The Donnis Trio got their start near the slow paced beaches and laid back surf communities of San Diego. Check in with the trio at a local coffee shop or nightclub and you will be treated to a mix of upbeat and soothing acoustic tunes that are both tastefully organic and endlessly soulful. The lilting guitar and robust vocals of singer/songwriter Nate Donnis combine seamlessly with the graceful slip-sliding of Denis Sluka on electric upright bass and the syncopated rhythms of percussionist Phil Woodring. The resulting sound is refreshingly unique yet comfortably familiar, and connects with a widely diverse audience of all ages and backgrounds.
The Trio's debut album All Directions was released on January 23rd, 2007 on Shady Tree Records. The disc captures a span of old and new material by award-winning songwriter Nate Donnis. The album features an array of guest musicians including a three-piece horn section led by saxophonist Chris Williams and lush string arrangements by Tony Rogers, as well as an appearance by Ned Giblin of Brehon Law on mandolin. Rooted in folk, acoustic rock, and reggae, the fourteen original songs on All Directions resonate with sleek acoustic arrangements, lyrical depth, and rich vocals. "Each track really has its own character" notes Donnis. "We approached each song differently so that we could capture the essence and honesty of the lyric."
"Donnis has crafted a stellar collection of songs that are more than good enough to put him on the map nationally. He's a hit-writing machine in the making --- a fully developed musical voice, the ability to turn out radio-friendly pop songs, a voice you can't forget. " - Jim Trageser, North County Times
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Finishing their second album entitled, Cole Pond, the Trio captures melodies and lyrics inspired by the beauty and strength of the natural world. Due out April 2012.
