High Action

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Modulation Effects. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Studying Guitar in College. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Original Music. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Dialing in Your Sound Live. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of traveling while on the road in Oregon. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Hybrid Picking. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Picking Techniques. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Favorite Microphones. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Harmolodic Improvisation. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Establishing Your Sound. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Amplifiers. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Writing and Arranging. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Exploring Harmony. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Practice Routines. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples. Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of inspiring teachers. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of melodic techniques. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Rhythm Guitar. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of Chord Melodies. Check the episode for a discussion and playing examples.  Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the topic of accompanying a vocalist. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples. Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss the intimidating topic of Sight Reading on the Guitar. Check out the episode for a discussion and playing examples. Follow and support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry John and Will discuss their New Year's Resolutions and perform examples on their guitars. Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry, Will and John discuss and perform using pedals and various effects that can enhance to your tone. Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This episode Perry, Will and John discuss and perform popular holiday songs on Guitar. Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This episode Perry, Will and John discuss and perform concepts for Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar playing. Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry, Will and John discuss concepts for Rhythm and Lead Guitar playing. How they differ and how they are similar.  Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry, John and Will discuss and perform the wonderful music of Brazil on their guitars.  Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing. This week Perry, Will and John discuss and demonstrate elements of the Acoustic Guitar. Follow and support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/newwestguitargroup

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing.

This week the group discusses and performs on electric solid body guitars. How do Perry, Will and John approach these guitars? Check it out in this week’s episode of High Action!

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Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing.

This week they dive into the world of transcriptions and how that informs the modern jazz artist. How do Perry, Will and John approach transcribing the language of jazz guitar and other instruments? Check it out in this week’s episode of High Action!

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing.

This week is all about Scales and Arpeggios. Check to the episode to see how Perry, Will and John approach practicing to expand their technique and musicianship. 

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing.

This week we are discussing Jazz Standards. How do Perry, Will and John approach this form? Check it out in this week’s episode of High Action!

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We are Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Season 2 features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing.

The Great American Songbook is an essential song form as a modern guitarist, how do Perry, Will and John approach this form? Check it out in this week’s episode of High Action!

Welcome to "High Action" - a podcast about our favorite instrument, the guitar, and the extraordinary people who play it! We're Perry Smith, Will Brahm, and John Storie - the New West Guitar Group. Our upcoming season features the members of NWGG performing and discussing for the listeners the many exciting topics of contemporary guitar playing.

The 12-bar Blues is an essential song form as a modern guitarist, how do Perry, Will and John approach this form? Check it out in this week’s episode of High Action!

Technical virtuosity and imaginative improvisation made Joe Diorio (born: Joseph Louis Diorio) one of the busiest jazz session guitarists of the '60s and '70s. Reviewing a mid-'60s performance, influential jazz critic Leonard Feather wrote that Diorio was "one of the most mature and uncompromising (new) plectrists to work the room since Joe Pass." 

Waterbury, Connecticut-born Diorio spent much of the early '60s in Chicago, playing with such stellar jazz musicians as saxophonist Sonny Stitt and trombone player Bennie Green. He made his recording debut on tenor saxophonist Eddie Harris' 1961 album, Exodus to Jazz. 

Together with trumpet and saxophone player Ira Sullivan, Diorio relocated to Miami, Florida, where he quickly found a place in the city's thriving jazz scene. In addition to playing with top-notch musicians including Stan Getz, Freddie Hubbard, and Stanley Turrentine, he led his own trio, featuring Bob Magnusson and Jim Plank. 

Since releasing his debut solo album, Solo Guitar, in 1975, Diorio has gone on to record more than a dozen impressive platters, including tribute albums to Wes Montgomery and Antonio Carlos Jobim. 

Starting with a jazz improvisation class that he taught at the University of Miami, Diorio increasingly turned his focus to teaching. Since relocating to Los Angeles in the late '70s, he has taught in the studio/jazz guitar department of the University of Southern California and the GIT (Guitar Institute of Technology). 

He has written several instructional books including Fusion and Intervallic Designs.

Technical virtuosity and imaginative improvisation made Joe Diorio (born: Joseph Louis Diorio) one of the busiest jazz session guitarists of the '60s and '70s. Reviewing a mid-'60s performance, influential jazz critic Leonard Feather wrote that Diorio was "one of the most mature and uncompromising (new) plectrists to work the room since Joe Pass." 

Waterbury, Connecticut-born Diorio spent much of the early '60s in Chicago, playing with such stellar jazz musicians as saxophonist Sonny Stitt and trombone player Bennie Green. He made his recording debut on tenor saxophonist Eddie Harris' 1961 album, Exodus to Jazz. 

Together with trumpet and saxophone player Ira Sullivan, Diorio relocated to Miami, Florida, where he quickly found a place in the city's thriving jazz scene. In addition to playing with top-notch musicians including Stan Getz, Freddie Hubbard, and Stanley Turrentine, he led his own trio, featuring Bob Magnusson and Jim Plank. 

Since releasing his debut solo album, Solo Guitar, in 1975, Diorio has gone on to record more than a dozen impressive platters, including tribute albums to Wes Montgomery and Antonio Carlos Jobim. 

Starting with a jazz improvisation class that he taught at the University of Miami, Diorio increasingly turned his focus to teaching. Since relocating to Los Angeles in the late '70s, he has taught in the studio/jazz guitar department of the University of Southern California and the GIT (Guitar Institute of Technology). 

He has written several instructional books including Fusion and Intervallic Designs.

Along with his 11 studio albums as a solo artist, Midón – dubbed “an eclectic adventurist” by People magazine – has collaborated with such heroes as Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and Bill Withers, along with contributing to records by Queen Latifah and Snoop Dogg and the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s She Hate Me. A native of New Mexico who now lives in Maryland after years in New York, Midón has earned acclaim the world over, with a fanbase that stretches from San Francisco to India, Amsterdam to Tokyo. Marveling over his live performances, The New York Times has called Midón “a one-man band who turns a guitar into an orchestra and his voice into a chorus.” He recently performed in a special Homecoming Week music series at his alma mater, the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. He was surprised onstage with the school’s most prestigious honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award. Frost’s dean said of the 1990 graduate: “Raul Midón truly personifies what a student at our school can achieve. It’s a thrill to be able to honor Raul’s extraordinary talent and exemplary accomplishments.”

For a glimpse of how magnetic Midón can be live, seek out on YouTube the clip of his appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2006. Performing “State of Mind,” the title track from his major-label debut, Midón unveils what would become his signature combination of silky voice and percussive guitar. His playing is a syncopated wonder in which bass, harmony and melodic lines fly from the fretboard in a way that belies the fact that all the music is being produced by just two hands. If that weren’t enough, Midón busts out his improvisational mouth-horn technique, in which he creates a bebop “trumpet” solo with his lips, earning himself a burst of mid-song applause from the audience. 

The title of Midón’s Bad Ass & Blind album came from an apt description of its maker that soul icon Bill Withers endorsed; the 2017 release saw Midón collaborating with such top jazz players as trumpeter Nicholas Payton, pianist Gerald Clayton and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. NPR noted that the disc continues Midón’s “streak of records that cross boundaries with ease and head-turning musicality.” Midón’s 2018 follow-up, If You Really Want, found Midón’s voice and guitar riding the waves of the Metropole Orkest, the GRAMMY Award-winning Dutch ensemble that has collaborated with artists from Al Jarreau and Elvis Costello to Laura Mvula and Snarky Puppy. Midón worked hand in glove on If You Really Want with another renowned GRAMMY winner: arranger and conductor Vince Mendoza. Relix magazine said about the album: “Throughout, there’s that voice – passionate and confident – with Midón giving each word his full attention so that you know he means it.” 

Midón’s earlier studio discography includes Don’t Hesitate .(2014), Synthesis (2010), A World Within a World (2007) and State of Mind (2005) He also released the CD/DVD Invisible Chains – Live from NYC, which documents an intimate concert in Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater from 2012. Midón’s live 2016 rendition of John Coltrane’s classic “Giant Steps” – which sees him fly through all 12 keys on the guitar – earned more than a million views via Facebook. Ever since being told by some when he was a child that his blindness meant that “you can’t do this, you can’t do that,” Midón has lived a life devoted to beating the odds and shattering stereotypes. “As someone who has never seen, I’ve always felt at a disadvantage in that lyric writing is usually very visual,” he says. “People really relate to images and I’ve never seen images. But what I realized early on is that you have to write from what you know, and I hear, touch and feel intensely – and those are sensations and experiences that everyone can relate to.”

his varied collaborations. Initially emerging as a sideman on Terence Blanchard's Bounce in 2003, Loueke quickly found himself in demand, appearing on a bevy of albums including bassist Charlie Haden's 2004 effort Land of the Sun as well as a pair of noteworthy 2007 releases, Kendrick Scott's The Source and Herbie Hancock's Grammy-winning River: The Joni Letters. His own albums, like 2006's Virgin Forest, 2010's Mwaliko, and 2015's Gaia, have showcased his expansive, globally minded aesthetic, marked by his emotive jazz solos and a deep understanding of African folk customs. 

Born in the French-speaking West African country of Benin in 1973, Loueke initially started out singing and playing percussion as a child. At age 17, he picked up the guitar after receiving lessons from his older brother. Along with West African musical traditions, he developed a love of jazz after discovering the music of George Benson. Upon graduating high school, he studied at both the Ivory Coast's National Institute of Arts and Paris' American School of More Than Music before immigrating to the United States, where he attended Boston's Berklee College of Music on scholarship. 

In 2001, he successfully auditioned for the prestigious 

Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at the University of California Los Angeles, and in the process caught the attention of judges Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, and Wayne Shorter. In 2002, he joined Blanchard's band, recording with the trumpeter on 2003's Bounce and 2005's Flow. A series of similarly high-profile recordings followed, including appearances on Haden's Land of the Sun, Hancock's Possibilities, and drummer Scott's The Source. In 2007, he gained even further recognition after contributing to Hancock's River: The Joni Letters, which took home both Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Jazz Album prizes at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. 

As a solo artist, 

Loueke debuted with 2005's In a Trance, followed a year later by Virgin Forest. Also during this period, he formed the trio Gilfema with fellow Berklee alumni bassist Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth. Together, they issued 2005's Gilfema and 2008's Gilfema + 2, the latter of which also featured clarinet players Anat Cohen and John Ellis. He also continued his fruitful studio work, contributing to albums by Angélique Kidjo, Norah Jones, Gretchen Parlato, Esperanza Spalding, and others. 

In 2008, Louekesigned with Blue Note for a series of well-received albums, including 2008's Karibu, 2010's Mwaliko, and 2012's Robert Glasper-produced Heritage. For his fourth Blue Note album, 2015's Gaïa, Loueke exclusively showcased his electric guitar skills, exploring an expansive blend of African rock and jazz alongside Gilfema bandmates Biolcati and Nemeth. The following year, he joined bassist Dave Holland, saxophonist Chris Potter, and dr...

