From the wild and misty Oregon coast speaks a powerful voice for the mystical guitar tradition, with roots extending back through the innovative works of Fahey, Kottke & Hedges.  Tony Kaltenberg has been one of the most distinctive sounding acoustic guitarists and composers on the circuit. His mesmerizing percussive style has been highlighted on radio and television programs as well as performances worldwide, such as the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, The Oregon Country Fair, the Dresden Guitar Festival, WDR radio and television, and intimate venues in the U.S. and Europe.

 

He has and continues to collaborate with a number of musicians on both shores including:  Michael Manring, Jarrod Kaplan, Joe Craven, Laura Kemp, Alex Kelly, Carsten Hormes, Wolfgang Stute, Matthias Philipzen, and Matthias Brodowy.  The sounds he coaxes from the guitar range from sweet, warm finger-styles, to deep, percussive string slaps, from long mystical threads, to rhythmic explosions; and if that’s not enough, he also teases us with some velvety tenor vocals for a variety packed concert.  "I love watching him play. He gets his whole body into it. He can come back anytime and share his wonderful gift." - Sherylin Rawlins, 'Breitenbush Retreat Center’
 

DISCOGRAPHY & Other Works:

2000 - "Spiral Waves", an exciting collection of solo guitar sounds, from sweet, warm finger-styles, to deep, percussive string slaps.

2004 - "On the Wing of the Great Spaceship", is an exploratory work, blending TK's guitar enchantment with other instruments, featuring the amazing Michael Manring on fretless bass and the gifted Alex Kelly on cello.

2004 - Produced and collaborated on “Fish Of Love” CD by Jellymoon, a regional acoustic rock band featuring original music.

2004 - Co-produced & recorded album “May” by Laura Kemp.  There is an acoustic bluegrass feel to this album, featuring Steve Smith on mandolin, Sally VanMeter on dobro, Roy Brewer on fiddle, and more.

2010 - Soundtrack for "The Quantum Activist”, a wonderful documentary film on science and spirituality, featuring Dr. Amit Goswami, which has received international acclaim and film festival awards. It features some new compositions for the film, inspired by explorations of special effects in a "quantum" style true to the nature of the film and Tony's exploratory roots.

2017 - Live CD, “Acoustic Energy”, in collaboration with Carsten Hormes and Wolfgang Stute as the Acoustic Guitar Night Trio.  

2022 -  "Thread of Joy", with the Acoustic Groove Experience Trio, which features Michael Manring on bass, Jarrod Kaplan (Trillian Green, Hanuman ...) on percussion, and TK on guitars.  Guests include Joe Craven (David Grisman Quintet, Jerry Garcia, Allison Brown ...) on violin and mandolin, and Alex Kelley on cello. It is a journey celebrating everything from musical calmness of breath to musical ecstasy, reflecting the enthusiasm in life. 

2023 -   “Kiss the Sky” (no relation to Jimi Hendrix even though he is one of TK's favorite artists), a recording of original vocal tunes.