Doors 6PM Show 7PM

Gram Parsons Derry Down welcomes the duet Brimer & Brixa with special guest Joe Gavin for an evening of instrumental guitar on June 8, 2024.  

Brimer & Brixa is a duet collaboration between guitarist David Brimer and Marcus Brixa. Formed from an informal jam session in the spring of 2023, the two guitarists quickly discovered they shared a deep connection musically and had many similar creative qualities. They also found they had unique differences in their playing styles that complemented each other beautifully. After their initial jam session they formally started the process of writing and recording their debut album “Clay Pigeons” which was released on Long Eye Recordings November 17, 2023.

The album “Clay Pigeons” is an acoustic jazz recording and features 5 original compositions and 2 jazz standards. The album was recorded live in the studio and has no overdubs and near zero edits. Each song was recorded in full takes and two song’s were recorded in single takes with no rehearsal. Marcus describes the playing as “honest, natural, and perfectly imperfect”. The project was inspired by great jazz albums of the 50’s and 60’s which is an era both David and Marcus hold very dear.

Marcus Brixa is originally from Hamilton, Ontario and began his guitar studies in the early 80’s. He moved into central Florida in 1988 and continued his education earning a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Classical Guitar Performance from Florida Southern College in 1994. Marcus has studied the classic guitar with Mark Switzer, Pepe Romero, Celino Romero, and Andrew York, and has a profound love for the classical guitar. He also has studied jazz extensively and draws much inspiration from players like Bill Frizzell, Julian Lage, Pat Martino and Tony Rice. Since Marcus grew up in the 70’s & 80’s, he is no stranger to classic rock and blues either. All of these influences come together in his melodic, relaxed and dreamy style. He is an experienced performer and has also been a dedicated private teacher for 30 years.

David Brimer is originally from Lakeland, Florida and began playing the guitar when he was a young teenager. He studied Guitar Performance at the Musician’s Institute in 2005 and has worked with Scott Henderson, Jackson Brown, Stephen Stills & Graham Nash, Bonnie Raitt, and Michael McDonald. He also toured the world as the lead guitarist for the group Hanson. David has drawn inspiration from several players like Jeff Beck, Al Di Meola, Allan Holdsworth, and Robert Fripp. His playing style is daring, energetic and exciting and this combined with Marcus’s relaxed traditional style creates a beautiful Yin & Yang relationship that really brings their music to life. David is also an experienced performer and active teacher.

The Brimer & Brixa duet is a beautiful concert experience that showcase the acoustic guitar. The music is perfectly suited for small listening rooms, chamber concerts, house concerts, and recital halls. The performances are largely instrumental music however David & Marcus often add vocal style tunes at their “less formal” performances. There really is nothing quite like it in central Florida. 

David Brimer & Marcus Brixa
Facebook.com/brimerandbrixa

Joe Gavin is a fingerstyle guitarist, composer, and guitar technician based in Lakeland Florida. His musical journey began in middle school, playing drums, and then taking up electric guitar in 1978. Hearing Phil Keaggy’s “Beyond Nature” album was a turning point. The beauty of this recording resonated so deeply, that he began playing acoustic guitar exclusively. Joe spent the next 20 years pursuing fingerstyle guitar technique, learning to read music, playing on praise teams, leading worship and playing many events.

One of Joe’s original songs attracted the attention of Will Ackerman, Grammy winning Windham Hill producer and guitarist. Will chose “Over the Downs” from Joe’s “Summit of Leaves” album to be included on Woodsongs, a compilation release on a newly founded label called New Land Music.

In addition to playing acoustic guitar, and composing his own music, Joe also sells and repairs guitars as part of his job Managing Carlton Music Center in Lakeland, FL.

Joe’s unique style is both melodic and percussive. His unique fingerstyle technique and compositions are highly complex and engaging, yet invite contemplation and an emotional journey.

He hopes to soon record a new album, with all new original music to share.