BIOGRAPHY

It's been a long time coming. After decades as a backup guitarist, Troy McLaggan is about to share his genius as a composer of solo acoustic music with his album Wood, Steel and Bones. From a bossa to a bouncy rag, from a classical-sounding waltz to musical frenzy, all ten tracks anchored by memorable melodies and spectacular technique, Troy has created a gem from his studio in Fredericton, NB.  

Troy has shared the stage and recorded with some of Canada's top musicians, including Suzie Vinnick, David Leask, Cindy Church, and many others. Like many young musicians, he was initially attracted to the electric guitar. After leaving high school with his Les Paul Custom, he cut his musical teeth touring Canada with rock bands. A student of Jimmy Page and Yngwie Malmsteen, he can shred with the best. But his greatest influence over the years was Bruce Cockburn, whose work helped shift his heart over to the acoustic guitar. He'd even drag one along when he went on the road with rock bands. 

Eventually he left the road and settled first in Toronto and then back in Fredericton, being a "hired gun." But he hadn't put his own compositions front and centre until releasing this album, which is already attracting raves in Canada's roots music scene. 

Says Scottish-Canadian songwriter David Leask: "The way Troy channels every ounce of emotion into the Wood, Steel and Bones of his music and his playing makes it inescapable that you’ll be moved." Roots and blues star Suzie Vinnick says: "Troy’s compositions are little stories that take you on a sonic journey – they are joyful, contemplative, delicate, reflective and more - all brilliantly performed by a guitarist full of wisdom and heart."   

Every track on the record is solo but one, Bossa Nuevo, on which Troy's mentor, the legendary guitarist Don Ross, played Dobro.  "It's great to see and hear Troy getting out there and sharing his music with the world. He's a fine guitarist, and a talented composer. ... Big congrats to him, and lucky us, " says Ross.