The first part of this series primarily featured electric guitarists who
pioneered in the jazz & rock genres. The exception was Django
Reinhardt, the French 'Gypsy Jazz' guitarist who took up the electric instrument late in his career and was able to translate his unique style from the acoustic instrument. Part 2 will feature a bit more of the great acoustic innovators..........................................Frank Dialogue
pioneered in the jazz & rock genres. The exception was Django
Reinhardt, the French 'Gypsy Jazz' guitarist who took up the electric instrument late in his career and was able to translate his unique style from the acoustic instrument. Part 2 will feature a bit more of the great acoustic innovators..........................................Frank Dialogue
Davey Graham, British pioneer of the acoustic guitar...Incredible technique, playing bass lines, chords & melody simultaneously...Influenced such greats as Bert Jansch, John Renbourne & Jimmy Page...Wrote the classic 'Anji'...Best album 'The Guitar Player'...Mixed folk, jazz, raga & blues.
Carlos Santana, probably my personal favorite for drawing the emotional 'cry' out of the electric guitar...Still going strong, incredible player...Best album: 'Moonflower' from the late 70s featuring both Carlos & his band at an all time peak...Best recorded version of the beautiful 'Europa' & climaxes with the ultimate in Latin fusion/rock, the incredible 'Savor/Touissant L'Overture'.
The amazing Brazilian guitarist, Bola Sete ('Seven Ball'), real name Djalma de Andrade...Played nylon string exclusively, and was a master of samba, bosa nova, blues & jazz....Great album: 'Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival'...Super rythmic.
Jimmy Page, 'session man' on many early UK rock tracks, Yardbird, pioneer of tape delay, the 'e-bow' and other effects, excellent acoustic & 12-string player, used many alternative tunings & founder and producer of Led Zepplin...Sometimes maligned, but his guitar playing was ground breaking in many ways.
John Abercrombie, one of the most interesting & intelligent of late century jazz players...First noted for his beautiful track 'Timeless' in collaboration with Jan Hammer & Jack DeJohnette...Best album, the brilliant 'Gateway 2' w/ DeJohnette & Dave Holland no longer available...For new listeners, there is an excellent anthology on ECM Records...Also a wonderful acoustic player, especially in collaboration w/ Ralph Towner.
Ralph Towner, acoustic guitarist, nylon & steel string...Founder of the group Oregon, and a pioneer in modern 'chamber jazz'...Especially notable for his use of extended and open harmonies in his playing & composition.
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