Maybe that’s why critics speak of his ability to “transport” the listener; the music itself has been transported. The links to his Tennessee roots are unmistakable, but so are the elements of the far wider musical realm he inhabits. Mize has performed nationwide at acoustic music festivals, listening rooms, guitar shows, and concert series since the 1980s. With his recent CD release, The Southwind, he continues to selectively share his innovative heartfelt, zen-tinged, soul arrangements.
Bill Mize emerged in the late 80s with an innovative and influential wave of acoustic guitarists as part of the Windham Hill Guitar Sampler. Bill established himself with a signature sound reflective of his influences of Appalachian highland melodies and Memphis soul. As an independent musician, he has gone on take the top prize of the Winfield National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition, receive a GRAMMY Award for his collaboration with renowned musician and storyteller David Holt, and appear at venues and festivals around the country. In 2009 and 2013, Bill’s music appeared in the Ken Burns documentaries “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” and “Country Music.”