Don Latarski

Don Latarski grew up in a rural community about 35 miles north of Detroit, Michigan, and has been playing the guitar since 1963. After moving to Oregon at the age of 19 he began studying jazz. As a music student at the University of Oregon, he studied classical guitar and that experience led him to incorporate finger picking. His style incorporates elements of jazz, folk, and Americana. His instrument of choice is a handmade Spohn baritone acoustic guitar, which produces a deep, rich, and all-encompassing sound.

Most of his life has revolved around composing, practicing, teaching, recording, and performing. After graduating with a music degree he was hired to be head of guitar studies at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. He has authored and published 21 books on guitar instruction and recorded 17 albums, mostly of original music.

His passions include hiking, photography, forest bathing, and just listening to nature.

Known more for his jazz and blues recordings, Don Latarski creates music as a gift back to nature. Inspired by journies through the eastern part of Oregon, California, and Arizona, Don's music is a free-ranging soundscape of surprising acoustic guitar-based textures, rhythms, and melodies.

Vintage Guitar Magazine has described Don Latarski as " a guitarist of great taste and chops." Latarski's fluid, uniquely American style incorporates genres from jazz and blues to rockabilly and swing.

Five-star review for Don Latarski and his album River in Vintage Guitar Magazine!
​
Don's releases can be heard on radio stations around the world, including the long-running NPR show Echoes. Several tracks from his three releases on Heart Dance Records can be heard on the SXM Spa Channel.