Camila Meza was born in Santiago, Chile in 1985. She got her start playing music around age 15 in her hometown in Chile. She released her first album Skylark in 2007, and moved to New York in 2009 to attend the New School for Jazz. She soon established herself on the New York scene, as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Camila’s style fuses many different influences. She has a strong command of South American musical styles, including Samba and Bossa. With her small floating voice on top of her more jazz laden guitar playing, she is a force unto herself.  Her second album,Traces, features Kendrick Scott, Matt Penman, and Shai Maestro, and received wide acclaim. In addition to releasing a good load of music, she maintains and directs her own octet, the Nectar Ensemble. Some other Musicians that she has played with are Lucas Pino, Fabian Almazan, and Steve Cardenas. 

Steve Masakowski has long been regarded as one of the top Jazz artists from New Orleans. Born and raised in New Orleans, Steve Masakowski has played guitar with most of the city’s greatest musicians including Alvin “Red” Tyler, Ellis Marsalis, Danny Barker, Earl Turbinton, and James Black. He has also performed with Grammy Award-winning artists Bobby McFerrin, Nicholas Payton, Allen Toussaint, Dianne Reeves and others at major festivals around the world.

As a recording artist, he has released numerous CDs including two on the prestigious Blue Note Records label. He has been an active member of, and composer for the award winning New Orleans jazz group, Astral Project.

He has twice been voted “Best Guitarist,” and won “Best Contemporary Jazz Group” three times by Gambit and Offbeat magazines in their annual reader’s polls. He has published lessons in Guitar Player magazine and authored the book, "Jazz Ear Training – Learning to Hear Your Way Through Music" for Mel Bay Publications. He is frequently recognized by Down Beat magazine as Talent Deserving Wider Recognition. Steve has participated in numerous Jazz concerts and workshops at major universities including Princeton, the University of Chicago, and the University on Indiana. 

Steve is currently on the faculty at the University of New Orleans where he holds the position of Coca-Cola Endowed Chair of Jazz Studies.

Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation.

Since 2011, Haque has returned to his first loves, jazz guitar and classical guitar. He has been busy performing and recording with his trio featuring legendary B3 virtuoso Tony Monaco, his own trio and jazz quartet, as well as his larger world music group the Flat Earth Ensemble.

Recent releases include the critically acclaimed Out of Nowhere featuring drummer Billy Hart and bassist George Mraz, The Flat Earth Ensemble's latest release Trance Hypothesis, and The Tony Monaco/Fareed Haque release Furry Slippers that reached the top 10 in Jazz Radio Airplay.IN addition, Fareed has performed at the Chicago, Detroit, and Java Jazz festivals and was featured as part of the Made in Chicago Series performing with his numerous groups at Millenium Park's Pritzker Pavillion in Chicago. He also performed and arranged numerous classical programs as 2013 artist-in-residence for The Chicago Latin Music Festival, was featured on WBEZ, as well as WFMT's

 Fiesta! radio programs, and has recorded his arrangement of Piazzolla's 5 Tango Sensations, El Alevin by Eduardo Angulo Leo Brouwer's Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet with the critically acclaimed Kaia String Quartet. Haque continues to tour and record extensively along with documenting his unique teaching methods in a series of best selling interactive video courses through TrueFire.

IN 2016, Haque was invited to perform at the Indianapolis Jazz Festival Tribute to Wes Montgomery along with Peter Bernstein, Bobby Broom, Henry Johnson, Will Mathews, Russell Malone, Pat Martino, and Dave Stryker. He was also a visiting scholar at Western Michigan University. Recent projects include artistic directorship of numerous jazz festivals, performances with Tony Monaco, Paquito D'Rivera, Vijay Iyer, pundit Vikku Vinacrayam, long-anticipated reunion concerts with Garaj Mahal, concerts in India, a return to Java Jazz, and concerts and teaching in China. In 2017, Mr. Haque released The Bridge with virtuoso Chilean bassist Christian Galvez and renowned Indian percussionist Selva Ganesh. Haque has also rekindled his duo with Goran Ivanovic. Performances include Canadian Guitar Festival, Winters Jazz Fest NYC, Lotus Music Fest, and many others. Upcoming tours in China and Europe are slated for 2018. Haque has joined drum legend Billy Cobham as a member of his Crosswinds Ensemble featuring Haque on guitars, Randy Brecker on Trumpet, and Paul Hansen on sax and bassoon. Extensive touring and recording are slated for 2019. Haque's most recent release NEW LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND STRING QUARTET was picked by Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune as one of the top releases of 2018. In addition, the release was chosen as Downbeat Magazine Editor's Pick in 2018. 2019 portends to be a busy year, as Haque has retired from 30 years at Northern Illinois University to accommodate extended tours with Cobham, Goran Ivanovic, and his own groups. Highlights to include The Montreux Jazz Festival with Cobham, and appearances with his own groups at The Bluenote Beijing, Louisville, and Minneapolis Guitar Festivals among others. New recordings with his own group and with Goran Ivanovic are scheduled for 2019, under the legendary Delmark Label.

Born in 1963 to a Pakistani father and Chilean mother, Fareed’s extensive travels and especially long stays in Spain, France, Iran, Pakistan, and Chile exposed Haque to different kinds of music from a very early age. While this natural eclecticism has become a hallmark of Haque’s music, it was repeated visits to Von Freeman’s Chicago jam sessions that gave Haque a grounding in the Chicago blues and jazz traditions. The 1981 recipient of North Texas State University’s Jazz Guitar Scholarship, Haque spent a year studying with renowned jazz guitarist and pedagogue Jack Peterson. Fareed’s growing interest in the classical guitar led him to transfer to Northwestern University, where he completed his studies in classical guitar under David Buch, John Holmquist, and Anne Waller.

Soon after his transfer to NU, Haque came to the attention of multi-instrumentalist Howard Levy and joined his latin-fusion group Chevere. Thru Levy, Haque was introduced to Paquito D’Rivera and began a long and fruitful relationship with the Cuban NEA Jazz Master. Numerous world tours and recordings including Manhattan Burn, Celebration, Havana Cafe, Tico Tico, Live at the MCG were to follow. Especially notable is the classic and award winning Reunion featuring Haque along with Arturo Sandoval, Danilo Perez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Mark Walker, and David Fink.

Thru D’Rivera, Haque was brought to the attention of Sting, who had just begun his record label Pangaea. Sting invited Haque to join the label and he released 2 critically acclaimed recordings, Voices Rising and Manresa. Haque toured briefly with Sting, including notable appearances at The Montreux Jazz Festival, as well as NBC’s Michelob Presents Sunday Night with David Sanborn, but his own career demands led Haque in other directions.

Haque has been featured on WTTW’s ArtBeat and Chicago Tonight, Ben Sidran’s New Visions, Michelob Presents Sunday Night with David Sanborn on NBC, his own Lonesome Pines special for PBS, and on BET cable jazz channel. Fareed has twice been selected as Talent Deserving Wider Recognition in Downbeat Magazine. In 1989, Haque also joined the faculty at Northern Illinois University as professor of jazz and classical guitar. He continues to teach at NIU to this day.

After a short stint at Warner Bros. recording Majestad (unreleased and featuring John Patitucci, Michael Landau, Russel Ferrante, Grazinha, Lenny Castro, and Carlos Vega!), Bruce Lundvall signed Haque to the legendary Bluenote Records. While at Bluenote, Haque recorded three albums as a leader: Sacred Addiction, Opaque, and Déjà vu. Haque toured and recorded extensively with other artists, including tours and 3 CDs with Javon Jackson: A Look within, For One Who Knows, and Good People. In addition, sideman credits include tours and recordings with Joe Henderson, Herbie Mann, Bob James, Richie Cole, Joey Calderazzo, Kahil El Zabar and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, and numerous Bluenote recordings for producer/arranger Bob Belden alongside Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, Paul Motian, and many others. Numerous classical recitals, as well as appearances with the Vermeer Quartet and many symphonies across the US and abroad, added to an incredible diversity of performances during this period.

Thru Belden, Haque was invited to join forces with Joe Zawinul as part of his Zawinul Syndicate. The group proved to be one of Joe’s best and most eclectic. Included were percussionist and vocalist Arto Tuncboyacian, drummer Paco Sery, bassist Mathew Garrison, along with Haque on Guitar and Electric Guitar. A year of extensive touring brought Haque closer to his Jazz/Rock roots.

In 2001, Haque’s interest in jam bands and the jam scene led him to co-found the jam super-group Garaj Mahal featuring Kai Eckhardt, Eric Levy, and Alan Hertz. This began 10 years of extensive touring across the US, performing in excess of 200 shows per year. Haque also joined George Brooks’ group Summit, featuring Zakir Hussain and Steve Smith. Haque was voted ‘Most Valuable Player’ at the 2002 High Sierra Music Festival. Haque and Garaj Mahal released 3 Live CDs as well as 5 studi...

She’s one of Los Angeles’s most sought-after musicians, recording and touring with artists such as Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, Donna Missal, and Morgxn, at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, Coachella, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. In her feature in the renowned magazine, Guitar, Michael James Adam notes, “she slings the guitar like a wordsmith, wry and sarcastic with a playful slant and flows from hushed whisper to bursts of elation with aplomb”. Miller is featured on Jason Mraz’s 2018 album Know and his forthcoming record, out in Summer 2020. She is in the house-band on The Bachelor’s newest ABC primetime show, Listen To Your Heart. Soon after earning her Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Southern California in 2016, she became the chair of the Guitar Department at Los Angeles College of Music, a position she still holds. When Miller’s not on tour, running a guitar department, or in the studio, she heads her own trio, Molly Miller Trio, showcased on NPR’s Fresh Air. The second album by Molly Miller Trio is slated for release later in 2020.

GRAMMY nominated musician Dr. Martin Taylor, MBE, is a virtuoso guitarist, composer, educator and musical innovator whom Acoustic Guitar magazine calls  ‘THE Acoustic Guitarist of his Generation’. 

Widely considered to be the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing, Martin possesses an inimitable style that has earned him global acclaim from fellow musicians, fans and critics alike. He dazzles audiences with a signature style that artfully combines his virtuosity, emotion and humor with a strong, engaging stage presence. 

Taylor has enjoyed a remarkable musical career spanning across five decades, with more than 100 recordings to his credit. Completely self-taught beginning at the early age of 4, he has invented and developed a unique way of playing the guitar that is greatly admired, and often emulated, by guitarists all over the world. 

In addition to his solo concerts and recordings, he has also collaborated with musicians from many different musical genres, including: Jeff Beck, Tommy Emmanuel, Bill Wyman, Chet Atkins, Stephane Grappelli, David Grisman, George Harrison, Jamie Cullum, Bryn Terfel, Dianne Schuur and Gary Burton.

Taylor brings a rich and varied musical heritage to his play, to the extent that Tommy Emmanuel remarked that [Taylor] is “a portal into all that came before.” 

Over his stellar career, Taylor has amassed a record 14 British Jazz Awards as a guitarist. Several of his albums have been in the Top 10 in the USA and Europe.

History

From 1979 to 1990, he toured the world and recorded over 20 albums with the French jazz violin legend STEPHANE GRAPPELLI. Their album with Vassar Clements “Together At Last” won a Grammy Nomination in 1987. Monsieur Grappelli described him as “A great artist, rich in talent and elegance.”

