Links
Arts & Multimedia
Dave Holland
http://www.daveholland.com
From shredding acid fusion with Miles in the 70″s, to straight up innovative jazz in the 80″s and beyond, this guy is one of a kind. A wonderful composer, as well as bassist.Recommended: Dave Holland Big Band “What Goes Around*” Dave Holland Quartet “Extensions” (I got into Kevin Eubanks because of this album, long before Jay Leno put him to work) * You will love this album! I don”t care what style you”re into.
Jaco Pastorious
http://www.jacopastorius.com/
I used to think Van Halen came up with a lot of the “tapped harmonic” things on guitar. Brilliant as Eddie was, it was the late Jaco who was doing many of those same techniques on the electric bass in the mid 70″s, before Van Halen I came out. Because the music was categorized as “jazz,” the attention wasn”t as widespread as Eddie”s. More important than techniques, Jaco came up with grooves which infiltrated the vocabulary of music. He was also a brilliant composer. He loved all styles of music and combined the discipline of the jazz musician with an appreciation for rock, funk, world music and R&B. A truly tragic loss.Recommended: Weather Report “Heavy Weather.” Jaco Pastorious (first album).
James Genus
http://www.jazzozieri.com/JamesGenus.htm
My friend who knows him calls him “James Genius.” A monster on acoustic and electric bass, hired by many of the baddest cats in New York.Recommended: Brecker Brothers “Live” (video).
John Pattitucci
http://www.johnpatitucci.com
Could have led a cushy life as a session player in LA. Instead, chose to move to NY and focus more on acoustic bass and playing with players he likes. Has played with some of my all time heroes. Equally killing on electric and acoustic.
Matt Garrison
http://www.garrisonjazz.com
You must hear this guy. I”d rather listen to him than most guitarists; I”m blown away every time. Apparently, so are John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinul and Herbie Hancock.Recommended: Matthew Garrison (debut album). John Mclaughlin “The Heart Of Things.”
Michael Manring
http://www.manthing.com
My partner in crime for Skol Patrol and Attention Deficit. To call him a “bassist” is an understatement. A true communicator through the language of music and a wonderful human being. It”s an honor to even be associated with him. I don”t know what else to say.Recommended: Michael Manring “Thonk” Attention Deficit “The Idiot King”
Oteil Burbridge
http://www.oteilburbridge.com
Combine the grooves of P Funk with shredding chops, a jazz vocabulary, lush chords and the scat singing of George Benson from another planet: you”ve got Oteil. As big an influence on yours truly as any guitarist.Recommended: Col. Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit “Mirrors Of Embarassment”
Richard Bona
http://www.richardbona.net/
One of the finest musicians on the planet. An African Jaco Pastorius, with the voice of an angel from Cameroon.Recommended: Richard Bona “Reverence,” Mike Stern “Voices”
Scott LaFaro
http://www.geocities.com/chuck_ralston/08_slf.htm
Before him, the role of the bass in jazz was primarily to keep time and “walk.” In the early 60″s, his collaboration with pianist Bill Evans reinvented this role and made it much more interactive, forever changing the bass and its function. Tragically, he passed away in a car accident at a young age. Legendary in jazz the way the late guitarist Randy Rhoads is in hard rock.Recommended: Bill Evans “Sunday At The Village Vanguard” (aka “Live At The Village Vanguard”).
Evans
http://www.evansdrumheads.com/
Matt proudly uses Evans drum heads.
Rivera
http://www.rivera.com/
Makers of the combo amp used on both Attention Deficit albums, Testament “First Strike Still Deadly,” “Skol Patrol” EP and more
Tech 21
http://www.tech21nyc.com/
Makers of the Trademark 60 amp, as heard on “GTR: Standards For A New Generation”
Al Di Meola
http://www.aldimeola.com
The king of picking! I don’t think of him so much as a jazz guitarist (his vocabulary is more like rock and latin), but definately helped bridge the gap between jazz, rock and world music. His acoustic work was my favorite, especially his versions of “Short Tales Of The Black Forest” and “Medditerannean Sundance” in collaboration with Chick Corea and Paco De Lucia respectively (these versions are far superior to the ones on that noodlefest “Friday Night In San Francisco” which you should ignore as far as I’m concerned).Recommended: Al Di Meola “Elegant Gypsy” “Land Of The Midnight Sun.”
