jazz

Latest about jazz

April 23, 2015: Al Di Meola performed his Elegant Gypsy & More Electric Tour at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego California.
How an acid trip, a cassette and an offhand comment landed teenage guitarist Al Di Meola the gig of a lifetime

By Phil Weller Published

Di Meola was just 17 when he played a drug-induced gig that would change the course of his career

Guitarists
LEFT: Al Di Meola with Gibson Les Paul Standard circa 1975. RIGHT: Ray Davies of English rock group The Kinks performs playing a Fender Telecaster guitar on a television show at BBC Television Centre in London in December 1965.
How The Kinks inspired Al Di Meola to write a fusion classic

By Phil Weller Published

And it turns out he inadvertently tracked it with Leslie West’s preferred guitar tone

Guitarists
LEFT: Jaco Pastorius photographed with bass guitar circa 1970. RIGHT: John McLaughlin performs on stage, UK, 1975.
The short and tumultuous reign of the Trio of Doom, as told by John McLaughlin

By Phil Weller Published

They could have been the world’s greatest jazz-fusion trio, but Jaco's undiagnosed bipolar disorder brought things to an end almost as soon as they started

Guitarists
British blues-rock band Cream live in concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, 26th November 1968. From left to right, bassist Jack Bruce, guitarist and vocalist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker.
“We had different ideas." Jack Bruce on how Eric Clapton was the odd man out in Cream

By Phil Weller Published

Bruce said the band's label saw Cream as a quick cash grab and had no idea the group would be as influential as it was in England and abroad

Guitarists
Mickey Baker
He was one of jazz guitar’s greatest tutors, but on Wildest Guitar, Mickey Baker’s playing is unhinged in the best possible way

By Jim Campilongo Published

When it came to guitar instrumentals, no-one served them hotter than Mickey Baker

Albums, Singles & New Releases
Jimmy Bryant Country Cabin Jazz
From playing fiddle on street corners during the Great Depression to becoming one of the biggest Telecaster heroes of the 20th century – here's why you should immerse yourself in Jimmy Bryant's Country Cabin Blues…

By Jim Campilongo Published

Jimmy and pedal-steel supremo Speedy West (aka “the country jazz John and Paul”) have a swingin’ good time on this fun 1960's shredfest which belies his difficult reputation

Guitarists
American swing jazz guitarist Freddie Green (1911 - 1987), circa 1960.
Get the Know-How of Jazz Rhythm Guitar and Venture Into Any Session With Confidence

By Patrick Brennan Published

Advance your chordal and rhythmic accompaniment with this easy-to-follow guide on jazz guitar comping styles

Lessons
Ben Webster 'The Warm Moods' album artwork
“Almost More Expressive Than the Human Voice”: Jim Campilongo Waxes Lyrical About One of His All-Time Favorite Jazz Discs

By Jim Campilongo Published

Ben Webster’s 'Warm Moods' LP is a searing lesson in melody and skillful phrasing

Guitarists
Bill Connors 'Of Mist and Melting' album artwork
Listen to Bill Connors’ ‘Of Mist and Melting’ – ECM Jazz at Its Finest

By Jim Campilongo Published

This 1978 acoustic guitar masterpiece exudes atmosphere

Guitarists
Bill Evans's 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans' album artwork
‘Everybody Digs Bill Evans’ (and Every Guitarist Can Benefit From Listening to This Record!)

By Jim Campilongo Published

Here’s why this 1959 jazz primer is a must-hear for guitar players

Music
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