"The Wall" became a hit as soon as it came out. In 2007 Alder became the first Canadian to win the 2007 International Fingerstyle Championships held in the United States. One of his two winning pieces was "The Wall."
Having been to China for three times, Alder has become a fan of Chinese culture, especially the profuse Chinese cuisine. He described the changes there as "amazing," but what impressed him most is the common people, who are always so friendly and ready to help. He said he "absolutely" would like to go back to China for a tour.
"Not a Planet" has also been a great success. It received a 2009 nomination for "Instrumental CD of the Year" from the Western Canadian Music Alliance and Alder continues to garner national and international attention for his live performances and youtube videos.
"Not a Planet" demonstrates Alder's innovative techniques and fretboard fluidity for which he is known, and continues to push beyond the accepted parameters of his instrument. It's lilting, melancholic, edgy, rhythmic sounds illustrate Alders mastery of the wide array of tonal possibilities available from his instrument, an expert writes in a review.
In 2006, Alder was approached by film producer Michael French to participate in the making of a movie about Rick Hansen and "The Man In Motion World Tour." The movie was released in theaters in 2008. Alder's character was in the movie and some of his original music was used in the film.
At 49, Alder has been playing guitar for the past 33 years. He began to play guitar at the age of 13 when he was given an electric guitar during a six-month sick leave from school. Ever since, guitar has become an inalienable part of his life.
Playing guitar makes Alder young. As one of the best acoustic guitarists in the world, and one of Canada's premiere harp guitarists, Alder sees himself as "very very young and getting younger each year."
(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2009)