His ground breaking solo album ARTISTRY, produced by Steve Howe, was released in 1992 to much critical acclaim. It was #1 in the HMV Jazz Charts for a record 12 weeks and launched his career as an international solo artist. 

After two very successful albums for Sony/Columbia, KISS AND TELL and NITELIFE, he went on to record several albums for The Guitar Label.

In 1999, Taylor was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of The West of Scotland, and in 2002, he was appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) “For Services To Jazz Music” on The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, which he received personally from Her Majesty The Queen at an investiture at Buckingham Palace. 

His autobiography “Martin Taylor- Autobiography of a Travelling Musician” was released in 2005.

In 2007, Taylor received the prestigious BBC Radio 2 “Heart of Jazz” Award in recognition of his career in music and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Wales Jazz Guitar Festival for his “Contribution to Jazz Guitar Worldwide”.

2010 was a landmark year for Martin Taylor. The year started with the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama presenting him with his second honorary doctorate. In April 2010, the Martin Taylor Guitar Academy was launched, an online guitar school that propelled Taylor into becoming one of the world's most recognized and beloved online guitar teachers. This innovative online learning program has been featured on NPR, BBC, Fox News and in the Los Angeles Times and today has students in over 60 countries.

Another milestone was reached in 2010 with the world premier of an exciting new work for guitar, orchestra and big band with the creation of Martin Taylor's 'Spirit of Django Suite'. Based on themes by Martin Taylor and arranged by Guy Barker, the debut featured Martin Taylor, his group Spirit of Django, the Guy Barker Big Band, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Later that year, Taylor was invited to perform a special private concert at Windsor Castle for Prince William on the eve of his engagement to Kate Middleton. 

2011 featured extensive touring of the Far East, USA, Europe and UK as Martin's new online profile introduced his music to younger and more international audiences. Taylor also launched the first two models in his own guitar range with Korea-based guitar manufacturer Peerless. The 'Maestro' and 'Virtuoso' have gone on to achieve both critical and commercial success globally.

With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics in 2012, the BBC made a special performance of the 'Spirit of Django Suite' by Martin Taylor and the Britten Symphonia part of their Proms concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall. Later that year, Taylor joined the International Guitar Night for a three-month tour of the US and Canada.

In 2013, Martin played over 120 shows, as well as finding time to release a new duo album with Tommy Emmanuel and guest on a second album with British actor and blues musician Hugh Lawrie. At the year’s end, Taylor received the BrandLaureate International Brand Personality Award in Asia. Previous recipients have included Steve Jobs, Hillary Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Mark Zuckerberg. 2014 sees Taylor undertaking extensive touring, both solo and with his new group, The Great Guitars.   Film/TV Credits

His film credits include the French comedy “Milou En Mai” directed by Louis Malle, and more recently his composition, “Green Lady” is featured in the Andrew Piddington movie “The Killing of John Lennon”. 

His many TV credits include the theme music for “After You’ve Gone” featuring Nicholas Lyndhurst and Celia Imrie, and the cult “Nicole-Papa” TV commercials for the Renault Clio.

When not touring, Martin Taylor divides his time between Scotland and California, where the Martin Taylor Guitar Academy is based.

As a young musician in Tel Aviv, Yotam Silberstein was quickly recognized as a prodigy and was invited to perform with many of the nation’s top musicians. At 21, he performed at Italy’s renowned Umbria Jazz Festival, released a critically acclaimed debut album and set out on an extensive tour of Europe.

Upon receiving a scholarship to the prestigious New School, Yotam Silberstein moved to New York in 2005. He was a finalist in the  Thelonious MonkInternational Jazz Guitar Competition in 2005 with one critic noting: “Yotam’s tones are exquisitely old school but his playing fresh, fiery and bursting with joyful exuberance, and musically he is one heavy cat.” Jazz Times noted that Yotam has “made an impact on the scene with his precision bebop lines and fleet fingered improvisation”. All About Jazz saw a resemblance between his 2009 release, “Next Page” and “the heyday of Blue Note Records”, adding that Yotam is “forging his own path with skills and style.”

As artistically gifted as he is technically proficient, Silberstein is featured on a wide variety of critically acclaimed releases including “Resonance” and “Brasil” on the Jazz Legacy Productions label, John Patitucci‘s new trio album “Irmaos De Fe” and Monty Alexander’s Grammy-nominated “Harlem-Kingston Express Live!” among countless others.

Yotam has earned his place among the jazz elite by collaborating with such luminaries as James Moody, The Heath Brothers, Roy Hargrove, George Coleman, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Paquito D’rivera, Christian McBride, John Patitucci, and many others.

This versatile guitarist’s wheelhouse runs the sonic spectrum, including Brazilian, world music, blues and bebop. Silberstein’s showmanship wowed the Kennedy Center’s 2011 production, “Ella!” which featured Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Jarreau, Dr. Billy Taylor and Janis Siegel. His performance earned him a return invitation for a special appearance at the KC Jazz Club. In Addition Yotam has applied his talent to composing music for film and in 2015 he received the  Sundance Time Warner award for film scoring.

Yotam Silberstein has toured as a leader in major clubs and jazz festivals in Europe, Japan, South America, Asia and the US and has received high praise for his performances. Having performed with the world’s premier talent, Yotam has honed his craft with precision, finesse and the innate artistic touch. Both the critics and his fans await the release of his new album “The Village” on Jazz & People in January . DownBeat magazine calls this “his most fully realized recording to date,” and says that Yotam “burns brightly alongside colleagues Goldberg, Rogers and Hutchinson.” 

Musician, Composer, Author, Editor, Journalist, Engineer, Producer, Music Technology Expert — Mitch Gallagher is known by a diverse array of titles, all based on his lifelong love for all things musical. 

Some know Mitch best for the more than 1,500 videos he has hosted and countless articles he has written for music gear retail giant, Sweetwater. Others have read his books, including the best-selling Guitar Tone: Pursuing the Ultimate Guitar Sound, and more than 1,000 published magazine articles. Still others know him as the former Editor-in-Chief of EQ magazine and Senior Technical Editor of Keyboard magazine. Many have attended his guitar tone and music technology clinics and workshops around the world. Now Mitch Gallagher has returned to his roots as a master guitarist and composer with the release of his new EP, FOUNDATION!

Beth Marlis is a music industry veteran and performer, her many accomplishments include performances at venues and festivals across the US, Canada, Japan and France. 

She is also a respected educator, clinician, interviewer, panelist, panel moderator and author of two best-selling guitar instructional books.

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In her spare time, she can be found on the boards of many music non-profits and community organizations, while serving as a Vice President and senior guitar faculty member at Musicians Institute, Hollywood and Executive Director of The Musicians Foundation.

Whether you’ve heard guitarist Dave Stryker leading his own group (with 30 CD’s as a leader to date),  or as a featured sideman with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, and many others, you know why the Village Voice calls him “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.”

Hot House magazine awarded him Best Guitarist Fans Decision for 2017.  He was recently voted once again as one of the top Jazz Guitarists in the 2019 Downbeat Critics and Readers Polls for the 10th time.

Dave’s CD “Eight Track III” stayed at #1 on JazzWeek Radio chart for 6 straight weeks. “Strykin’ Ahead” featured the same lineup as “Eight Track II”- Steve Nelson, Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter, and received great reviews. “Messin’ with Mister T”, is a celebration of the man he worked with for over a decade — Stanley Turrentine, “Mister T” — with ten of the greatest tenor sax players on the scene today. It went to #1 on JazzWeek Radio and stayed in the Top 50 for 20 weeks and has received great reviews including 4 1/2 stars in Downbeat magazine. Dave’s last CD “Eight Track” was #9 for 2014 on the Jazz Week Radio Charts where it stayed for 20 weeks topping off at #3 for 3 weeks. Downbeat magazine picked it as one of the Top CD’s of 2014, and ran a feature article in the June 2014 issue on Dave.

Dave Stryker grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and moved to New York City in 1980. After establishing himself in the local music scene, he joined organist Jack McDuff’s group for two years 1984-85. When McDuff wasn’t on the road (literally traveling by van all over the country) they worked a steady four-night a week gig at Dude’s Lounge in Harlem. His first break, this turned out to be an invaluable experience, paying his dues night after night with the soulful jazz organist. It was at Dude’s Lounge that Stryker met tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, who would occasionally sit in. After leaving McDuff, Turrentine asked Stryker to join his quintet. From 1986-1995 he played with the legendary saxophonist at all the major festivals, concert halls, and clubs throughout the world. He is featured on two Turrentine CD’s (Stanley recorded Stryker’s tune “Sidesteppin”). With Turrentine, Stryker was able to play with such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard. The ten years playing alongside the tenor legend helped Stryker realize the importance of having his own sound. Dave continued to work with Stanley and was with him during his final week at the Blue Note in NYC, when he passed in Sept. 2000.

Early on Stryker realized that as much as he loved playing standards and the jazz repertoire he had to have something of his own to give to the music. He feels that his writing combined with his playing is what shapes his musical expression. He has recorded and published over 150 of his own compositions and has released “The Dave Stryker Songbook” with most of his original music. Also 18 of the compositions (from the first five SteepleChase CD’s) are compiled in the book: “The Music of Dave Stryker” (SteepleChase Music) which can be ordered on this website.

Some of the other artists who have recorded Dave’s music are: Stanley Turrentine, Kevin Mahogany, Victor Lewis, and Steve Slagle. Dave continues to perform with The Dave Stryker Organ Trio, his Blue to the Bone Band, and The Stryker/Slagle Band. Recent gigs for The Stryker/Slagle Band have included a recent week at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Monterey Jazz Festival, The Blue Note in Las Vegas, The Jazz Bakery in LA, and a 2003 tour of Japan.

Sideman work has included vocalist Kevin Mahogany’s group, with Dave writing and arranging music for Kevin’s Telarc release “Pride and Joy” and “Another Time, Another Place” on Warner Bros and tours of Europe, Japan, Brazil, Poland and Carnegie Hall. He also has worked with Blue Note saxophonist Javon Jackson and pianist Eliane Elias. He has appeared on over 50 CD’s as a sideman. As a producer, Stryker compiled the CD “The Guitar Artistry of Billy Rogers” which is the only existing record of the brilliant jazz playing of the late underground legend who was his friend, former teacher and member of the Crusaders. He has also produced “A Tribute to Grant Green” on Evidence Music.

Dave is the Adjunct Professor of Jazz guitar at Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, and at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. He is passing along his experience by teaching privately and at The Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop, and The Litchfield Jazz Camp. His book “Dave Stryker’s Jazz Guitar Improvisation Method Vol. III”  is available here on his website at www.davestryker.com.

Jocelyn Gould has been called “a leader in the next generation of great mainstream jazz guitarists” by Howard Paul, CEO of Benedetto Guitars. Her joyful energy has captivated audiences around the world and her passion for music is infectious. She has absorbed the influences of the jazz guitar greats and has woven them into an exciting personal sound. Her unique ability to connect with audiences always leaves them wanting more.