Bill Frisell
http://www.songtone.com/artists/frisell_link.htm
Completely reinvented improvised guitar. Like very sophisticated cartoon music: combines avant garde, country, metal, jazz and other elements with the depth of a classical composer. Can play all these styles perfectly and does so with saxophonist John Zorn.Recommended: John Zorn “Naked City” Bill Frisell “This Land.”
Birelli Lagrene
http://www.lagrene.com/
One of my all time heroes. The first guy around my own age to become an influence. Opened for McLaughlin/Di Meola/De Lucia when he was eleven (!). Gypsy prodigy. Pissed off all the purists by getting into Van Halen and Hendrix and going electric. Currently back to Gypsy jazz and sounding better than ever. How cool is that”!!!Recommended: Birelli Lagrene “Acoustic Moments.”
David Gilmore
http://www.dgilmore.com/
No, it’s not the guy who helped create “Dark Side Of The Moon.” This Dave Gilmore is New York based and plays high energy music that combines jazz, funk and world music with some of the most innovative rhythms I’ve heard.Recommended: “Ritualism.”
Emily Remler
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll”p=amg&sql=1EMILY|REMLER
don’t know what’s more sad: the fact that Emily Remler died young, the lack of information about her on the web, or the fact that when asked about female guitarists, many (including some influential players) cite women like Lita Ford or Courtney Love. At 24, Emily Remler was a serious musician, playing circles around most guys. Who knows where her playing would be today.Recommended: Emily Remler “Firefly”
George Benson
http://www.georgebenson.com/
I know what you”re thinking. “He”s that R&B singer” or “Yeah, “On Broadway” and “Breezin”.” But let me tell you something- this guy is one of the best jazz guitar players, period. You can hear a touch of it in “On Broadway”, but it”s nothing like his early stuff. I cringe seeing him sing on TV with no guitar and a “smooth jazz” backing track. But he can still tear it up, popping up at gigs around New York and sounding as good as ever. You go George!!Recommended: George Benson Quartet feat. Dr. Lonnie Smith “The George Benson Cookbook,” any 1960″s albums.
Jack Wilkins
http://www.jackwilkins.com/
Totally shredding traditional jazz guitar.Recommended: Jack Wilkins “Merge.”
Jim Hall
http://www.sadowsky.com/media/hall_content/pdf/jim_hall_bio.pdf
The king of taste! Never one to show off, this guy always plays the right amount, not too much. Very melodic; his solos are compositions within compositions. An influence on Metheny, Frisell, Stern, Scofield. Another guy that continually reinvents himself and is as hip and relevant today as always.Recommended: Bill Evans & Jim Hall “Intermodulation” ; Jim Hall “Jazzpar 98″
Jimmy Herring
http://www.digitalinterviews.com/digitalinterviews/views/herring.shtml
Screaming high energy rock guitar with a jazz vocabulary, great feel and a bit of Southern twang. Inspired me to expand. A truly great guy as well! This is a nice interview (Jimmy, you need your own website, I’m gonna bug you).Recommended: Col. Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit (1st album).
John McLaughlin
http://www.johnmclaughlin.com/
The most shredding guitarist ever! Who says you can’t shred with depth and spirituality”! One of the true pioneers who continues to reinvent himself and is as relevant today as ever. Too much to say here. Check out the site.Recommended: John McLaughlin “Electric Guitarist” Mahvishnu Orchestra “Visions Of The Emerald Beyond.” John McLaughlin “How My Heart Sings: A Tribute To Bill Evans”
John Scofield
http://www.johnscofield.com/
One of the all time greats. Works his unique style into straight ahead jazz, burning fusion and all points in between. Recently reinvented as hero of the hippie/jam-band scene, and continues to record great jazz.Recommended: Joe Henderson “So Near, So Far,” Chet Baker “You Can’t Go Home Again,” Miles Davis “Decoy,” John Scofield ” Flat Out.”
