About

Adam Dobres is a gifted guitarist and composer whose deep passion for his art is evident in every note he plays. Whether it be his guitar playing featured with renowned artists, or his solo instrumental work, Adam has a natural ability to tell stories through his music, and his compositions capture the complexities of joy, struggle, courage, longing and love.

Much of the power and inspiration behind Adam’s compositions and performances comes from his experiences playing alongside world-class artists in venues with capacities of up to 15,000 people.

““There is an energy that is shared while performing in front of a large crowd that stays with you forever and continues to infuse itself into your art and performance.” ”
— Adam Dobres

Adam has an ability to masterfully and effortlessly navigate through a multitude of genres which has given his compositions and performances a rich diversity of melodies  and feel that sets him apart and has kept him high in demand as a touring and recording artist.

Solo guitarist

In 2016, after an inspiring and exciting 15 years of touring and recording with renowned artists, Adam embarked on a personal journey close to his heart, composing for solo instrumental guitar.

In 2017, Adam recorded his debut solo guitar album which earned him critical acclaim and multiple nominations, including Instrumental Artist of the Year at the West Coast Music Awards and Best Roots Recording for his track Orca's Jig at the Vancouver Island Music Awards. 

““The Celtic influence shines through these rich, complex compositions, to the extent that they feel like traditional pieces with a fresh interpretation. In short,
Brilliant!””
— Penguin Eggs Magazine, 2017

In 2020, Adam recorded his album, Kin. It was nominated for the 2023 WCMA for Best Instrumental Album of the year.

“ “While I love the entire album, it’s with pieces like “Daffodil Hill”, “Ometz Lev” and “The Dove” that Adam Dobres strongly demonstrates his individuality as a composer and performer. Dobres has prospects of building a strong worldwide following among fans of fingerstyle guitar. He’s produced tablature books of his solo works and I’d like to see him teach at the major music camps. Go, Adam!”
— Review of KIN by Minor 7th

Both instrumental albums invite listeners to connect with a transcendent musical language deep from Adam’s heart.  Each track unfolds as a rich, colourful tapestry of melodies that evoke joy, longing, grief, and mystery.  It’s not uncommon to hear multiple “wows” from the audience or see tears in the eyes of those who connect with some of Adam’s deeply emotive melodies such as, “Freda’s Journey”.

A new chapter in Adam’s creative journey unfolded on April 27th, 2025, when he debuted his composition, Freda's Journey Suite, with the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra. This deeply personal composition, written by Adam, consists of five movements that tell the story of his great grandmother Freda, who undertook a tragic yet heroic journey from Ukraine to Canada in the early 1900s. Orchestrated and arranged by Adrian Dolan, the suite combines Adam’s distinctive guitar driven melodies with the depth and grandeur of orchestral arrangements, bringing Freda’s remarkable journey to life in a truly unforgettable way.  There are plans to record Freda’s Journey Suite onto an album late 2026.

What does the future hold…

2026 is looking to be an exciting year of performance and recording for Adam.

A new solo album will be in the works in 2026, as well as a recording of “Freda’s Journey Suite for solo guitar and Orchestra”.  Sign up for the mailing list so you can keep up to date on upcoming performances and recordings

Adam’s awards nominations

  • Nomination for Instrumental Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA) 2017

  • Nomination for Best Roots Recording for Orca's Jig at the Vancouver Island Music Awards. 2017

  • Nomination for Best Instrumental Album of the Year for the album Kin at the West Coast Music Awards (WCMA) 2023

Career Highlights…

  • Opened for the legendary Jackson Browne in N.Z with Toni Childs.

  • Opened for Mark Knopfler (2013, 2015), which included 8 shows at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK. and other large venues across Europe and the UK with The Ruth Moody Band. 

  • Featured on the acclaimed radio show The Prairie Home Companion with The Wailin' Jennys and Hit the #1 spot on the American bluegrass charts with album Fifteen.

  • Opening act for Blue Rodeo Eastern Canada tour with Dustin Bentall.

  • Performed composition of 25 minute suite of 5 movements for solo guitar and Orchestra, Freda’s Journey Suite. (Debut Performance, April 27th, 2025)

Folk festival headliner:

  • Islands Folk Festival in Duncan, BC. (As a solo guitarist) 

  • Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival (AU)

  • Woodford Folk Festival (AU) 

  • Port Fairy Folk Festival (AU)

  • Vancouver Folk Festival

  • Calgary Folk Festival

  • Edmonton Folk Festival

  • Winnipeg Folk Festival

  • Mariposa

  • Telluride

  • Cayamo Caribbean music festival Cruise

Touring and recording 2000-2020:

Over the past 20 years Adam has recorded and toured extensively around the world as guitarist for renowned artists including:

  • The Wailin’ Jennys (Grammy Nominee, Juno winner)

  • Ruth Moody Band (Juno nominee)

  • Toni Childs (Emmy award winner, grammy nominee)

  • Daniel Lapp (Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Service Award2012, Humanitarian award for Canada, 2025)

  • Pierre Schryer (Canadian Grandmasters fiddle champion)

  • Dustin Bentall (Independent Music awards winner)

Other Award nominations:

  • Nomination for Roots Album of the Year, for celtic duo album, Mandorla, With Adam Dobres & Pierre Schryer at the Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA) 2019

  • Kierah Raymond, Stonemason’s Daughter - CFMA winner 2013. (Guitarist)

  • Olivia Barret - CFMA nomination 2025. (Guitarist)

  • Wailin’ Jennys, Fifteen - Juno nomination. (Guitarist) 

  • Ridley Bent, Buckles and Boots - Roots/Canadiana Award, the Gaylord Wood  Traditional Country Award, and Best Single Award. (Guitarist)

  • Ruth Moody, Threse Wilder Things - CFMA nomination. (Guitarist)

  • Jocelyn Pettit, Windrose - CFMA nomination. (Guitarist)

  • Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen: CFMA award winner. (Guitarist)

Discography:

  • Debut Album - Adam Dobres

  • Kin - Adam Dobres

  • Silent night - Adam Dobres

  • Joyful, Joyful - Adam Dobres

  • Citizens of the Planet (Electric guitar) - Toni Childs

  • Mandorla - Adam Dobres & Pierre Schryer (Celtic music album)

  • These Wilder things - Ruth Moody (Acoustic and Electric Guitars)

  • Fifteen - The Wailin’ Jennys (Acoustic and Electric Guitars)

  • Buckles and Boots - Ridley Bent (Acoustic and Electric Guitars)

  • Elsewhere - Oliva Barret (Guitarist)

  • Windrose - (Guitarist) Jocelyn Petit

  • Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira (Guitarist)

  • Stonemasons Daughter -Kierah Raymond (Guitarist)

  • Strongbow - Kierah Raymond (Guitarist)

  • Six Shooter - Dustin Bentall (Acoustic and Electric Guitars)