Al Carness

Al Carness has had a long love affair with the guitar. At age 10, after listening to one of his sister’s Elvis 45s, Al took up the guitar and hasn’t put it down since. Playing in touring bands since the ripe age of 14, Al has played it all, starting out in the Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 50s, to Surf, Jazz, Blues, Classic Rock, and Country.

Since 2010 Al has joined with singer, Laura Caldwell, on acoustic to back up her fresh new talent with his lifetime of musical experience. He will tell you how much he enjoys playing acoustic on his favorite Martin D-28. Al provides a blend of dynamic finger-picking styles and riffs that audiences and other musicians love. Together, Al and Laura create a rich sound for fun and easy listening.

Before moving to the Northwest, Al was co-founder of the Valley Arts Guitar Music Store and Guitar Manufacturing Company in Los Angeles, CA. Gibson acquired the Valley Arts name in 2003, after which Al opened up the Valley Arts Guitar store for Gibson in Nashville. Now, retired from Gibson as a product manager, Al has a reputation as an expert in vintage guitars.