Junior Brown
http://www.juniorbrown.com
Don’t like country music” You will. Imagine a jam session of Johnny Cash, The Ventures and Jimi Hendrix, along with a lap steel player. Junior is all of the above, at once. I urge you to hear him live. Actually don’t, because you’ll hear where I steal a lot of my ideas! ; )Recommended: Junior Brown “Junior High.”
Kevin Eubanks
http://www.kevineubanks.com/
A great musician. Can play Zeppelin and Skynyrd on the Tonight Show, but also a burning jazz guy. Hip enough to throw in some Aquarium Rescue Unit in between Jay Leno”s bits.
Kurt Rosenwinkle
http://www.yaleherald.com/archive/xxxi/2001.03.30/ae/p15akurt.html
Young guitarist pushing the boundaries of jazz guitar. Better appreciated by the experienced listener.Recommended: Kurt Rosenwinkle “The Next Step”
Lenny Breau
http://www.guitarchives.com/lenny.htm
Late great guitarist. More should know about him. A huge influence on players ranging from Tuck Andress to Eric Johnson. Created some wonderful techniques, esp. with harmonics. A tragic loss.
Mike Stern
http://www.mikestern.org/
Another great thing about New York: hearing Mike Stern close up at his weekly gig at the 55 Bar. One of the first to make me realize a rocker can play jazz.Recommended: Miles Davis “We Want Miles” Mike Stern “Standards And Other Songs”
Mimi Fox
http://mimifoxjazzguitar.com
A treasure of the San Francisco Bay Area and one of the coolest gals. A few years ago we did some lessons where I taught her to rock and she taught me to swing.Recommended: Mimi Fox “Turtle Logic”
Paco De Lucia
http://www.pacodelucia.org/
One of the great flamenco guitarists of all time. The real deal. Wonderful collaborations with two of my other heroes, McLaughlin and Di Meola (although I was never crazy about the three of them together).Recommended: Paco De Lucia Flamenco Guitar Recital
Pat Martino
http://patmartino.com/
A wonderful high energy jazz guitarist, with terrific lines. Sounds better than ever, despite having to relearn the instrument after suffering from memory loss/brain disorder. Check out his instruction vids.Recommended: Pat Martino “Desparado.”
Pat Metheny
http://www.patmethenygroup.com/
Possibly my favorite in recent years. Just when it seems he’s the best ever, he improves! One of the most creative people in music, period, reinventing himself with each album. What he did at age 23 is utterly scary, reinventing jazz guitar in improvisation. Although his earlier work which has a light, pop element and took a while to grow on me, he’s gone on to do some of the most burning, aggressive music out there (some of which has horrified his pop fans, causing them to walk out of concerts. How cool is that”!!!) Start with the trio work. Also, hear him as a sideman.Recommended: Pat Metheny “Question And Answer,” Pat Metheny Group “Imaginary Day” Kenny Garret “Pursuance: A Tribute To John Coltrane,” Michael Brecker (1st album).
Paul Bollenback
http://www.paulbollenback.com
A big influence and a guy I study with from time to time. Beautiful chord work and shredding as well.Recommended: Paul Bollenback “Original Visions.”
Randy Johnston
http://www.randyjohnston.net/
Another guy nobody seems to have heard of, unless you live in New York and are connected to the jazz scene. Classic jazz guitar that absolutely burns!!Recommended: Randy Johnston “Homage.”
Ron Affif
http://www.fantasyjazz.com/html/affifrbio.html
Smooth elegant jazz guitar…that totally shreds!Recommended: Ron Affif “Ringside”
Scott Henderson
http://www.scotthenderson.net/
High level improvisation with a strong connection to the blues. A cool guy and great teacher. Like a cross between many of my favorite players. Beautiful lines, hip arrangement, and screaming licks.Recommended: Tribal Tech “Nomad” Scott Henderson “Dog Party.”