Jocelyn Gould has performed internationally in the groups of Grammy nominated vocalist Freddy Cole, Trumpeter Etienne Charles and DownBeat Rising Star trombonist Michael Dease. She can be heard on albums lead by Michael Dease, Jon Gordon, Diego Rivera, Randy Napoleon and Will Bonness. She is the 1st place winner of the 2018 Wilson Centre International Jazz Guitar competition.

Jocelyn's debut release as a leader, 'Elegant Traveler', was nominated for “Jazz Album of the Year” in the 2021 JUNO awards. Elegant Traveler showcases Jocelyn's warm and inviting sound and melodic compositions with an all star band.

Jocelyn is a professor and Head of Guitar Department at Humber College in Toronto.

Most guitarists automatically join a band or dream to make their own album. But one of the best jazz guitarists of all time chose to use his talent in the movie business. Tim May’s guitar solos can be heard during some of your favorite TV shows or movies and on the legendary Back to the Future film. 

Movies aren’t his only niche, however. May, a studio musician, has worked with the best in the music business as well. Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Tom Jones and Janet Jackson are all names on the list of legendary musicians he’s collaborated with. 

May explains what a studio musician actually is and how many times bands don’t play their instruments on their own records — that’s where May steps in. 

One of May’s most well-known works of art came with his guitar solo during the Johnny B. Goode scene in the movie Back to the Future.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Mike began studying music formally at the Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, a school renowned for its musical alumni, which includes such luminaries as Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Brian Michael Cox, Eric Harland, Chris Dave, Kendrick Scott, and Beyoncé.

After graduating, Mike moved to New York City with a scholarship to attend the New School University. While still in school he began garnering the recognition necessary to be called to perform and tour with some of the most venerable names in the Jazz world as well as rising stars of the scene.

Mike Moreno is becoming a hot item on the New York jazz scene. His agile guitar playing has attracted the attention of major artists such as Jeff Tain Watts, Greg Osby, and Kenny Garrett...

Mike Moreno is a masterful composer, with a sense of sophistication that belies his age, and an extraodinary improviser...

-Andrew Lienhard, jazzhouston.com

Over the years, they have included The Joshua Redman Elastic Band, Lizz Wright Band, Nicholas Payton Quartet, Stefon Harris Sonic Creed, Me'Shell N'Degeocello, Jason Moran, Terence Blanchard, Robert Glasper, Ambrose Akinmusire, Gretchen Parlato, Aaron Parks, Claudia Acuña, Greg Osby 4, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Jeremy Pelt, John Ellis, Myron Walden, Kenny Garret, Yosvany Terry, Ralph Bowen, Will Vinson and more.

Additionally, Mike has recorded with numerous major artists, both inside and outside of the Jazz genre. 3 of these recordings were nominated for a Grammy. In 2010 both Q-Tip's "The Renaissance" and Geoffrey Keezzer's "Aurea" were nominated for Best Album in their categories, as well in 2008 Eldar's "Re-Imagination" received the same nomination in the Jazz Category. Moreno's discography also includes artists such as Bilal, Jeremy Pelt, Robert Glasper, John Ellis, Aaron Parks, Jimmy Greene, Myron Walden, Sam Yahel, Ralph Bowen, Marcus Strickland, Yosvany Terry, Kendrick Scott Oracle, Will Vinson, and Bob Reynolds. 

Recognized as one of the leading voices in the Jazz guitar world, Mike has toured extensively and recorded as a leader of his own band, playing his original music to high critical acclaim. As Nate Chinen describes in his 2007 “The Gig” article in JazzTimes, "There are many other guitarists out there pushing towards a modern ideal, but none with the precise coordinates that Mike Moreno has charted."

In 2007, Mike released his debut CD Between The Lines on the World Culture Music label, which Nate Chinen deemed in The New York Times as one of his top 10 Jazz albums of 2007. He recorded his second and third albums, Third Wish 2008 and First In Mind 2011, for European Jazz label Criss-Cross Records. He returned to World Culture Music for the release of Another Way 2012 which made the 25 "Best of 2012" Jazz Releases on itunes. And his most recent album Lotus has just been released. 

Mitch Holder was born in Los Angeles, California and started playing the guitar at age eight after getting intrigued with the electric guitar sound of Link Wray and Duane Eddy, both popular instrumentalists of the late '50's.  He studied with guitarists, William Pellegrini and Johnny Frisco.  In 1966, a close association developed with studio and jazz guitarist, Howard Roberts, who took Mitch on as a student along with having Mitch go along with him on many of his various studio calls which ultimately helped Mitch to make the decision to go thet studio route as a career.

In 1974, Mitch alternated with Bob Bain on the Johnny Carson Tonight Show Band.

By 1976, Mitch was starting to get free-lance work in the L.A. studios and got so busy that he left the Tonight Show in 1977 but appeared as a sub over a number of years after that when the regulars weren't available. For the next several years, Mitch found himself in the mainstream of session work.

Having an avid interest in the history of guitars and after hooking up with the Gibson Guitar Co. in the '70s, Mitch got involved with guitar design and eventually worked for Gibson as the Western US Product Specialist. He was also with Guitar Center as the electric guitar and bass buyer.  Mitch is now, once again, enjoying more musical pursuits.

Wanting to pay back his friend and mentor, Howard Roberts, who passed away in 1992, Mitch has a book out featuring transcriptions of many of Howard's recorded works entitled The Jazz Guitar Stylings Of Howard Roberts published by Mel Bay Publications.

Mitch has worked with many artists on record which include Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Neil Young, Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Joe Cocker, Stevie Nicks, Barry Manilow, Tom Jones, Brian Wilson, Lionel Ritchie, Woody Herman, Dean Martin, and many more.  He has also performed on many motion pictures such as The Call Of The Wild, Kicking & Screaming, Catch Me If You Can, Space Cowboys(credited acoustic guitar solo), Tootsie, Mrs. Doubtfire, On Golden Pond, Milagro Beanfield War, The Muppet Movie, Saturday Night Fever, Urban Cowboy, Grease, E.T., Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, Pretty in Pink, Lean On Me, Back To The Future II & III, Roger Rabit, Last Of The Mohicans, and many more.

Mitch has taught at The University Of Southern California, Musicians Institute and presently holds an adjunct position at California Lutheran University.

At one time in his life, Stephen Marchione spent six hours a day playing the guitar eventually earning a BA in music from Naropa University. He now focuses on crafting them. In fact, since beginning his career as a guitar maker in 1990, Stephen has created more than four-hundred guitars for some of the best guitar players in the world.

The journey from high-school jazz devotee to the finest young guitar maker working today, according to Chamber Music America, was a rich and complicated one. After establishing his own brand and working for over a decade in New York City, Stephen Marchione moved to the Montrose arts district in Houston, Texas, where he builds his entire family of guitars.

Additionally, Marchione has also studied privately since 1994 with Manhattan-based violin maker Guy Rabut. “I try to build one violin a year to keep my chops up”, says Marchione. He feels that building classical guitars and violins broadens his understanding of top thicknessing, tap tuning, and surface preparation.

Similarly, building electric guitars has taught him the importance of the fretboard in a player’s appreciation of a guitar. Marchione is considered one of a very few leading-edge pioneers in the design of guitars that combine elements of both jazz and classical construction. This well-rounded approach contributes to the magic one finds in a Marchione instrument, a magic that is at once very broad yet truly individual.

There's no description more apt for Sheryl Bailey than "A sizzling guitar goddess", coined by Elliot Simon of All About Jazz. He's not alone with his superlatives-Adam Levy of Guitar Player Magazine calls Sheryl "One of the most compelling tones of her generation", and Frank Forte of Just Jazz Guitar ranks her "among the best bop guitar players with a fresh approach and something new."

Sheryl's playing is unquestionably "sizzling". She has groomed incredible chops and impeccable taste with which she applies them. It's said (by Lee Metcalf, The Villager) that she can "go from zero to blazing in two beats", but she is continually praised for never sacrificing melody and lyricism for technique. "She balances superior technical skills with a strong lyrical sense and swinging touch..." continues Metcalf, and Joe Taylor of Soundstage says "Bailey combines an astonishing command of the fingerboard with a seemingly endless flow of melodic invention."

As for the guitar, she's hardly had it out of her hands since the age of 13. That was when her mother finally relented to Sheryl's begging for a Harmony Strat from the J.C. Penney catalogue. Though Sheryl was a rock-star wannabe, the influence of her pianist mother got her obsessed with learning harmony, and her first teacher in Pittsburgh, John Maione, introduced her to the guitar tradition-Wes, Jimmy Raney, George Van Eps, Joe Pass and others. She eventually attended Berklee College of Music. Her years of dedication and focus won her 3rd place in the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Guitar competition in 1995, and she was chosen as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department in 2000 for a South American tour. She is now said to be "One of the top players in an emerging generation of jazz guitarists" (John Heidt, Vintage Guitar).

Her own trio, The Sheryl Bailey 3, is a modernized version of the organ trio-"the ultimate organ trio" according to JazzInside Magazine. In addition to their 15-year plus residency at NYC's 55 Bar, they have toured China, Canada, Europe and the US. She also tours the world as a member of David Krakauer's "Ancestral Groove". A partial list of others with whom she has performed and recorded with includes Richard Bona, George Garzone, Lincoln Goines, Kim Plainfield, Bill O'Connell, Mike LeDonne, Irene Cara, Lea Delaria, Jack Wilkins, Howard Alden, Shingo Okudaira, Ingrid Jensen, Dwayne Burno, Tommy Campbell, Simon Woolf, Alex Garnett and Ken Peplowski.

To date, Sheryl has 9 CDs out under her name, and a live DVD, The Sheryl Bailey 3 Live in NYC (Mel Bay). Each successive release has drawn more accolades. Of Live at the Fat Cat, Joe Taylor says, "...this disc proves again that Sheryl Bailey is one of the most gifted and exciting jazz guitarists on the scene", and that she is a "jazz composer of the first order". In 2010 MCG Jazz released A New Promise, her tribute to Emily Remler, produced by Grammy-award winner, Marty Ashby, featuring Sheryl as the solo artist with Three Rivers Jazz Orchestra. In Downbeat Magazine Phillip Booth commented, "She is one of the new greats of her chosen instrument". Her 2014 release on the Cellar Live label, A Meeting Of Minds features The Sheryl Bailey 3. A feature on the disc in Guitar Player Magazine states: "They are so in sync they seem to finish each other's ideas". In 2015, she and bassist Harvie S debuted their acoustic duo, Plucky Strum on Whaling City Sound. JazzTimes Magazine remarked of Bailey’s approach: "her fluidity of style is impressive, her agility uncommon".

Sheryl is a Professor at Berklee College of Music, and at the Collective in New York. In keeping with Sheryl's philosophy of "giving back", her 2011 quartet release, "For All Those Living" donates 20% of sales to the Ronald McDonald House of NYC. She has been an Artist in Residence at countless other programs, including NYU, Bates College, the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Towson University, the LA Music Academy and GIT. In 2009, Mel Bay published her book Moveable Shapes: Concepts for Re-Harmonizing II-V-I's. She has also developed a complete curriculum in jazz improvisation for interactive cyber study via Truefire's Guitar Sherpa program, The Bebop Dojo. In addition she has top selling courses available from Mike's Masterclasses, Jazz Guitar Society, JamPlay, and Truefire.

