D. R. Auten started playing the guitar at age 14 - very tentatively at first, experimenting with sounds and searching for melodies by ear. He was so taken with the instrument that he picked it up at every opportunity, learning tunes from records and friends. It wasn't long before D. R. formed his first band with a couple of friends who played drums and bass. Although primarily self-taught, he formally studied fingerstyle guitar and jazz improvisation.
D. R. was so passionate about learning more about the guitar that he became a luthier, honing his craft to the point that he was employed by the Taylor and Gibson companies. His knowledge of guitar construction adds another dimension to his performance skills. Trained as a civil engineer, and with professional experience as a photographer, graphic artist, and second-degree black belt karate instructor, D.R.'s current focus is on one goal only - that of making a living solely as a musician.
...the player's player, the one all the other guitarists speak of with a bit of wonder in their voices. He plays jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, and folk with aplomb... his touch is beyond deft; his dynamics are so sensitive that you're left with the impression that you're listening to a piano player.
The Jig Is Up