A few days ago, my good friend Mauro sent me a link to a YouTube video by Morten Faerestrand. This video provides excellent insight into some of Pat Metheny's techniques. As well, Morten is a fabulous player and I very much appreciate the time he spends to detail these creative and unique techniques of a truly amazing musician. Hope you enjoy it. Me, I am off to practice ;-) Thanks Mauro! … [Read more...]
John McLaughlin: Remember Shakti – Giriras Sudha
October 23, 2010 by 1 Comment
Regarded as one the worlds finest jazz fusion guitarists, John McLaughlin’s extraordinary guitar playing has inspired professional and aspiring guitarists for decades. His musical and spiritual path has led him to play in a depth of styles ranging from Jazz Fusion to Classical and Indian Music. Some of his early session playing can be heard on Miles Davis’ In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew. In his dynamic career John has also collaborated with a staggering range of brilliant musicians, such as … [Read more...]
Lenny Breau: You Needed Me
December 20, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Born in Auburn, Maine to a musical family, Lenny Breau began playing the guitar at age 8. His parents were both professional musicians who played together in their touring country band, "Lone Pine and Betty Cody". By age 14 he was the lead guitarist in their band where he first performed and recorded professionally. The family eventually moved to Winnipeg when Lenny was 16, where he branched out on his own and developed a keen interest in Jazz music. Throughout his career, Lenny worked in … [Read more...]
Les Paul: How High the Moon
October 18, 2009 by 1 Comment
Les Paul June 9, 1915 - August 12, 2009 Les Paul was one of the most significant musical inventors and innovators of our time. Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin in 1915, Les began playing harmonica at the age of 8. His lifelong music career began soon thereafter. By age 13, Les was performing as a country western singer. A move to Chicago at age 19 sparked his interest in jazz. Soon after, Les formed the Les Paul Trio. By 1939 the group left for New York where Les began experimenting and altering … [Read more...]
Al Di Meola: Passion, Grace, and Fire
September 26, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Al Di Meola is a Jazz Fusion guitarist well known for his advanced technical approach and Latin style. He attended Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 1971 before joining the jazz fusion group Return to Forever with Chick Corea. Extreme dedication to precise picking technique, rhythm, and melody, are key elements to Al’s musicianship. The stylistic and emotional influence of the Mediterranean is the foundation of Al Di Meola’s approach. The successes of his early solo albums, such as … [Read more...]
Robben Ford: Burnable
September 13, 2009 by 5 Comments
Robben Ford is without a doubt one the most tasteful fusion guitarists. One of Robben’s strongest abilities is to creatively blend his blues foundation with jazz influence in a modern context. He has worked with a diverse range of major artists such as Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, and Miles Davis. Beginning at a young age Robben had a keen interest in both blues and jazz. He began as a blues player and through the 1970’s he started a jazz fusion band called the Yellowjackets. He has also … [Read more...]
Jeff Beck: Brush With The Blues
August 3, 2009 by 3 Comments
Jeff Beck is regarded as one of the most innovative guitar players of all time. Known for his “hands on” approach, Jeff uses the entire guitar to produce a unique vocal style. His limited use of a pick and mastery of the whammy bar, volume, and tone controls allow for true sonic creation. Reinventing himself throughout his career, Jeff has released records in genres such as blues rock, jazz fusion, rock, and electronic music. Through these recordings he has been a four time Grammy Award … [Read more...]
