GRAND SQUIRREL MASTER

My name is Donald J. Darby a.k.a. Grand Squirrel Master and I am a multi-instrumentalist, composer and music producer from Shanty Bay, Ontario, Canada... Music has been a part of my life since an early age. My Dad sang and played guitar to me since I was little and my Uncle Chris also impressed many with his guitar playing. My Grandma had a piano and an organ, and when inspired, she could play a mean stride piano. Artists I remember listening to from my parents include, Bruce Cockburn, Ry Cooder, Dire Straits, Sting, Herbie Hancock, The Travelling Wilburys and Bob Marley to name a few... When I decided to pick up a guitar at 14, I taught myself how to play She Talks To Angels by The Black Crowes. I started taking guitar lessons from a guitar teacher in Barrie, Ontario named Gary Gontier and soon found myself learning pick-style and finger-style guitar. Winning some awards for my guitar playing during this time built my confidence as a musician and motivated me to develop my craft.