Key of Dreams: Bio

Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams… the dynamic, acoustic Latin jazz trio is comprised of Eric Schultheis and Abe Wirth (guitars), with Doug Narry or Nancy Durham-Stairs (percussion.) Founded on November 6th, 2003 in Portland Oregon, Key of Dreams’ thought provoking melodies seem to dance over a lush, harmonic groove resulting from the seamless integration of Eric and Abe’s guitars. Set to infectious, worldly, percussive rhythms their music captivates the senses of even the most discriminating listener.

Eric and Abe met while sitting-in at a local blues club. Instantly recognizing the musical chemistry, they began playing, writing, recording and performing together. Penning more than 100 songs, and with as many live performances under their belts, they've developed a distinctive sound and style highlighting their passionate guitar virtuosity. "We started with a rock/fingerstyle fusion kind of thing, you know - heavy on the distortion and acoustic open tunings. Now we've really incorporated the Spanish guitar sound into our more standard tuned jazz style, never disregarding our rock roots."

Key of Dreams’ CD "Unlocked" consists of 14 original, instrumental compositions. "We took our time writing, recording, mixing, and mastering it ourselves in our small studio. With the addition of Doug and Nancy on percussion, and moving almost exclusively to classical/Flamenco guitars, we've opened up a new direction that's fresh and exciting." The sound and style are unique - drawing from many types of music including traditional and new jazz, rock, classical, Flamenco, world, Slack Key, fingerstyle, and funk. "We’ve been told we sound like Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Pat Metheny, Joe Satriani, Earl Klugh, and Ottmar Liebert, to name a few. That's a broad spectrum of artists to be compared to, which for us is good. We’re not trying to sound like anyone else, or any particular style of music for that matter. We just play and let it happen, which is very cool because there are really no boundaries. We can change the tempo, signature, tuning, key and overall feel whenever we want, and we do!”

Playing to hundreds of live audiences, playing for live TV broadcasts, attaining FM radio airplay and rave press reviews, selling CDs and music downloads have all begun to put Key of Dreams on the world wide musical map where they intend to make their mark.

“If you’re looking for great music, uplifting melodies and fabulous guitar, you’d be wise to wake up and listen to Key of Dreams.” Positively Entertainment

Abe Wirth - Guitar

Born in Santa Rosa, CA and raised in New Mexico, Abe’s interest in music began early when a family friend gave him an acoustic guitar. Hearing Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert inspired him to purchase his first electric guitar at age 15. Abe played in numerous rock and metal cover bands throughout high school. After graduating, he attended the Atlanta Institute of Music. Following a musical hiatus to work on his career, Abe met Eric at a blues jam, which motivated him to get back into playing. They have since logged hundreds of shows and recorded two CD’s.

Eric Schultheis - Guitar

Borne in Philadelphia, PA and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Eric started playing guitar in middle school. He played in rock bands during his high school and college years at most of the venues in the San Francisco and east bay club scene. After relocating to Portland, Oregon and a 14-year hiatus, he bought an acoustic guitar and began playing again. He met Abe while sitting-in at a local blues club and together they started what would become Key of Dreams.

Doug Narry - Percussion

Doug was borne and raised in Eastern Oregon, where he began playing drums at the age of thirteen. Doug has studied and played percussion throughout the United States with many musicians, in many styles, ranging from orchestral to rock. He has a particular interest in percussion practices in world music. As the percussionist in Key of Dreams, Doug's main instrument is the cajon, a.k.a. Afro-Peruvian box drum.

Nancy Durham-Stairs - Percussion

Nancy grew up near Harrisburg, PA. She played as a percussionist-drummer in school and garage bands through her senior year. As a young adult she switched gears after moving west, and began playing congas and other hand percussion.. learning traditional African rhythms and latin styles. She began performing as a percussionist with the Balafon Marimba Ensemble (Shanakie Records) in the late 80's; sharing venues with African groups like Lady Smith Black Mambazo and American icons The Grateful Dead. She went on to play jazz fusion with The Tone Sharks (Louie Records), then Portland latin jazz band Latin Quarter. Nancy currently lives and teaches drum lessons in West Linn. She met Eric one day in Portland Music... and began playing with Key of Dreams in May of this year.