So, Sheryl lives up to Elliot Simon's description, in all facets of her work. Earning "Rising Star" status on Downbeat's Critic's Poll 2013, 2014, and 2015. At a recent duo performance in New York-Sheryl and Jack Wilkins-I sat next to Jimmy Wyble. After a couple of tunes, Jimmy leaned over and whispered, "She's one of the top five" ...as in, one of the top five guitarists in the country. And Vintage Guitar terms her "one of jazz guitars current front runners."

    — Evelyn Palmer

Turkish Fretless guitarist and composer Cenk Erdoğan is a well-known guitar player who travels all around the world solo and with his trio. Besides his career as a guitarist, he is working as an arranger and producer. Next to 35 albums and compilations, he has also composed music for TV series and films. His soundtrack for the movie  “Issız Adam” was nominated as “Best Soundtrack of 2009 “ 

Sean McGowan is a fingerstyle jazz guitarist who combines many diverse musical influences with unconventional techniques to create a broad palette of textures within his compositions and arrangements for solo guitar. His first recording River Coffee won the Best Independent Release of the Year Award (2002) from Acoustic Guitar magazine and music from the recording has been published in Japan’s Acoustic Guitar magazine and Mel Bay’s Master Anthology of Fingerstyle Guitar, Vol. 3 (2005). His subsequent recordings Indigo (2008) and Sphere: the Music ofThelonious Monk (2011) offer compelling portraits of classic jazz standards performed on solo electric archtop guitar. Sphere was named one of Acoustic Guitar magazine’s “Essential Albums of 2011”, and Sean was recently featured on the cover of Fingerstyle 360 magazine (Summer 2012). His most recent solo guitar recordings include Thanksgiving & Christmas Tidings (2014) a collection of seasonal hymns and carols arranged for acoustic guitar, and My Fair Lady (2015) a collection of songs from Lerner & Loewe’s masterpiece.

As a soloist, Sean has performed at several festivals including the Novi Sad International Jazz Festival in Serbia, the Healdsburg Guitar Festival in Napa Valley, Copper Mountain Guitar Town, the La Conner Guitar Festival, the Chet Atkins CAAS Convention, and the Artisan Guitar Show with Jimmy Bruno and Brent Mason. He has also collaborated with several dance and improv companies, as well as with jazz and acoustic musicians throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

Sean is an avid arts educator and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Colorado Denver. He earned a DMA in Guitar Performance from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and has conducted workshops at colleges and guitar organizations throughout the country. He has also presented and performed at the Jazz Education Network conference in New Orleans, the International Symposium for the Performing Arts Medicine Association in Aspen, CO, and numerous College Music Society national and regional conferences. Sean is a strong advocate for injury prevention and health education for musicians, and his workshops incorporate a holistic approach to playing. He is also a contributing editor and educational advisor for Acoustic Guitar magazine. He is the author of Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar Solos (Hal Leonard) and the String Letter book/video instructional methods The Acoustic Jazz Guitarist, Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar Essentials, and Holiday Songs for Fingerstyle Guitar. Sean has also produced eight courses for True Fire, covering the topics of fingerstyle jazz, improvisation, and comping (available at TrueFire.com)

John is a unique jazz guitarist influenced as much by pianists and horn players as he is by guitarists. His original take on harmony, chords and improvisation sets him apart.

He has taught internationally for over 40 years in every educational setting.
His clinics are informal, hands-on and informative. In addition to music theory and guidelines for improvisation, John shares his professional experience with the business of music.

Guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg has been steadily building his name as one of the most compelling composer/performers in Jazz.  Combining timeless melodicism with forward thinking lines and textures, His style and approach has created a strong following of fans around the world.  He frequently tours worldwide and records with his own groups as well artists such as Dr. Lonnie Smith, who says of Kreisberg "He is a passionate musician with great vision, and he is constantly in fiery pursuit of innovation."

Born in New York City, guitarist and composer Jonathan Kreisberg has fond memories of a childhood steeped in music. “I was lucky to grow up in a household that had a great and wide-ranging record collection,” he recalls, “including Coltrane's My Favorite Things, John Williams playing the ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ and Cream's Disraeli Gears.”

Jonathan started playing guitar at the age of ten after moving to Miami with his family.  At 16 he was admitted to the New World School of the Arts, where his jazz studies took center stage.  Intensely dedicated to the instrument, he was featured in Guitar Player and DownBeat while still in his teens.  He won a scholarship to the University of Miami, where he held the guitar chair in the acclaimed Concert Jazz Band, touring Brazil and performing with Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, and Red Rodney. 

Upon graduation, Jonathan began playing straight ahead jazz gigs as well as a myriad of other projects.  He performed 20th century works with the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas.  He also recorded a C.D. and performed extensively with the progressive rock group Third Wish (including opening slots for rock legends Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen).  He also formed the first incarnation of the Jonathan Kreisberg Trio. Based in Miami, this electric based Trio released a C.D. and completed several U.S. East Coast tours, which included opening slots for George Benson and Steve Morse.  He also began giving clinics at music schools and universities.

While still in his early 20's, he returned to his birthplace in NYC with his focus on cutting edge acoustic jazz.  "My Miami Trio was about coming up with new textures and being communicative while still playing intense musically.  When I moved to New York I entered a more introspective phase, really getting deeper into melodies and harmonies." This also coincided with a renewed interest in the jazz tradition. "I found that the deeper I got into the tradition the more possibilities I became aware of for the future."

Since returning to New York City, Jonathan has worked in the bands of many jazz greats including Dr. Lonnie Smith, Lee Konitz, Joe Locke, Stefano Dibatista, Ari Hoenig, Joel Frahm,  Don Friedman, Greg Tardy, Donald Edwards, Jane Monheit, and Yosvany Terry.  He has also led groups of various instrumentations featuring artists such as Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, Gary Versace, Mark Ferber, Kevin Hays and Scott Wendholt among others.

Jonathan has now recorded Ten CDs as a leader, including his latest two albums, “CAPTURING SPIRITS - JKQ LIVE!” and “KREISBERG MEETS VERAS”, the first being Jonathan’s first live album with his dynamic new quartet and the second a document of his great musical friendship with nylon string genius Nelson Veras .   

Although currently based in New York City, Jonathan can be seen on tour worldwide. Entering the major Jazz Festival circuit with their electrifying show at Jazz Baltica (the combined video footage is now at 500,000 YouTube hits and counting), JKQ has subsequently performed many of the major European and American festivals.  

Jonathan is also a respected educator with over 25 years of experience.  In 2017 he released his first book of compositions and transcriptions, OFFERINGS OF NOTE, as well as a series of instructional videos called POLYRTHYTHMIC GUITAR.  While on tour, he is always making time for masterclasses and residencies as well as his own “NEW FOR NOW music intensive” held every summer for the past 4 years in his hometown of Brooklyn, NY.

When not on tour Jonathan can be found at his steady Wednesday trio hits at Bar Next Door in NYC, as well as at the Jazz Standard and Smalls Jazz Club.   

• Recognized for his signature touch, harmonic dexterity, bluesy melodies and sense of rhythm, guitarist Pat Kelley has enjoyed a steady and successful career in Los Angeles as a studio and touring musician, recording artist, composer, producer, arranger, vocalist, recording engineer, and educator. 
• An integral part of the Thornton School of Music Guitar Faculty at the University of Southern California for twenty-four years, two of Pat's books, Arpeggios for the Evolving Guitarist and Melodic Minor Guitar are part of the USC Thornton School of Music instructional series (Mel Bay Publications). Pat has also been on the faculty of the Monterey Jazz Festival Summer Jazz Camp, Guitar College Summer Guitar & Bass Camp, the University of Tulsa Summer Jazz Camp, and Interlochen Center for the Arts

Paul Norris Bollenback (born June 6, 1959) is a jazz guitarist who has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Joan Rivers, and Good Morning America. He has performed with  Scott Ambush, Charlie Byrd, Joey DeFrancesco, Herb Ellis, Della Reese, Arturo Sandoval, and Stanley Turrentine.[1] He is cited as a guitarist who uses modern quartal harmony.[2]

Bollenback lived in India with his family when he was 11. After three years, the family returned to the U.S. and Bollenback began listening to rock music. He put down his nylon-string guitar and picked up an electric. He cites his discovery of Miles Davis as a pivotal moment in his life. He attended the University of Miami. In 1997, he began teaching at American University.[1]

Gilad Hekselman has established himself as one of the leading voices in jazz guitar. Only a few years after his arrival to NY in 2004, this native Israeli was already sharing stages with some of the greatest artists in the New York City jazz scene including Chris Potter, Eric Harland, Mark Turner, Anat Cohen, Ari Hoenig, Esperanza Spalding, Jeff Ballard, Ben Wendel, Gretchen Parlato, Avishai Cohen, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Tigran Hamasyan, Aaron Parks, Becca Stevens, John Scofield, Terri Lyne Carrington, Danilo Perez and Peter Bernstein among many others.

In May 2019, Hekselman featured his quartet at the legendary NYC venue The Village Vanguard. He has also been playing all other major jazz clubs in New York City, including the Blue Note, The Jazz Standard, Dizzy's Club and Smalls. He is constantly touring world-wide and has played most noteworthy jazz festivals and venues including Montreux, North Sea, Montreal & SFJazz to name a few.

Ask For Chaos, Gilad's most recent full length album, was released on Sep 7th, 2018 on his new label, Hexophonic Music in collaboration with Motema Music label. It features both of his new working bands: ZuperOctave (feat. Aaron Parks on piano and keys and Kush Abadey on drums) which is a bass-less band that explores electronics with the goal of keeping the music organic and flexible, and the gHex Trio (feat. Rick Rosato on bass and Jonathan Pinson on drums) which continues the classic guitar trio sound that Gilad has become known for while also bringing something fresh to the music. This record was followed by an EP named Further Chaos, released in May 2019 and featuring the same personnel.

Gilad is the recipient of several prestigious awards and recognitions. In 2017, Gilad placed first in the Rising Star category of Downbeat Magazine. That same year, he won the 7 Virtual Jazz Club international competition 2017. In 2018 Gilad was asked by guitar legend Pat Metheny to perform as part of his NEA Award ceremony at The Kennedy Center, alongside some of Metheny's other favorite young guitar players. Gilad is also the winner of the 2005 Gibson Montreux International Guitar Competition, which led to a string of performances including opening for guitar legend Paco de Lucia with his trio at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2006. 

Gilad began his prolific recording career in 2006 with the release of his debut album, SplitLife (Smalls Records), recorded with bassist Joe Martin and drummer Ari Hoenig. It received rave reviews from the press as did his second album, Words Unspoken (LateSet Records), recorded and released in 2008 with Joe Martin, drummer Marcus Gilmore and tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm.

