Aaron Burlbaw
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This is the inspiration for guitarist Aaron Burlbaw. With Burlbaw’s Nuevo-flamenco (non-traditional
flamenco) techniques, he drives the music towards a Middle Eastern blend of Persian and Latin sounds,
while also fusing elements from Jazz and Classical. Creator of Dionysia (a rock group with a Latin
influence), Burlbaw has been performing for nine years in the St. Louis area, while also co-fronting his all
instrumental Latin Jazz group called Meñache, and supporting Ginkgo Biloba and Farshid Etniko with their
“World Music Ensembles”.
flamenco) techniques, he drives the music towards a Middle Eastern blend of Persian and Latin sounds,
while also fusing elements from Jazz and Classical. Creator of Dionysia (a rock group with a Latin
influence), Burlbaw has been performing for nine years in the St. Louis area, while also co-fronting his all
instrumental Latin Jazz group called Meñache, and supporting Ginkgo Biloba and Farshid Etniko with their
“World Music Ensembles”.
Without a doubt, Aaron Burlbaw has a Passion for the sound. 10 years in the music industry, 4 CD's, 2
DVD's, over 50 television appearance, over 20 radio appearances, with 4 musical groups.
Aaron found his passion for music at an early age. When Aaron was 12, his mother introduced him the
guitar via Neil Diamond's classic "Lady". Throughout high school, his gift of playing by ear led him from
finger style pieces by Jim Croce, to rock songs by Led Zeppelin and Van Halen, to classical preludes and
etudes.
In 1999, after receiving his Bachelors Degree from University Missouri St. Louis for Business
Management, Aaron studied under renowned guitar instructor Duke Michalak. Aaron says, "Duke gives
you insight on the theory side of music and reflects the importance of professionalism". Aaron is still
studying with Duke.
In early 2000, Aaron met vocalist/guitarist Tim Casteel. After hearing him sing for the first time, Aaron
said to him, "for an unsigned musician, you have the best voice I've heard". Shortly thereafter, the band
Dionysia was born.
Living three houses away from each other, Paul Quinn and Aaron became friends at a young age (Check
out the "Little Rock Stars" picture on the photo page of Paul's brother Mike and Aaron). They lost
touch for about twelve years, but in late 2000, ran into each other at a bar called Rody McCools on the
day of Dionysia's 1st show. Not too long after, Aaron and Paul began composing all instrumental music
fusing nylon and steel stringed guitars. Years later this collaboration would be known as the group
"Meñache". In 2003, Paul would take over the role of bass guitar in Dionysia. Aaron, Paul, and Tim
would go on to release two full length CD's and two 45 minute DVD's with Dionysia.
Starting late 2004, Aaron not only studied soloing and right hand rhythm techniques from Farshid
Sotanshahi, but also honed his live performance skills. One year later Aaron joined Farshid's popular
ethnic group called "Farshid Etniko". Farshid stills mentors Aaron with studies of Eastern instruments: Tar,
Cajun, and Doumbeck.
In 2006 Aaron received a phone call from Ali Soltanshahi, Farshid's younger brother. Ali asked Aaron to
join the world music group "Ginkgo Biloba". Ginkgo regularly performs for St. Louis's mayor Francis
Slay, for private events for Kemp Automotive and Federal Express, and for many public shows in the
Midwest area. Arranging the music and organizing recording's, Aaron fits right in with Ginkgo Biloba.
July 1st, 2008, Aaron released at the Sheldon Concert hall his solo CD “Burlbaw and the Entourage”
featuring 14 guest musicians. There was a video crew taping the performance to create a follow up
DVD…to be released spring 2009.
In early 2009, Aaron performed most of the music for The Biking Life magazine’s third annual DVD and
also provided the music for their television commercial.
Look for this bio to grow, as Aaron’s “Passion for Sound” broadens, check out www.burlbawmusic.com
for updated information.
All four groups have a common Latin sound, but all are completely different. Check out the audio page
for a sample of music from each group.
DVD's, over 50 television appearance, over 20 radio appearances, with 4 musical groups.
Aaron found his passion for music at an early age. When Aaron was 12, his mother introduced him the
guitar via Neil Diamond's classic "Lady". Throughout high school, his gift of playing by ear led him from
finger style pieces by Jim Croce, to rock songs by Led Zeppelin and Van Halen, to classical preludes and
etudes.
In 1999, after receiving his Bachelors Degree from University Missouri St. Louis for Business
Management, Aaron studied under renowned guitar instructor Duke Michalak. Aaron says, "Duke gives
you insight on the theory side of music and reflects the importance of professionalism". Aaron is still
studying with Duke.
In early 2000, Aaron met vocalist/guitarist Tim Casteel. After hearing him sing for the first time, Aaron
said to him, "for an unsigned musician, you have the best voice I've heard". Shortly thereafter, the band
Dionysia was born.
Living three houses away from each other, Paul Quinn and Aaron became friends at a young age (Check
out the "Little Rock Stars" picture on the photo page of Paul's brother Mike and Aaron). They lost
touch for about twelve years, but in late 2000, ran into each other at a bar called Rody McCools on the
day of Dionysia's 1st show. Not too long after, Aaron and Paul began composing all instrumental music
fusing nylon and steel stringed guitars. Years later this collaboration would be known as the group
"Meñache". In 2003, Paul would take over the role of bass guitar in Dionysia. Aaron, Paul, and Tim
would go on to release two full length CD's and two 45 minute DVD's with Dionysia.
Starting late 2004, Aaron not only studied soloing and right hand rhythm techniques from Farshid
Sotanshahi, but also honed his live performance skills. One year later Aaron joined Farshid's popular
ethnic group called "Farshid Etniko". Farshid stills mentors Aaron with studies of Eastern instruments: Tar,
Cajun, and Doumbeck.
In 2006 Aaron received a phone call from Ali Soltanshahi, Farshid's younger brother. Ali asked Aaron to
join the world music group "Ginkgo Biloba". Ginkgo regularly performs for St. Louis's mayor Francis
Slay, for private events for Kemp Automotive and Federal Express, and for many public shows in the
Midwest area. Arranging the music and organizing recording's, Aaron fits right in with Ginkgo Biloba.
July 1st, 2008, Aaron released at the Sheldon Concert hall his solo CD “Burlbaw and the Entourage”
featuring 14 guest musicians. There was a video crew taping the performance to create a follow up
DVD…to be released spring 2009.
In early 2009, Aaron performed most of the music for The Biking Life magazine’s third annual DVD and
also provided the music for their television commercial.
Look for this bio to grow, as Aaron’s “Passion for Sound” broadens, check out www.burlbawmusic.com
for updated information.
All four groups have a common Latin sound, but all are completely different. Check out the audio page
for a sample of music from each group.
| 2007 BurlbawMusic, LLC. All Rights Reserved |
| "Passion for Sound" |
| Complex Rhythms, Tasteful Solos, and Catchy Melodies on Nylon and Electric Guitars: |
Written by Amy Domian