From the gentle opening of Tristan's Moon, to the overdriven rock fusion of Imagine a Nation, the acoustic masterpiece "Finger Noise" CD by David Weiss provides a creative atmosphere for good things to happen. David Weiss, who is well-known in the Bellingham community for his leadership with the Bellingham Independent Music Association (BIMA) and his award-winning website: BIMA.com, has the dual gift of leadership and back-up support that permeates through his life and through his beautiful guitar music.

Before I even heard him perform, I was his fan, because of what he has done towards building community in Bellingham. And after a few notes from his sound clips, I recognized the artist for his art.My first introduction to Finger Noise, came from listening to soundclips from David's website at bima.com/david. Immediately impressed with his acoustic style, I purchased his album to hear more. The chameleonic magic of his music lends itself to potential counter-melodies and demonstrates David's diverse skills to both lead and follow. He performs well on stage as a soloist, lead guitar, and backup musician. And his homespun style of including finger noise (squeaks, strums and natural picking sounds) in his compositions, draws attention to the honesty and sincerity of his expression.

The album "Finger Noise" displays his love for family and community. Opening song Tristan's Moon is dedicated to his son, and was written as a lullaby, possibly to help soothe his son or gently wake him into another happy day. Elisa's Day dances with his daughter's playfulness. When Her Eyes Are Closed, is dedicated to wife Kathryn, and has a gentle, warm lilt, which probably brings a smile to her face. I find these songs uplifting and inspirational, each one lending creativity to my own energy as I move through my busy day. The upbeat rhythm and acoustic dance beat of Didn't I? features a cheerful blend of bass, drum and guitar plucking that's sure to lighten any load.

Through his unique compositions, David Weiss draws passion from the variation of style, tempo and momentum to climax. Title Song Finger Noise, nestled in the center of the CD has the most provocative, sensual sound known to humanity. You need to get the CD and hear it yourself, and when you do, you'll know exactly what I 'm talking about! David's personal favorites, Dreams of Spain, features his passion for Spanish guitar and through Imagine a Nation, David compiled three styles of guitar: acoustic steel string, classical & Spanish nylon string, and overdriven electric, to create a cultural fusion, demonstrating a versatile style, which sometimes includes climatic transition from romantic dance to hard-driven rock. The two variations of Cookie Café on this album also show different interpretations of a climatic development from an almost pastoral opening to an exciting close. Cookie Café, Revisted includes a fusion of rock, which also features Anna Schaad on electric viola.

New Roads, Old Places has a steady quick tempo, which offers a background to creative thought or reminiscence.. The energy from this music is both soothing and motivating to me as listener. Song of Sadness is mesmerizing, calm, and comforting. Perhaps David wrote this to deal with a sadness or to comfort someone in pain, but as I listen, my mood feels uplifted. It's good medicine. Floating demonstrates David's skillful fingerwork in which the intricate pattern of rapid finger movement in higher octaves contrast with a largo movement of deeper tones, creating a conduit for creativity. This music is subtle medicine, it's healthy, happy, uplifting and good to hear. The dreamlike Gentle Darkness closes this CD similar to the gentle opening, a soothing melody created with soft undercurrent of finger noise which invites serenity, inspires creativity, and beacons good things ahead.