Strunz And Farah
http://www.strunzandfarah.com
Two of the baddest mofo”s on the planet. Imagine a whole album of Di Meola and De Lucia”s Duets, with Middle Eastern and other influences. I had the privilege of opening for them once. I was especially struck by Jorge Strunz; two words: effortless mastery.Recommended: Strunz And Farah “Primal Magic” and “Americas”
Tuck Andress
http://www.tuckandpatti.com
Amazing. Sounds like two (or three) guitarists.Recommended: Tuck And Patti “Tears Of Joy”
Vic Juris
http://www.dangelicoguitars.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/artists/SubFuseAction/juris.htm
One of the most respected jazz players in New York, but not a household name, which is unfortunate. A great guy and one of my favorite teachers while I was at New School. He had a lot of support and respect for what I was doing, as crazy as it was.Recommended: Vic Juris “For The Music” Dave Liebman “Return Of The Tenor”
Wayne Krantz
http://www.waynekrantz.com/
Another New York treasure. One of the most original guitarists out there. High energy stratocaster improvisation in a style all his own.Recommended: Wayne Krantz “Two Drink Minimum.”
- Aflie Lam
http://www.alfielam.com.com/
I saw one of his paintings in a friend’s salon in Toronto. I immediately bought it. I was surprised to find out that he worked in a hospital and had never considered selling his paintings professionally. That’s all going to change.
- Bobby Logic
http://www.galaxynine.us/modernart/
I was homesick on tour in North Carolina, when I saw an exhibit of his work in a cafe. I was struck by the images of New York and was considering buying a painting, when someone started taking them down! It turned out to be Bobby himself. We hit it off, it turns out he’s a musician and his drummer is a fan of mine. I bought two of his paintings.
- Max Franosch
http://www.maxfranosch.com/
London based graphic artist extroardinaire. Projects include albums/promotion materials for our own “Goodbye To Romance:Standards For A New Generation,” as well as ECM Records, Dave Holland and more.
Bands
Bands
- Testament
http://www.testamentlegions.com/
Long ago, before Alex Skolnick Trio, there was…
Bass
- Avishai Cohen
http://www.avishaimusic.com/home.shtml
Chick Corea knew to pick him to play bass. Avishai”s music combines his deep knowledge of jazz with the ethnic influences of his native Israel, as well as Latin America.
Recommended: Avishai Cohen “Adama.”
http://www.daveholland.com
From shredding acid fusion with Miles in the 70″s, to straight up innovative jazz in the 80″s and beyond, this guy is one of a kind. A wonderful composer, as well as bassist.Recommended: Dave Holland Big Band “What Goes Around*” Dave Holland Quartet “Extensions” (I got into Kevin Eubanks because of this album, long before Jay Leno put him to work) * You will love this album! I don”t care what style you”re into.
http://www.jacopastorius.com/
I used to think Van Halen came up with a lot of the “tapped harmonic” things on guitar. Brilliant as Eddie was, it was the late Jaco who was doing many of those same techniques on the electric bass in the mid 70″s, before Van Halen I came out. Because the music was categorized as “jazz,” the attention wasn”t as widespread as Eddie”s. More important than techniques, Jaco came up with grooves which infiltrated the vocabulary of music. He was also a brilliant composer. He loved all styles of music and combined the discipline of the jazz musician with an appreciation for rock, funk, world music and R&B. A truly tragic loss.Recommended: Weather Report “Heavy Weather.” Jaco Pastorious (first album).
http://www.jazzozieri.com/JamesGenus.htm
My friend who knows him calls him “James Genius.” A monster on acoustic and electric bass, hired by many of the baddest cats in New York.Recommended: Brecker Brothers “Live” (video).
http://www.johnpatitucci.com
Could have led a cushy life as a session player in LA. Instead, chose to move to NY and focus more on acoustic bass and playing with players he likes. Has played with some of my all time heroes. Equally killing on electric and acoustic.
http://www.garrisonjazz.com
You must hear this guy. I”d rather listen to him than most guitarists; I”m blown away every time. Apparently, so are John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinul and Herbie Hancock.Recommended: Matthew Garrison (debut album). John Mclaughlin “The Heart Of Things.”