In 2009, Gilad recorded three tracks for Walt Disney Records, one of which was included in the record Everybody Wants To Be a Cat (2011). The album features versions of Disney songs played by a top-shelf lineup of musicians including Dave Brubeck, Joshua Redman, Esperanza Spalding, Diane Reeves, Roy Hargrove, Kurt Rosenwinkel, The Bad Plus and many other jazz legends.

In the spring of 2010 Gilad recorded his third album, Hearts Wide Open, with Joe Martin on bass, Marcus Gilmore on drums and world-renowned saxophonist Mark Turner. The record received rave reviews globally and was featured in many Best-of-2011 lists such as The New York Times, Amazon and iTunes. Then in April of 2013, Gilad released his fourth album, This Just In, under the JazzVillage label of Harmonia Mundi with the same quartet. Gilad's fifth record, Homes, was released in 2015 on the same label. It features his longstanding trio with Martin and Gilmore, plus 2 tracks with the great Jeff Ballard on drums.

Born in Israel in 1983, Gilad studied classical piano from age 6 and began studying guitar at the age of 9. From age 12 to 14 he performed regularly with the band of a weekly children's television show. He attended the prestigious Thelma Yellin School of Arts, graduating with excellence from the jazz department at age 18. Gilad received the America - Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarship for studies abroad to attend The New School in New York, where he completed his BFA in performing arts in 2008.

"An exceptional guitarist with a wonderful sound and great fluidity,  a unique composer of originality and maturity."
Born and raised in São Paulo,  Brazil, Chico Pinheiro started playing the guitar when he was 6.  At 14 he started working as studio session guitarist and soon began to be called to collaborate with a wide range of artists in his hometown, then in Brazil, then abroad. In 2002 Chico puts together a band of his own and starts recording as leader.  His  first album, 'Meia Noite Meio Dia' (Sony Music/ 2003) was released in 2003 with great reviews at all the most important newspapers and music magazines in Brazil and abroad, and was included in the 'Top 10 Brazilian albums of the year' in the major newspapers of Brazil: 'O Estado de São Paulo' , 'A Folha de São Paulo' and 'O Globo' . This well-received debut included performances from special guest vocalists Lenine , Ed Motta , Chico César , and Maria Rita .

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His second release, 'Chico Pinheiro' (Biscoito Fino/ 2005) enjoyed great critical and audience acclaim, once more being included in the 'Top 10 Brazilian albums of the year' by newspapers 'O Estado', 'O Globo' and 'Folha de São Paulo'.

The third album, NOVA , was released in dec/ 2007 in collaboration with the american guitarist and composer Anthony Wilson . It was, again, celebrated by critic and audience.

His fourth album, There's a Storm Inside (CT Music Japan/ Sunnyside Records, NY, 2010) was released in 35 countries. It includes guests such as Dianne Reeves and Bob Mintzer, and was featured on theDownbeat, Revista Veja, O Estado de São Paulo, Folha de São Paulo, Jornal O GLOBO and Revista Rolling Stone among the 'best albuns of the year'. This record also won prizes as Best Brazilian Jazz Álbum of the year and Best Latin Jazz Composition of 2010 with 'Mamulengo', in the Latin Jazz Corner Association, USA. Chico also won as Best Latin Jazz Guitarist, in the same association.

In 2012 he released the CD 'TRIZ', in partnership with the pianist and composer André Mehmari and singer and composer Sergio Santos. The album received highly favorable reviews and was also listed among the best albums of the year. 

Meanwhile, Chico was chosen three times as a Rising Star in the Guitar category in the Downbeat Magazine Annual Critics Poll -  along with Julian Lage, Peter Bernstein and Adam Rogers. 
In 2017 Chico releases "Varanda", a special collaboration project that again was included as 'best of the year' in all major papers and magazines in Brazil and abroad. His composition "Varanda" is performed by Vince Mendoza and the WDR Big Band on the Project  "Focus on Brazil", along with Milton Nascimento, Edu Lobo, Gilberto Gil, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Villa Lobos.

Today Chico is considered a leading figure in  - and outside the Brazilian music scene, who has distinguished himself as a guitarist, composer and arranger. Alongside with his main projects as leader, he also has collaborated with artists such as Placido Domingo, Brad Mehldau, Dave Grusin, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Danilo Pérez, Nnenna Freelon, Bob Mintzer, Herbie Hancock, Brian Blade (IJD), Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, The Israel Chamber Orchestra, The Bob Mintzer Big Band, The Paris Jazz Big Band, The Swiss Jazz Orchestra, The Danish Radio Big Band, The Seasons Guitar Quartet with Anthony Wilson, Julian Lage & Steve Cardenas, Esperanza Spalding, Joyce, Ivan Lins, Rosa Passos, Dori Caymmi, Danilo Caymmi, João Donato, Johnny Alf, Chico César, Ed Motta, César Camargo Mariano, Elza Soares, Luciana Souza, Monarco, Mark Turner, Chris Potter, Tom Scott, John Patitucci,  Eddie Gomez, Gary Novak, Lee Ritenour, Abraham Laboriel, Paulinho da Costa, Sammy Figueroa, Cachaíto Lopez (Buena Vista Social Club), Roberto Fonseca, Ari Hoenig, Claudio Roditi, Duduka da Fonseca, Peter Erskine, Giovani Hidalgo, amongst others.

About Chico Pinheiro: 

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“‎If you enjoy adventurous, creative and contemporary Brazilian music, Chico Pinheiro is the man taking it to the next level.”

 - WDNA, Miami , USA

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“‎An astonishing guitarist whose technical skill and emotive feel for the instrument is above par for anything guitar-related I've experience of late.”

- Global Village, Savannah, GA, USA 2018

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“‎One of the brightest lights on today's Brazilian jazz scene"

- The BOSTON GLOBE,  Boston, MA, 2018

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“‎Chico Pinheiro is a prodigy of guitar”

- Downbeat Magazine, USA, 2017

Rodney Jones was born in New Haven, CT where he started playing guitar at age 6. Career highlights include playing with Dizzy Gillespie (three years), Lena Horne (20 years as guitarist/musical director), and Ruth Brown (guitarist/musical director). Extensive TV work including staff guitarist, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, The Cosby Show, Showtime at the Apollo, The Rhythm and Blues Foundation, and The Apprentice. As a leader recorded CDs for Blue Note Records, Verve, HighNote and others. Recordings with Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Burrell, Carl Allen, Billy Joel, Dave Koz, Ray Charles, Maceo Parker, James Brown. Master classes at Eastman School, Berklee College, and others. Has toured internationally and given lectures worldwide on music as well as the Art of Spiritual Living at Eckankar seminars.

Rodney studied at City College of New York with pianist John Lewis, founder of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Studies with guitar legend Bruce Johnson.

He has been on the faculty of the Juilliard School since 2007.

You may not know Andrew Synowiec by name, but chances are you’ve heard his guitar playing. Andrew is a multi-faceted musician with credits like The Who’s #1 album Who, the blockbuster film Frozen (including “Let It Go”), and countless commercial and indie projects. With his collection of over 90 stringed instruments, he has recorded for artists ranging from M83 to Barbra Streisand and producers from Bob Rock to David Foster. Andrew has contributed to albums selling over 10 million copies worldwide and more than 25 Grammy-nominated recordings, including his own 2015 Grammy Award as a member of the acclaimed LA Big Band “Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band.”

Andrew’s live performances cover the globe from Madison Square Garden to the Hollywood Bowl. He has appeared on all the major networks and accompanied artists such as Ariana Grande, Elton John and the LA Philharmonic.

In 2014, Andrew completed construction of his private recording studio “House of Syn,” designed and built from the ground up by legendary acoustician George Augspurger. Recent credits include Josh Groban’s new album Harmony, the motion picture Call Of The Wild, and the iconic TV show The Simpsons.

Andrew recently released his first full length album, Second Story. Recorded in a historic Hollywood studio with a band of renowned musicians, the entire record was cut live in just six hours. Second Story is an instrumental mixture of Rock, Jazz and Blues with an emphasis on the feel of celebrated players doing what they do best. The record has received wide-ranging air play and praise from notable fans such as Steve Vai.

Michael O'Neill's services as a guitarist and vocalist have been called upon at the highest levels of the music industry for over 30 years.Starting with his first tour of the U.S. and Europe on the Crusaders "Street Life" tour to his ongoing work with George Benson and Barbra Streisand,Michael has played on hundreds of recordings,worked on dozens of World tours,recorded 5 solo cd's,made numerous television and video appearances,provided hundreds of titles for background music sources.Working with George Benson since 1981,Michael has appeared on "The Best of Benson Live",George Benson and Al Jarreau cd "Givin it Up",Benson's "Absolute Live"and "Live in Montreux 1986" dvd's and served as an Associate Producer on Benson's most recent cd,"Songs and Stories".Michael has recently entered the arena of television composers as his music can be heard on " The Real Housewives of Miami","The Real Husbands of Hollywood","Pregnant in Heels","Miss Advised","Million Dollar Listing","Brooklyn Big Style","Wicked Tuna",Food Paradise" and a growing list of new productions.With his extensive and varied experiences at the top level of the music industry Michael has a huge pallette of styles and colors to draw from which result in a unique compositional voice.  

Guitarist and composer Mary Halvorson has been described as “a singular talent” (Lloyd Sachs, JazzTimes), ”NYC’s least-predictable improviser” (Howard Mandel, City Arts), “one of the most exciting and original guitarists in jazz—or otherwise” (Steve Dollar, Wall Street Journal), and “one of today’s most formidable bandleaders” (Francis Davis, Village Voice). In recent Downbeat Critics Polls Halvorson has been celebrated as guitarist, rising star jazz artist, and rising star composer of the year, and in 2019 she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship.

Halvorson has released a series of critically acclaimed albums on the Firehouse 12 label, from Dragon’s Head (2008), her trio debut featuring bassist John Hébert and drummer Ches Smith, expanding to a quintet with trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson and alto saxophonist Jon Irabagon on Saturn Sings (2010) and Bending Bridges (2012), a septet with tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and trombonist Jacob Garchik on Illusionary Sea (2014), and finally an octet with pedal steel guitarist Susan Alcorn on Away With You (2016). She also released the solo recording Meltframe (2015), and most recently debuted Code Girl (2018), a new ensemble featuring vocalist Amirtha Kidambi (singing Halvorson’s own lyrics), trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, saxophonist and vocalist María Grand, bassist Michael Formanek, and drummer Tomas Fujiwara. 

One of New York City’s most in-demand guitarists, over the past decade Halvorson has worked with such diverse musicians as Tim Berne, Anthony Braxton, Taylor Ho Bynum, John Dieterich, Trevor Dunn, Bill Frisell, Ingrid Laubrock, Jason Moran, Joe Morris, Tom Rainey, Jessica Pavone, Tomeka Reid, Marc Ribot and John Zorn. She is also part of several collaborative projects, most notably the longstanding trio Thumbscrew with Michael Formanek on bass and Tomas Fujiwara on drums.

