Organized by unfretted veteran Michael “Atonal” Vick, the shows presented renowned players such as New York City’s Elliott Sharp and Seattle’s Tom Baker, along with a gaggle of lesser-known unfettered fretters. The event also served as the CD release party for the double-CD compilation Village of the Unfretted [Unfretted], which features artists from 16 countries. Both a CD and a DVD documenting the event are planned.
Credit: Jesper deJong
Eddie DeGenaro delivered awesome chops with style on his Vigier fretless guitar.
Credit: Michael Vick
Elliott “E#” Sharp and his homemade fretless left many listeners shaking their heads in disbelief.
Credit: Jesper deJong
The Eric Rhodes Band belted out the blues with a special Alabama flair.
Credit: Michael Vick
Franck Vigroux and Michel Blanc introduced New York played heavy French music for New York.
Credit: Michael Vick
Swedish subversive Gunnar Backman showed why he’s at the cutting edge of Nordic improvisation.
Credit: Jenny Rowell
Michael “Atonal” Vick and G5 stretched out at the Knitting Factory.
Credit: Jesper deJong
Ratko Zjaca played his Godin Fretless Multiac with a uniquely Croatian spirit.
Credit: Michael Vick
The Tom Baker Quartet simmered through structured improvisations.
Credit: Michael Vick
Even with a broken finger, Yan Vagh dazzled all at the Knitting Factory.