http://www.manthing.com
My partner in crime for Skol Patrol and Attention Deficit. To call him a “bassist” is an understatement. A true communicator through the language of music and a wonderful human being. It”s an honor to even be associated with him. I don”t know what else to say.Recommended: Michael Manring “Thonk” Attention Deficit “The Idiot King”
http://www.oteilburbridge.com
Combine the grooves of P Funk with shredding chops, a jazz vocabulary, lush chords and the scat singing of George Benson from another planet: you”ve got Oteil. As big an influence on yours truly as any guitarist.Recommended: Col. Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit “Mirrors Of Embarassment”
http://www.richardbona.net/
One of the finest musicians on the planet. An African Jaco Pastorius, with the voice of an angel from Cameroon.Recommended: Richard Bona “Reverence,” Mike Stern “Voices”
http://www.geocities.com/chuck_ralston/08_slf.htm
Before him, the role of the bass in jazz was primarily to keep time and “walk.” In the early 60″s, his collaboration with pianist Bill Evans reinvented this role and made it much more interactive, forever changing the bass and its function. Tragically, he passed away in a car accident at a young age. Legendary in jazz the way the late guitarist Randy Rhoads is in hard rock.Recommended: Bill Evans “Sunday At The Village Vanguard” (aka “Live At The Village Vanguard”).
Education
- Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco
http://www.bluebearmusic.org - Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco
http://www.bluebearmusic.org
Blue Bear exists to provide superior music education to aspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels.
Gear
- D’Addario
http://www.daddario.com/
Alex proudly uses D’Addario strings.
http://www.evansdrumheads.com/
Matt proudly uses Evans drum heads.
http://www.rivera.com/
Makers of the combo amp used on both Attention Deficit albums, Testament “First Strike Still Deadly,” “Skol Patrol” EP and more
http://www.tech21nyc.com/
Makers of the Trademark 60 amp, as heard on “GTR: Standards For A New Generation”
Guitar
- Adam Rogers
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/iviews/arogers.htm
One of the best (and most unknown) guitarists on Earth. ‘Nuff said.
Recommended: Matthew Garrison (1st album)
http://www.aldimeola.com
The king of picking! I don’t think of him so much as a jazz guitarist (his vocabulary is more like rock and latin), but definately helped bridge the gap between jazz, rock and world music. His acoustic work was my favorite, especially his versions of “Short Tales Of The Black Forest” and “Medditerannean Sundance” in collaboration with Chick Corea and Paco De Lucia respectively (these versions are far superior to the ones on that noodlefest “Friday Night In San Francisco” which you should ignore as far as I’m concerned).Recommended: Al Di Meola “Elegant Gypsy” “Land Of The Midnight Sun.”
http://www.songtone.com/artists/frisell_link.htm
Completely reinvented improvised guitar. Like very sophisticated cartoon music: combines avant garde, country, metal, jazz and other elements with the depth of a classical composer. Can play all these styles perfectly and does so with saxophonist John Zorn.Recommended: John Zorn “Naked City” Bill Frisell “This Land.”
http://www.lagrene.com/
One of my all time heroes. The first guy around my own age to become an influence. Opened for McLaughlin/Di Meola/De Lucia when he was eleven (!). Gypsy prodigy. Pissed off all the purists by getting into Van Halen and Hendrix and going electric. Currently back to Gypsy jazz and sounding better than ever. How cool is that”!!!Recommended: Birelli Lagrene “Acoustic Moments.”
http://www.dgilmore.com/
No, it’s not the guy who helped create “Dark Side Of The Moon.” This Dave Gilmore is New York based and plays high energy music that combines jazz, funk and world music with some of the most innovative rhythms I’ve heard.Recommended: “Ritualism.”
