Hailing from the great expanse of Ottawa Valley in Ontario, Canada, John Dorsch is a musical powerhouse whose tunes have not only reverberated across the Canadian terrain, but have also found a home in the heart of global music lovers. With his fingers dancing effortlessly on the guitar, John brings forth melodies that are a blend of various genres, and yet they possess a unique identity that is hard to miss. In this article, we will be delving deep into the heart of John’s work, focusing on his phenomenal album “Elevation”.
John’s musical journey is a testament to his dedication and love for the art. From his early days of experimenting with the trumpet and accordion, to the age of 12 when he first started playing the guitar and discovered his true love, John’s musical evolution is truly inspiring. Intriguingly, his life is not just defined by music. He is also a retired police officer, and together his dual careers are a reflection of his versatile personality.
“Elevation”, the focal point of our discussion, is an album that beautifully encapsulates John’s vision of music. It’s not just the blend of acoustic and electric guitar that sets this album apart. Rather, it’s the amalgamation of harmonious melodies, inspiring lyrics, and soul-stirring energy that makes “Elevation” an exceptional creation.
John’s fascination for music began early in his life. Growing up in Ottawa Valley, a place known for its vibrant music culture, John found himself drawn to the rhythmic beats and melodic tunes that filled the air around him. His early influences were the iconic jazz and blues musicians who ruled the airwaves during his formative years. Little did he know then, that these influences would one day shape his music and turn him into a respected musician.
As he grew older, John took his love for music to a whole new level by learning to play the trumpet and accordion. But it was at the age of 12, when he first held the guitar, that he found his true calling. The effortless strumming of chords, the rhythm of the strings, and the freedom to create his own melodies appealed to John. His talent shone brightly as he became adept at learning notes, solos, and songs by ear, often slowing down vinyl records with pennies to accurately capture the music.
John’s path took a unique turn when he enlisted as a police officer, serving for 31 dedicated years. However, his passion for music remained undeterred. Balancing his duties as a police officer and performing in bands, John’s life became a fascinating blend of service and melody. Even in his retirement, he continues to perform in a fingerstyle pop/rock acoustic duet, singing lead, and focusing on his song-writing that beautifully blends acoustic fingerstyle guitar and electric guitar.
The process of composing and recording “Elevation” is an interesting tale of creative exploration and intense dedication. Here’s how it unfolded:
John began with penning down the lyrics for the songs. His words were not just a set of rhyming lines, but powerful messages aiming to inspire and uplift the listeners. Next, came the music. Drawing from his diverse musical influences, John seamlessly blended acoustic and fingerstyle guitar approaches with electric guitar, pop, blues, and rock band ideas. The ultimate process was recording the songs. John took it upon himself to play nearly all the instruments and vocals, resulting in an album that is a true testament to his musical prowess.
John’s inspirations for “Elevation” stem from various sources. From the encouraging words of the great Tommy Emmanuel, whom he met at a concert in Quebec City in 2012, to the support of his wife Dani Baribeau, who helped produce his music, every aspect of his life has contributed in shaping this album. A retired police officer, John has used his experiences from his service years to infuse his songs with a unique perspective.
One of the defining elements of “Elevation” is the seamless blend of acoustic and electric guitar. John’s mastery over both these instruments allows him to create music that strikes the perfect balance between soft, melodious tunes and high-energy beats. Another highlight of “Elevation” is its inspirational lyrics. Each song is a story in itself, shedding light on various aspects of life while imbuing listeners with hope and positivity.
The album “Elevation” is more than just a collection of songs. It is an artistic expression of John’s profound understanding of music and his commitment to spreading joy through his tunes. Each song in the album is a labor of love, reflecting John’s dedication to his craft.
Finally, the success of “Elevation” is a testament to John’s talent and his relentless pursuit of musical excellence. As he continues to create more music, we can expect to see more such albums that embody his unique style and infectious energy.
