EL MCMEEN
Ellsworth ("El") McMeen is an internationally acclaimed acoustic guitarist and teacher. He has been listed among the "100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists," living or dead. Two of his guitar compositions ("Le Mans" and "Song for Sheila") have been listed among the "100 Greatest Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals." Three of his guitar recordings ("Breakout," "The Lea Rig," and "Solo Guitar Serenade") have been listed among the "100 Greatest Acoustic Guitar Albums. El has been recording and arranging Celtic music for over 30 years, and has written many books of guitar pieces, including several major folios written or co-written for Mel Bay Publications. While he plays in many styles, El's music focuses on beautiful melodies, and his up tempo pieces reflect a joyful, toe-tapping pulse. He emphasizes touch, tone, and phrasing. He specializes in rhythmic flexibility and often employs harp-like arpeggios in many different genres of music, Celtic, spiritual, and pop. His artistry has been praised in numerous publications, including the NY Daily News, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and Guitar Player Magazine. El's music has been hailed by critics as "stirring ... unbridled acoustic beauty" and "drop-dead gorgeous" (Guitar Player Magazine) and as a "treasure" (Dirty Linen Magazine). He is a graduate of Harvard University and University of Pennsylvania Law School, and is a retired New York City lawyer. His recent memoir, "Growing Up in God's Country," is a #1 New Release on Amazon. In addition, he is co-author (with Steve Baughman) of a 21st Century dialogue book on spiritual matters called Objection! Overruled! He is heavily involved in Christian outreach, is an ordained minister, and has written extensively on the Christian faith. El is married to Sheila (for whom his song "Song for Sheila" was written). They have been blessed with four grown children and grandchildren.