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll”p=amg&sql=1EMILY|REMLER
don’t know what’s more sad: the fact that Emily Remler died young, the lack of information about her on the web, or the fact that when asked about female guitarists, many (including some influential players) cite women like Lita Ford or Courtney Love. At 24, Emily Remler was a serious musician, playing circles around most guys. Who knows where her playing would be today.Recommended: Emily Remler “Firefly”
http://www.georgebenson.com/
I know what you”re thinking. “He”s that R&B singer” or “Yeah, “On Broadway” and “Breezin”.” But let me tell you something- this guy is one of the best jazz guitar players, period. You can hear a touch of it in “On Broadway”, but it”s nothing like his early stuff. I cringe seeing him sing on TV with no guitar and a “smooth jazz” backing track. But he can still tear it up, popping up at gigs around New York and sounding as good as ever. You go George!!Recommended: George Benson Quartet feat. Dr. Lonnie Smith “The George Benson Cookbook,” any 1960″s albums.
http://www.jackwilkins.com/
Totally shredding traditional jazz guitar.Recommended: Jack Wilkins “Merge.”
http://www.sadowsky.com/media/hall_content/pdf/jim_hall_bio.pdf
The king of taste! Never one to show off, this guy always plays the right amount, not too much. Very melodic; his solos are compositions within compositions. An influence on Metheny, Frisell, Stern, Scofield. Another guy that continually reinvents himself and is as hip and relevant today as always.Recommended: Bill Evans & Jim Hall “Intermodulation” ; Jim Hall “Jazzpar 98″
http://www.digitalinterviews.com/digitalinterviews/views/herring.shtml
Screaming high energy rock guitar with a jazz vocabulary, great feel and a bit of Southern twang. Inspired me to expand. A truly great guy as well! This is a nice interview (Jimmy, you need your own website, I’m gonna bug you).Recommended: Col. Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit (1st album).
http://www.johnmclaughlin.com/
The most shredding guitarist ever! Who says you can’t shred with depth and spirituality”! One of the true pioneers who continues to reinvent himself and is as relevant today as ever. Too much to say here. Check out the site.Recommended: John McLaughlin “Electric Guitarist” Mahvishnu Orchestra “Visions Of The Emerald Beyond.” John McLaughlin “How My Heart Sings: A Tribute To Bill Evans”
http://www.johnscofield.com/
One of the all time greats. Works his unique style into straight ahead jazz, burning fusion and all points in between. Recently reinvented as hero of the hippie/jam-band scene, and continues to record great jazz.Recommended: Joe Henderson “So Near, So Far,” Chet Baker “You Can’t Go Home Again,” Miles Davis “Decoy,” John Scofield ” Flat Out.”
http://www.juniorbrown.com
Don’t like country music” You will. Imagine a jam session of Johnny Cash, The Ventures and Jimi Hendrix, along with a lap steel player. Junior is all of the above, at once. I urge you to hear him live. Actually don’t, because you’ll hear where I steal a lot of my ideas! ; )Recommended: Junior Brown “Junior High.”
http://www.kevineubanks.com/
A great musician. Can play Zeppelin and Skynyrd on the Tonight Show, but also a burning jazz guy. Hip enough to throw in some Aquarium Rescue Unit in between Jay Leno”s bits.
http://www.yaleherald.com/archive/xxxi/2001.03.30/ae/p15akurt.html
Young guitarist pushing the boundaries of jazz guitar. Better appreciated by the experienced listener.Recommended: Kurt Rosenwinkle “The Next Step”
http://www.guitarchives.com/lenny.htm
Late great guitarist. More should know about him. A huge influence on players ranging from Tuck Andress to Eric Johnson. Created some wonderful techniques, esp. with harmonics. A tragic loss.
http://www.mikestern.org/
Another great thing about New York: hearing Mike Stern close up at his weekly gig at the 55 Bar. One of the first to make me realize a rocker can play jazz.Recommended: Miles Davis “We Want Miles” Mike Stern “Standards And Other Songs”
http://mimifoxjazzguitar.com
A treasure of the San Francisco Bay Area and one of the coolest gals. A few years ago we did some lessons where I taught her to rock and she taught me to swing.Recommended: Mimi Fox “Turtle Logic”
http://www.pacodelucia.org/
One of the great flamenco guitarists of all time. The real deal. Wonderful collaborations with two of my other heroes, McLaughlin and Di Meola (although I was never crazy about the three of them together).Recommended: Paco De Lucia Flamenco Guitar Recital
http://patmartino.com/
A wonderful high energy jazz guitarist, with terrific lines. Sounds better than ever, despite having to relearn the instrument after suffering from memory loss/brain disorder. Check out his instruction vids.Recommended: Pat Martino “Desparado.”