World renowned guitarist, educator and Emmy award winning composer, Tim is a member of the legendary Northwest Gypsy Jazz Group Pearl Django and popular duo with Jamie Findlay. In between gigs with PD and Jamie, Tim tries to play as many Solo Guitar performance as he can fit into the schedule.

John Pisano is an influential jazz guitarist and studio musician, known for his mastery as an accompanist.

He can be heard on recordings with artists including Joe Pass, Herb Alpert, and Chico Hamilton, and live at his weekly Guitar Night in Los Angeles.

Bio

Pisano was born in 1931 on Staten Island, New York. His father and uncle played banjo and guitar, and would often perform popular standards around the house.

Pisano got his own musical start at the piano, but eventually switched to the guitar at age 14. During his formative years, he briefly studied with the famed guitarist/teacher Chuck Wayne, and was heavily influenced by the music of Django Reinhardt.

Pisano's first professional gigs were with the Johnny Long Orchestra, where he played swing rhythm guitar. The parts were very simple harmonically, so he came up with ways to add more movement to the chords while still keeping good time.

At age 20, he enlisted in the Airforce and played guitar in a sextet called the Crew Chiefs. This was an important experience for Pisano, as he got the opportunity to perform live in military clubs, and record for recruitment advertisements.

Pisano left the service in 1955, and was about to start his studies at the Manhattan School of Music when he got a call for an audition with Chico Hamilton. He got the gig (taking the place of Jim Hall), and moved out to California, where he still remains today.

John Pisano is an influential jazz guitarist and studio musician, known for his mastery as an accompanist.

He can be heard on recordings with artists including Joe Pass, Herb Alpert, and Chico Hamilton, and live at his weekly Guitar Night in Los Angeles.

Bio

Pisano was born in 1931 on Staten Island, New York. His father and uncle played banjo and guitar, and would often perform popular standards around the house.

Pisano got his own musical start at the piano, but eventually switched to the guitar at age 14. During his formative years, he briefly studied with the famed guitarist/teacher Chuck Wayne, and was heavily influenced by the music of Django Reinhardt.

Pisano's first professional gigs were with the Johnny Long Orchestra, where he played swing rhythm guitar. The parts were very simple harmonically, so he came up with ways to add more movement to the chords while still keeping good time.

At age 20, he enlisted in the Airforce and played guitar in a sextet called the Crew Chiefs. This was an important experience for Pisano, as he got the opportunity to perform live in military clubs, and record for recruitment advertisements.

Pisano left the service in 1955, and was about to start his studies at the Manhattan School of Music when he got a call for an audition with Chico Hamilton. He got the gig (taking the place of Jim Hall), and moved out to California, where he still remains today.

Guitarist Bobby Broom’s love of jazz has never blocked out his affection for the pop music which he grew up with. It’s been a frequent wellspring throughout his career.

“It’s a lot of what I do,” he acknowledges. “Material is material, and I’m just trying to do things that are interesting to me and that I feel might be interesting to people.”

Soul Fingers, his joyful 2018 release with his organ trio The Organi-Sation, produced by legendary drummer Steve Jordan, presents a whole album’s worth of such interesting things.

Drawn from Broom’s favorite songs of his childhood in the 1960s and ’70s, the album runs the gamut from The Beatles and Procul Harum to Bobbie Gentry and Motown.

It’s a path that has won Broom an impressive following, and significant acclaim, both within and outside his home base of Chicago.

Chicago Tribune critic Howard Reich hails the guitarist as “offer[ing] an object lesson in what an inventive jazz musician can do with a familiar song.”

Indeed, Soul Fingers is not Broom’s first album-length assay of the music of his youth. 2001’s Stand! took on pop hits of the 1960s. The new record leans toward the ’70s—with renewed perspective.

“The difference between Stand! and Soul Fingers is, frankly, nearly twenty years of life,” Broom says. “Hopefully that means that much more depth for me as an artist. I would hope that all of my experiences play a part in my ability to bring my new music to the table, and present it to the public in a way that’s even more convincing, heartfelt, and nuanced.”

Not to be overlooked is Broom’s exploration of these tunes with a new ensemble, featuring the deft, soulful organist Ben Paterson and shrewd drummer Kobie Watkins. The Organi-Sation, brought together as an opening act for Steely Dan’s 2014 summer tour, quickly developed a chemistry that Broom describes as “a wonderful surprise. It was incredible how much this new group jelled, and the level of music that we were able to make.”

For Lee Ritenour, there aren’t many ‘firsts’ left to achieve. During his dazzling five-decade career, the fabled LA guitarist has taken his music to the outer limits, alighting on every genre and occupying every position in the rock ‘n’ roll firmament. He’s been an enfant terrible of ’70s fusion, a crossover star of the ’80s pop chart, an honorary exponent of Brazilian jazz, and the fingers behind ’90s supergroup, Fourplay. Ritenour’s accolades include: 45 albums, Grammy award winner, plus 16 Grammy nominations, Alumnus of the year at USC, Los Angeles’ Jazz Society Honoree (2019), plus thousands of sessions with legends such as Frank Sinatra, Pink Floyd, B.B. King, Tony Bennett, among others.

And yet, when he checks the rear-view mirror, the 68-year-old acknowledges he’s never made a record like Dreamcatcher. “People have been telling me for years: ‘Rit, you gotta make a solo guitar record’. In the past, I’ve always been the band guy, the ensemble guy, the collaborative-guitar-player guy. So this was the one project I hadn’t done. And this year, I knew it was time.”

Weaving tapestries of instrumental guitar and conjuring eclectic moods, the 12 tracks of Dreamcatcher rank amongst the most melodic and tinglingly beautiful in Ritenour’s catalogue. But there’s a power and purpose here, too, hinting at the darker circumstances that sparked this new record. “Our house and my studio in Malibu, California burnt down in 2018,” he recalls. “About 100 of my guitars went up in the fire, plus 40 amps, lots of music, the history of my whole career, pretty much. A week after the fire, I went to the hospital, which I’d never had to do before, for surgery to replace an aortic valve. So those incidents and the support from my family and friends absolutely went into this music. Making this record was a life-saver for me.”

 Dreamcatcher might have been born from personal challenges, but the record took shape against the global tragedy of Covid-19. Ritenour had already written several key tracks before shutdown. But as he settled into the makeshift studio at his new home in Marina Del Rey, equipped with little more than seven guitars, a computer interface and good intentions, the guitarist let the context flood into the music he was tracking. “It was an important album for me,” he notes. “Especially now, with everything going on in the world.”

Even without lyrics, every track tells a story. Take the molten blues licks of “Abbot Kinney”, named for the fabled boulevard in Venice, California. “One day when everything was shut down,” says Ritenour, “I drove my bike there and was just devastated to find it completely empty. But then I heard this rock guitar start up. I don’t know if it was a kid, but somebody nearby had just turned it up to 10 and said, ‘Fuck it, I’m gonna have some fun’. It brought a huge smile to my face and inspired me to write that song on my Les Paul.”

Likewise, anyone living through the age of Covid-19 will feel a deep affinity with “2020”: a three-part symphony in which Ritenour takes the pulse of the times. “The three parts were a reflection of what was going on this year,” he nods, “when all of a sudden everybody’s life shut down. I was thinking about the young musicians that were out of work – and people in every walk of life.”

Elsewhere Dreamcatcher delves beyond the pandemic. While Ritenour strived to switch up musical styles – from the title track’s dovetailing classical guitars to the Taylor baritone that drives “Starlight’s” tumbling folk, and the mad scientist multi-tracking of “Couldn’t Help Myself” – he also ran the gamut of mood. “Because even I get tired,” he reasons, “of solo guitar albums when it pretty much all sounds the same.”

As such, “For DG” salutes the harmonic sensibilities of the great producer, pianist, and long-time comrade, Dave Grusin. But it couldn’t be further from “Charleston”, whose mellow slink is laced with bittersweet thoughts on the ebb and flow of US race relations. “A few years ago, I played in Charleston, South Carolina,” recalls Ritenour, “and it was charming and the people were warm, and it was a very mixed, soulful audience. Charleston has a history of the beginnings of slavery, but this was modernday Charleston, y’know? But then, a few years later, I’m writing this tune while watching the continuation of the struggle. As musicians who travel all over the world, we go, ‘What? This shit is still going on in the US?’ So it was appropriate to dedicate that song to Black Lives Matter.”

Dreamcatcher not only confronts the here-and-now: it also slips back into Ritenour’s rich history. Long-standing fans will recognize “Morning Glory Jam” as a rework of the guitarist’s classic 1977 tune. “On 2015’s A Twist Of Rit, I had revisited a lot of older material, so I wanted to keep this record fresh. But one day, I remembered when I did sessions for Barry White and how there had been four or five guitar players all playing these incredible rhythm parts. That’s the kind of groove I had in my head for this new version of Morning Glory.”

Casting his mind still further back, The Lighthouse shares its name with the storied LA jazz club where the teenage guitarist was to be found most nights in the mid-’60s. “I’d started playing guitar at eight, and by 12, I was very serious. Everybody’s number was in the phonebook back then, right? So my dad – who was an amateur piano player and always very supportive – called up Joe Pass and Barney Kessel and asked them to give me a guitar lesson. Barney ended up recommending this incredible teacher, Duke Miller, and that was the foundation of all my playing. The Lighthouse was this very funky jazz club where I met Wes Montgomery. By the age of 16, I’d take the car over there in the late afternoons and just watch the bands soundcheck.”

Whatever genre you were into, recalls Ritenour, the guitar scene at that magical juncture in the mid-’60s was hard to beat. “In every field, there were legends. In jazz, you had Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Howard Roberts, Jim Hall, Pat Martino. In Blues, B.B. King, Albert King, John Lee Hooker. In Rock, Jimi Hendrix was coming, Clapton and Beck were already there. In Country, you had Chet Atkins, and the all time great classical guitar master, Segovia, and Sabicas, and Paco de Lucia for Flamenco! Great guitar playing was everywhere you turned, and I loved them all…How could you not?

Those eclectic early tastes served Ritenour well. The jazz giants at The Lighthouse were a passion for life: just check out his love-letter to the great Mr Montgomery on 1993’s Wes Bound. But from the day he lucked into his first session for The Mamas And The Papas at age 16, Ritenour had the widescreen musicality to forge a career as one of LA’s busiest session men. “I remember John Phillips had this incredible studio in his Beverly Hills mansion and I just thought, ‘This is what I want’. As for my favorite and memorable sessions, I remember getting called by Bob Ezrin to record on “One Of My Turns” and “Comfortably Numb” on Pink Floyd’s, The Wall…incredible. And then there was Quincy Jones producing George Benson’s, “Give Me the Night” album and all of us waiting ‘til 4am for Stevie Wonder to show up and play a song he’d written for George’s album…Ha! Too many memories!”

Like close friend and fellow session ace, Toto’s Steve Lukather, Ritenour was always more than a gun-for-hire. In ’76, he launched his own solo career with First Course, and managed the magic trick of following his muse while finding enviable commercial success, especially in the ’80s. “On the West Coast, fusion was just starting,” he remembers, “and we were beginning to combine the melodies of pop music, bu...

