bruce’s style] “Leo Kottke and Carlos Montoya or some flamenco guy, and maybe a little classical influence and put them in a Cuisinart.”
– KUMD, Duluth, MN

Or check out the wild, raw handwritten reviews in the GUEST BOOK.  Directly below is a small sample from this ongoing live-shows book of comments begun early 2005-2015.  Many are from “Bruce’s Favorite Outlaw Places in the World to Play,” for instance, late night in the parking structure (see video).  Zero comments are edited out, only contact info.  It’s a large and vivid page, thousands of scanned notes.  Enjoy the ride…

Samples from the GUEST BOOK

“Beautiful on a Sunday evening.  Like being serenaded by the moon.”

“Such a beautiful guitar.  Like a magnet brought your music to my core.”

“Awesome.  Fast.  Sounds like two guitars playing at once.  It’s cool how it sounds like you’re playing rhythm guitar and lead at the same time.”

“An unbelievable talent.  Thanks for making our night.” (Minneapolis)

“Thanks, it’s very crasy!!! You are so good!!! Sorry, my Englich.” (Montreal)

“Your music absolutely lifts the night.”

“Stunning!” (Paso Robles)

“I was walking up State Street and I heard the music up above and I had to come up the stairs to hear – and it sounded like heaven & there was a man in the parking lot playing a guitar with fingers of lightning speed the music that touches people’s hearts.  Thank you for joy.”

“Beautiful music.  I love Caffeine.” (New Zealand)

“Your music is inspiration. You are an amazing player and I love the spots you choose to play.”

“Amazing! I love it.  We will remember you when we are back in Europe.”

“Such romance you play.  We live near – we have been listening to you most Sunday nights – since Sept 2012.  We will be married April 11, 2015.  It’s all your fault.”

“I’ve never had goose bumps in my head.  But it happened when I heard you playing… Never stop, please.” (Saudi Arabia)

“You made our night in Santa Barbara.  Thx.  Sincerely.  -HWY 101 Roadtrippers

“Thank you cannot express the deep gratitude that bursts from my heart like a rainbow of light at the sounds you convey.”

“Great unique vocals! You really stand out.”

“I feel absolutely rich!”

“Good look in your songs.” (Mexico)

“The sounds soothe. Quite a holy extension.” (Plymouth, Mass)

“Bruce! Wow!!! What an utter joy! I am filled with truest delight and smiling from all the way inside.  You have made this day.”

“Your music is dream-like.  It makes me feel all warm inside – as though I am in a womb.”

“An incredible side-trip – fantastic acoustics – you drew us to you.  Thank you!!”

“Love your sound!” (Avila Beach)

“Thank you for changing our lives.  Your music is magic to our hearts.  Bless you for this moment in time, always to be remembered.”

“I leave for London tomorrow.  I’ll take some of your joy with me.”

“Each time I see you, I’m with a new boy – but each time I fall in love with your music.  It’s womb-like & BITCHIN!”

“Very peaceful and intence music.” (Mexico)

“You are awesome!!!” (Japan)

“Bruce, you are an EVENT!!”

“He draws you into your soul.”

“I really enjoy what you do! It makes our beautiful city even more wonderful.”

“Beautiful to hear someone playing for playing’s sake… You made the whole area come alive…” (London)

“Thanks for your music and hints from home.” (Hawaii)

“I think you should write a song about frogs.” (San Francisco)

“Today I am nineteen, tomorrow I will be twenty.  Tonight I was feeling so sad, now having heard you play like my own private celebration of that hum of beautiful things to be happy about, I feel full and light…”

“Wonderful! We enjoyed the whole evening.  Keep on keeping on – you bring great joy.” (Bay Area)

“Fantastic!” (Phoenix)

“Great music.” (Pismo Beach)

“You have touched my soul and inspired me to keep my practicing going.”

“To jest piekne goscie 2 Polski.” [“This is beautiful–Guests from Poland.”] (Thanks, Beata, for translating, and for saying, “I am so hyper of excitement to hear you playing!!!!”)

“Your music made a perfect night for me… You’re the best I’ve heard.”

“You have perfect pitch, and are good enough to make yourself rich.  But instead you play here and scratch that itch.  To play all night.  You’re tight.  That’s right.  Good

night.”

“It’s been a difficult time for us.  What a sweet surprise to discover you here.  P.S. Loved being able to peruse this book.”

“Incredible concert in Santa Barbara, unexpected, and for free!!!” (Santiago, Chile)

“You’re the man with the great sounds.  First time in Santa Barbara and you made it a special memory.  I wish I could amplify the sound to L.A.”

“You bring magic to the air.  Thank you.  I was watching everyone walk by and stop to smile at your music.”

“Inspiring music that’s worth a million words!”

“Exquisite.” (Brazil)

“Your music is beautiful.  I wish I had your courage to let my heart speak the music, the language of the soul.” (Bay Area)

“You add to the magic of this city.”

“In your hands, the expertise of talent and art is extolled in the bravura of your skills and sound.” (Mill Valley)

“Love your music! So cool! Very different! Now I’m your #1 fan!”

“Ay dios mio!!! You are amazing.  You make my blood boil and my heart wonder, what if…?”

“Fill the evening with music, Bruce! A real joy.” (London)

“I love your music.  It truthfully makes me smile.  It makes me feel like nothing could go wrong.”

“Sounded so good, we aborted our trek to dinner and came up to see who was behind the beautiful sounds! Hope you’ll be up in Santa Cruz sometime.”