http://www.patmethenygroup.com/
Possibly my favorite in recent years. Just when it seems he’s the best ever, he improves! One of the most creative people in music, period, reinventing himself with each album. What he did at age 23 is utterly scary, reinventing jazz guitar in improvisation. Although his earlier work which has a light, pop element and took a while to grow on me, he’s gone on to do some of the most burning, aggressive music out there (some of which has horrified his pop fans, causing them to walk out of concerts. How cool is that”!!!) Start with the trio work. Also, hear him as a sideman.Recommended: Pat Metheny “Question And Answer,” Pat Metheny Group “Imaginary Day” Kenny Garret “Pursuance: A Tribute To John Coltrane,” Michael Brecker (1st album).
http://www.paulbollenback.com
A big influence and a guy I study with from time to time. Beautiful chord work and shredding as well.Recommended: Paul Bollenback “Original Visions.”
http://www.randyjohnston.net/
Another guy nobody seems to have heard of, unless you live in New York and are connected to the jazz scene. Classic jazz guitar that absolutely burns!!Recommended: Randy Johnston “Homage.”
http://www.fantasyjazz.com/html/affifrbio.html
Smooth elegant jazz guitar…that totally shreds!Recommended: Ron Affif “Ringside”
http://www.scotthenderson.net/
High level improvisation with a strong connection to the blues. A cool guy and great teacher. Like a cross between many of my favorite players. Beautiful lines, hip arrangement, and screaming licks.Recommended: Tribal Tech “Nomad” Scott Henderson “Dog Party.”
http://www.strunzandfarah.com
Two of the baddest mofo”s on the planet. Imagine a whole album of Di Meola and De Lucia”s Duets, with Middle Eastern and other influences. I had the privilege of opening for them once. I was especially struck by Jorge Strunz; two words: effortless mastery.Recommended: Strunz And Farah “Primal Magic” and “Americas”
http://www.tuckandpatti.com
Amazing. Sounds like two (or three) guitarists.Recommended: Tuck And Patti “Tears Of Joy”
http://www.dangelicoguitars.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/artists/SubFuseAction/juris.htm
One of the most respected jazz players in New York, but not a household name, which is unfortunate. A great guy and one of my favorite teachers while I was at New School. He had a lot of support and respect for what I was doing, as crazy as it was.Recommended: Vic Juris “For The Music” Dave Liebman “Return Of The Tenor”
http://www.waynekrantz.com/
Another New York treasure. One of the most original guitarists out there. High energy stratocaster improvisation in a style all his own.Recommended: Wayne Krantz “Two Drink Minimum.”
Media
- Eddie Trunk
http://www.eddietrunk.com/
Host of “That Metal Show” on VH1 and numerous hard rocking radio shows. He’s been a big supporter of my jazz music, even playing “Detroit Rock City” and “Goodbye To Romance” on his radio show a few times. - Jose Mangin http://www.myspace.com/josemangin Maniacal host of Sirius’ “Liquid Metal,” one of the most fun guys to do a radio show with and hang out with. May still have a calling as metal vocalist.
Violin
- Anna Phoebe
http://www.annaphoebe.com
One of the best performers I’ve ever shared the stage with. We toured together in TSO in ‘08 and ‘09 and she’s recently become a member of legendary British pop band Roxy Music, as well as radio hostess on ‘Total Rock UK’ and columnist for ‘Classic Rock’ magazine.
- Katie Jacoby
http://twitter.com/katiejacoby
Amazing young violin wiz with musical taste beyond her years, from Steely Dan to Slayer. Currently playing for the Ed Polermo big band, music of Frank Zappa, in New York City and working on her own projects. Also very beautiful. Someone to watch out for.