Guitarist and composer, born in Montevideo, Uruguay on 20 September 1967. He moved to The Netherlands in 1990 and later to Rio de Janeiro, Brasil in 2002, where he among other performed with and recorded for Ivan Lins.

Jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein (b. 1967, New York City) has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time he has participated in over 80 recordings and numerous festival, concert and club performances with musicians from all generations. As a leader, Peter has released nine albums and a DVD, Live at Smoke.

He got his first break while attending the New School when he met the legendary guitarist Jim Hall. Hall asked Peter to participate in his Invitational Concert as part of the 1990 JVC Jazz Festival. The event featured such guitarists as John Scofield and Pat Metheny and was release as Live at Town Hall Vol. 2. by Music Masters. Hall noted that Peter “...has paid attention to the past as well as the future. He is the most impressive guitarist I’ve heard. He plays the best of them all for swing, logic, feel and taste.”

Also in 1990, Peter Bernstein was discovered by alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and took part in the first of four recordings with him. He was a regular member of his group throughout the 1990s. “Some people just have it.” Donaldson said. “...most of the time you have to teach someone what to do, but Peter knows it all.”

Peter has also enjoyed long musical associations with legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (Cobb’s Mob), as well as organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart as a member of their highly acclaimed trio. The New York Times called them “the best organ trio of the last decade”. Together they recorded a dozen of records, all of which display their distinctive sound, whether exploring the depths of jazz standards or playing their original compositions.

From 1995 through 1997, Peter was a member of Joshua Redman’s band and played on Redman’s Freedom in the Groove CD. He played with Diana Krall’s quartet from 1999 through 2001 and with Dr. Lonnie Smith, the legendary organist who made his debut on the George Benson Cookbook albums. He has also recorded five CDs with organist Melvin Rhyne, known for his association with Wes Montgomery. In addition, Peter has appeared in groups led by Nicholas Payton, Sonny Rollins, Lee Konitz, Tom Harrell, and Eric Alexander.

Current projects include his recent album, Monk, recorded for the newly reactivated Xanadu label. Together with Doug Weiss and Bill Stewart, he put their own spin on the rich legacy of Thelonious Monk.

In September, Bernstein released a solo guitar record, Solo Guitar – Live at Smalls (Smalls Live), an intimate recording that makes you feel like you’re sitting in the front row at Small’s jazz club in New York City.

Linda Manzer, b Toronto, is a Canadian luthier renowned for her archtop, flat-top acoustic guitars and has designed many multi stringed harp guitars.

She received her training for flattop guitar construction from Canadian master Luther Jean Larrivée between 1974 and 1978 and later arch top guitars with Jimmy D’Aquisto in New York. Her greatest claim to fame is that she has and still does build many custom guitars for renowned jazz musician Pat Metheny including the Pikasso which has 42 strings and three necks. Carlos Santana, Stephen Fearing, Julian Lage, Henrik Andersen, Doug Macaskill, Craig Snyder, Milton Nascimento,  Liona Boyd,  Heather Bishop, Bruce Cockburn, Paul Simon, Marie Lynn Hammond, Sherry Shute, John McGale and Gordon Lightfoot have to be mentioned as special customers too.

Blues rock guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer, Josh Smith, is hailed the world over as a master guitarist with raw talent and power to spare. Blending his signature mix of blues, rock and jazz into dynamic original songs, Smith is known for his incendiary live performances, whether at the Grammy Awards or the Kennedy Center Honors with Mick Jagger, Raphael Saadiq and others. 

Guitarist Steve Cardenas is following in the footsteps of contemporary stylists such as John Scofieldand Pat Metheny. His warm, lyrical sound and frequently edgy improvisations put him in league with young, rock-influenced jazz players like Pete McCann and Ben Monder. 

Originally from Kansas City, Cardenas is currently a busy sideman and leader in New York. He has performed and/or recorded with Steve Million, Maria Muldaur, Mark Isham, Paul McCandless, Jeff Beal, and pop/rock singer Tracy Bonham. He's also made a mark with several notable two-guitar ensembles, teaming up with Kurt Rosenwinkel in Paul Motian's Electric Bebop Band as well as the live incarnation of Marc Johnson's Sound of Summer Running band, and with Brad Shepik in drummer Joey Baron's quartet Killer Joey. 

Cardenas has also worked as a music educator at the New School in New York, Musician's Institute in Hollywood, Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Camps, and the University of Missouri.

Born in Los Angeles in 1968, guitarist and composer Anthony Wilson is known for a body of work that moves fluidly across genres. 

The son of legendary jazz trumpeter and bandleader Gerald Wilson, his musical lineage has deeply influenced his creative trajectory, compositional choices, instrumental groupings, and the wide-ranging twelve album discography that blooms out of them. 

His first album — Anthony Wilson (1997) — featured a nine-piece “little big band” and received a Grammy nomination for Best Large Ensemble Jazz Recording. It was followed by Goat Hill Junket (1998), and Adult Themes (2000). His fourth recording with the nonet, Power of Nine (2006), was recognized as one of the top ten jazz albums of the year by the New Yorker.  Wilson’s acclaimed trio albums Our Gang (2001), Savivity (2005), and Jack of Hearts (2009) reimagine and reframe the Hammond organ-based genre of post-bop, soul-inflected jazz. In 2011, Wilson released Seasons, a live record and short film documenting the compositional process and premiere performance of his extended song cycle of the same name, written for and performed on a quartet of luthier John Monteleone’s handcrafted guitars called “The Four Seasons.”  That same year, Wilson released Campo Belo, a collection of original instrumental songs recorded in São Paulo, Brazil.

Traveling into, through, and beyond genres, Frogtown (2016) marked a turning point for Wilson as a composer and his debut as a singer. Renowned producer Mike Elizondo teamed with him to realize this collection of layered, intimate musical stories and portraits. Frogtown sets the stage for Wilson's latest, Songs and Photographs (2018), in which his distilled, personal musical compositions enter into a dialogue with his 35mm photography. The work develops from two intertwined paths, one sonic and one visual, that increasingly play complementary roles in Wilson's creative process.

An inventive soloist and sensitive accompanist, he has been a core member of Diana Krall’s quartet since 2001, after joining her for a series of concerts in Paris at the Olympia Theater, which became the Grammy award winning recording and concert film Live in Paris (2002). 

Over the past two decades, Wilson has joined a diverse roster of jazz masters on their recordings and performances, including Ron Carter, Mose Allison, Bobby Hutcherson, Madeleine Peyroux, Joe Sample, Al Jarreau, and Harold Land. And while his footing is firmly rooted in the jazz idiom, Wilson pivots with ease into other genres, having contributed his instrumental texture and improvisational authority to albums by pop music legends Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Aaron Neville, and Barbra Streisand.

Wilson was awarded the Thelonious Monk Institute International Composers’ Award in 1995. He has also received commissions from Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, the International Association of Jazz Education, and the Henry Mancini Institute. In 2018, he was selected as a MacDowell Colony fellow.

Hailing from the Netherlands, Jesse van Ruller is a contemporary jazz guitarist. He is known for his unique sound, virtuoso technique and beautiful compositions. In 1995 he won the prestigious Thelonious Monk Award in Washington . The jury, consisting of Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Jim Hall, Pat Martino and Mark Whitfield, was of the opinion that Jesse is one of the most promising talents of his time. In the same year he graduated summa cum laude from the Hilversum Conservatory, where he studied with Wim Overgaauw. Since then he has performed with numerous renowned musicians and ensembles such as Pat Metheny, George Duke, Joe Lovano, Peter Erskine, Mike Stern, Tom Harrell, Philip Catherine, Toots Thielemans, the Roy Hargrove Quintet, Christian McBride, Seamus Blake, Metropole Orchestra, Asko Ensemble, WDR Big Band, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Berliner Philharmoniker. He was nominated for the Dutch Bird and Edison Awards several times and to date has released nine albums as a leader.

As a virtuosic improviser who’s collaborated with many of jazz’s greatest figures, Mimi Fox has earned her spot in the jazz guitar pantheon. But the jazz tradition is only one of the powerful currents feeding her music. With her 11th album as a leader or co-leader, This Bird Still Flies, Fox delivers a seamless but far-ranging album that’s breathtaking it its beauty, emotional immediacy and stylistic reach. The all acoustic recording captures a commanding artist in full -  transforming folk tunes, jazz standards, original compositions and popular songs into exquisitely crafted improvisational vehicles.

Bruce Forman’s life and musical journey provide an American saga that is still in full swing. His Texas origins, his early career in San Francisco and New York, and his years on the road, all contribute to the unique and highly personal vision that he demonstrates today. A monster guitarist, teacher, mentor, and personality, Bruce Forman is known the world over as one of the jazz guitar greats.

Ron Escheté is the consummate master of the seven-string guitar. Whether he is playing bebop, ballads or blues he is a musically sophisticated guitarist who plays with grace and dignity. "Escheté is one of the finest jazz guitarists in L.A. – no small achievement in a region dense with superb players," says Jim Ferguson of JazzTimes. His deft and nimble fingers paint a spectrum of sound so rich that his voicings are often compared with those of a pianist. 20th Century Guitarlikens his sound to that of the great Bill Evans.

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, removed at the age of four to the vastness of Southern California, schooled at the University of Southern California and the Manhattan School of Music in jazz and classical music, along with a pilgrimage in India under the guidance of master percussionist, Ustad Alla Rakha, Rez Abbasi is a vivid synthesis of all the above stated influences and genres. Making New York home for the past 25 years, Abbasi is considered by many to be one of the foremost modern jazz guitar players the world over. His most recent album Django-Shift reimagines the compositions of the great Django Reinhardt in a modern setting.

Born into a musical family, Larry has been playing the guitar since he was seven years old. As a highly respected LA based jazz guitarist, he has been a faculty member at the California Institute of the Arts since 1990. Having been featured on over 300 albums, Larry has recorded with Jimmy Rowles, Bob Brookmeyer, Luciana Souza, Lee Konitz, Larry Goldings, Mel Torme, Toots Thielemanns, Linda Ronstadt, Warne Marsh, Charlie Haden, Natalie Cole and many other jazz artists. His solo guitar work was featured throughout “Crazy”, a feature film chronicling the life of the great guitarist Hank Garland. 

From coffee house gigs at fifteen to chart-topping success with the Tom Grant Band in the 90s, world tours with two-time Grammy Award winner Diane Schuur and contemporary jam-bands, Portland based guitarist Dan Balmer brings fire and heart every time he plays the guitar. His playing spans nearly one hundred CDs including twelve as a leader from which his original works have appeared internationally in television, film and radio. Dan’s love of guitar and making music combined with discipline, technique and restless curiosity provide an ever-deepening experience for himself and his listeners.

A Grammy Award winning American jazz-rock guitarist and composer. His artistry has influenced jazz since the late 70’s and is going strong today. Possessor of a very distinctive sound and stylistic diversity, Scofield is a masterful jazz improviser whose music generally falls somewhere between post-bop, funk edged jazz, and R & B. His has worked with Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock and many other legendary artists. Touring the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups, he is an Adjunct Professor of Music at New York University, a husband, and father of two.