“…As if the angels played a harp of serenity, I heard the wonderful nylon acoustic guitar amplified by your passion.”

“I like you.”  -Aliana, 7 years old

“My boyfriend and I came out to Santa Barbara for a day, and I must say you were the topping to the cake.  You’re awesome!”

“Very nice music!” (Chico)

“Where have you been? You’ve brought me to tears…” (New Orleans)

“Great music.” (Norway)

“What a place to find an amazing guitarist!” (Tokyo)

“Thanks a lot for the emotions!!!” (Italy)

“You are incredible! Fastest fingers I’ve ever seen! You rock!” (Chicago sister)

“Amazingly wonderful acoustics…” (Oregon sister)

“VERY NICE!” (Pasadena)

“Made my day.  Pity about the hole in the guitar.  A bit different from the Cambridge guitar Orchestra in England, my “group.” (England)

“What a gift your music is. It is a special moment of my summer experience!”

“I bought your CD.  Your music makes me feel happy, sad, mad all at the same time.  I love it.”

“Phat tones!”

“I love what you’ve done for State St.  The marvel and wonder I see in their faces as they hear your music, yet cannot find it.  You bring wonder to their lives! Thank you.”

“Bruce, your music is so beautiful.  I could listen to it for hours. We were heading home and drawn to your delightful sounds.”

“Thanks for sharing your magical gifts and talents.”

“Magnificent!!! Thank you for your gift to us.”

“Bruce, beautiful music.  I love guitar, especially fingerstyle, this music you’re playing is like water on my soul.  It’s my most soothed and listening place.  I seem to hear you play always after dance rehearsals so my first impulse is to dance.  Thanks for your music!”

“Thanks! Every time I hear the music from this parking lot, I remember all the great moments in life.”

“Thank you for being and displaying your love for music.  The passion is felt and greatly appreciated.”

“The sound takes you away to wonderful places!”

“Frickin awesome!”

“Thanks for something beautiful and random.  I need that today.”

“You are AMAZING!!!”

“I love the texture and romantic feeling of your muusic.  The chords are full and gorgeous, delicate and filled with passion.  Beautiful.”

“Thanks so much, Bruce.  We listen to your CD all the time.  You are the best!” (St. Paul)

“Totally awesome.  This is the best classical playing I have ever got to witness first hand besides Al Di Meola.”

“The best part of Santa Barbara! Thank you.” (New York)

“We loved your music.  Made our day! Awesome! ROCK ON!!” (Toronto, Canada)

“I’ve heard your music on several occasions, yet every time I hear the beautiful product of your spirit, I’m lifted up again to a state of pure contentment and joy, knowing such beauty and love exists! Thank you for your priceless gift!”

“Your sound is intoxicating and brilliant.”

“Thank you for filling the streets with your beautiful music. You’re a real inspiration to me.  Keep doing what you’re doing.  It means a lot to people.”

“You made me experience Europe.   Thank you.”

“Love the sound!” (Cool police sergeant, buying cd rather than busting Bruce for busking!)

“What a beautiful treat for two English guys passing through Santa Barbara – beautiful music.” (Manchester, UK)

“The music you make is sooooo beautiful! Thank you!” (Amsterdam)

“Thanks for doing something so deep and spiritual for Santa Barbara.  I told people in Germany about what you are doing.  The sound of your music is so great…  It is taking my thoughts somewhere else, somewhere good.”

“A big kiss from Italian people.” (Italy)

“Thanks much for the unexpected treat!!” (Bozeman)

“We enjoyed to listen to your great improvisations.” (Cologne, Germany)

“Thank you for the great time we are having! Brazil in Santa Barbara! Warmest regards from Rio de Janero.” (Brazil)

“I listen to you often.  You have brought much joy into my life.  Thank you.”

“Thank u for ur awesome music on this beautiful Friday night!!!” (South Korea)

“It is an experience of soothing, beautiful artistic music that brightens the world around you.”

“My soul flies up and soars with each note you so skillfully and passionately play.  Thank you!”

“You are amazing.  Your music is going to Israel.  Thank you.”

“I am from Taipei, Taiwan… Beautiful music make people happy.  I think the artist is a very smart musician.” (Taiwan)

“I’ve been coming to hear you play for over a year… I close my eyes and your music vibrates through my soul, touching deep down caverns I had long forgotten or never known.  It mystifies and breaks me, only to softly soothe and smooth the sharp edges, like ocean waves on broken glass.”

“You’re an amazing guitarist.  Your music is inspiring to me.  This song “Storm” is moving.  I can actually SEE the storm happening.  Awesome, amazing, wonderful does not even describe your music.  I look forward to listening to your CD.  Thank you for your gift.”

“Everything about this moment is beauty.  Your music, your spirit, your gravity.  I’ve been in Santa Barbara for two months and it’s been rough, but you make it all go away.”

“In the delight of this eve, in the glimmer of the moon, nothing has provided more, than enjoying the sweet aura of your melody.”

“For the beauty of spirit that sings sweetly through this voice your music, thank you!”

“Reminds me of flying with my eyes closed!”

“You made our experience here magical.  It wouldn’t have been the same without you!”

“You make life here so much sweeter! I LOVE IT!”

“Fantastic! The best acoustic I’ve ever heard.”

“You’re what music is about.”

“Words can’t say it – but your music can.”

“What a beautiful thing to witness.  Someone truly doing what they love for love’s sake.”