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A MODERN DAY MASTER of the Telecaster, Jim Campilongo is often lumped into Americana or roots rock, but his modus operandi is just a bit more twisted and way more […]

THE ONSTAGE BACKDROP for Al Di Meola's Electric Years Tour is a huge collage of 17 of his most recognizable album covers. Noticeably absent from the bunch is his groundbreaking [...]

GROWING UPAS a die-hard blues-rocker in 1970s South Florida, Scott Henderson fell in love with the sounds of that era's big-name rock guitarists. 'Ritchie Blackmore, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck... I [...]

HIS NAME IS like that of a Marvel superhero or the title character in a new vigilante series airing on Netflix. But Max Light plays guitar with the gift of [...]

WHILE SOME GUITARISTS are adept at tweaking their tones through a variety of effects from song to song, Israel-born fusion maverick Oz Noy is like a virtuoso tap dancer on [...]

THERE WAS NO denying Dan Wilson's talents, nor the diversity of his repertoire, when he released Vessel of Wood and Earth in 2021. They shone through on every track. The [...]

It was just before the pandemic hit in 2020 that I happened upon a YouTube video by an Italian funk-fusion trio named the Snips. The initial hook for me was [...]

GROWING UP THE son of Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli had quite an advantage over the other kids in his Paterson, New Jersey, neighborhood who wanted to pick up the instrument [...]

TWO LANDMARK GUITAR releases, both solo debuts, came along within a few months of each other in 1968 to open my youthful ears and blow my 14-year-old mind. And yet, [...]

When the Beatles made their American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, it inspired a generation of Boomers to pick up the guitar. But it was [...]

THROUGH THE COURSE of five evocative ECM albums, Danish guitarist Jakob Bro has forged a distinctive musical identity with a deft fingerstyle approach to his instrument, along with a penchant [...]

IN 2015, I had the honor of being on a panel of judges for the First Annual Wes Montgomery International Guitar Competition, sponsored by George Klabin of Resonance Records and [...]

IN AN INCREDIBLE career that spans nearly 50 years, John Scofield long ago established himself as one of the Big Three of modern jazz guitar, along with his colleagues Pat [...]

The article present an interview with guitarist Jim Campilongo. Topics discussed include Campilongo's unique approach to the Telecaster guitar and his new album, "She Loved the Coney Island Freak Show;" his influences and stylistic nods to guitar legends like Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton; his use of unconventional techniques such as behind-the-nut bending and tone knob swells; and his experiences living in New York, U.S., and returning to the San Francisco Bay Area, California.

IFIRST WITNESSED Mike Stern onstage 31 years ago in his sideman role with Miles Davis at New York's Avery Fisher Hall back in 1981. This was Miles' eagerly awaited 'comeback' [...]

An interview with guitarist, Al Di Meola is presented.

The article focuses on Immanuel Wilkins' evolution as an alto saxophonist and composer, highlighting his conceptual approach to music through albums like "Omega," "The 7th Hand," and "Blues Blood." Topics include his exploration of racial and social justice themes, the incorporation of multimedia elements in his performances, and his collaborations within the jazz community, reflecting a commitment to creating impactful and transformative artistic expressions.

The article presents information related to guitarist Max Light.

The article delves into the expansive musical journey of banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, highlighting his diverse collaborations and groundbreaking interpretations across various genres, including bluegrass, jazz, classical, and world music. Fleck's latest endeavor, "Rhapsody In Blue," showcases his audacious approach to music-making as he ventures into uncharted territory, reimagining George Gershwin's iconic piece for banjo with remarkable creativity and passion.

The article discusses the prolific posthumous releases of Chick Corea's music, spanning his Elektric Band era and classical explorations. The focus is on recent releases, including 'The Complete Studio Recordings 1986–1991' and the live album 'The Future Is Now,' highlighting the jazz legend's enduring creativity and diverse musical contributions.

An interview with trumpeter Nicholas Payton, is presented. He discusses his evolution from being hailed as a Young Lion in the jazz scene to his current musical direction. Topics covered include Payton's departure from the traditional jazz label, his experimentation with diverse genres and electronic elements, and his recent album "Drip," which embraces a 1970s funk-soul-jazz aesthetic while reimagining past compositions.

BILL FRISELL HAS played with musical artists across the gamut of styles. But whether he's jamming with John Zorn, recording with drummer Matt Chamberlain in the group Floratone, or performing [...]

The article explores the collaboration between saxophonist Javon Jackson and poet Nikki Giovanni in the creation of their project, Javon And Nikki Go To The Movies. Topics include Jackson's admiration for Giovanni's extensive knowledge of film music and lyrics, which inspired their selection of songs; his contributions of original compositions alongside covers, including Sonny Rollins' "Valse Hot"; and Jackson's commitment to bringing influential scholars and activists.

The article focuses on the Indo-jazz supergroup Shakti and the making of its first studio album "This Moment," which pays tribute to the group's late mandolin master U. Shrinivas. It highlights Shakti's unique fusion of Hindustani and Carnatic music with Western harmonies. It is mentioned that the intense konnokol vocal exchanges between percussionist V. Selvaganesh and tabla player Zakir Hussian was recorded while being 3,000 miles apart, not sitting next to each other in the same studio.

An interview with Harvey Mandel, american guiotarists is presented who overlooked instrumental solo debut album, "Cristo Redentor," released in 1968, which showcased his innovative guitar work and fusion of rock, jazz, blues, and soul genres.

The article presents an interview with American drummer Kendrick Scott's new album "Corridors" which features a saxophone trio and explores the theme of loss and stagnation during the pandemic. Topics include Scott's decision to create a saxophone trio album, the creative process behind the music, and the emotional impact of the pandemic on the album's composition.

The article presents an interview with American jazz pianist Eric Reed on his latest album "Black, Brown & Blue," which marks the first time he openly discusses his bisexuality. Topics include Reed's musical journey, his personal experiences with his sexuality, and the autobiographical nature of the album which includes standards and songs that reflect his personal growth and exploration.

The article opens with an interview featuring Joe Bonamassa, a renowned blues guitarist, discussing his global success, collaborations, and dedication to the blues. Addressing his latest album, 'Blues Deluxe, Vol. 2,' Bonamassa shares insights into the creative process, acknowledging influences like blues guitarists B.B. King and Jeff Beck. The conversation explores his musical journey and the album's homage to blues legends.

The article presents the discussion on highlights the powerful collaboration between Japanese trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and drummer Jim Black, first seen in their 1999 album White & Blue, and revisited 25 years later in their new release NatJim. Topics include Tamura's unique trumpet techniques and influences, the organic development of their original and recent sessions; and the dynamic interplay between the musicians during their improvisations.

An interview with Immanuel Wilkins, a jazz musician, is presented. Topics include Wilkins' latest album "Blues Blood" which examines the story of the Harlem Six, six men accused of murder in 1965; his evolving musical journey and the diverse influences and contributors to the album, the innovative musical techniques and improvisations featured. He also discusses his aspiration to combine different artistic disciplines for a comprehensive creative expression.

AMERICAN GUITAR AFICIONADOS have known about Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel for nearly 30 years, going back to his two-year tenure in Gary Burton's band during the early '90s and his [...]

An interview with guitarist Bill Frisell is presented on topics including his 2019 music album "Valentine," his attitude about approaching tunes and his work with bassist Kermit Driscoll and drummer Joey Baron.

The article presents information elated to jazz musician trio Thumbscrew of drummer Tomas Fujiwara, guitarist Mary Halvorson, and bassist Michael Formanek. It discusses the group's musical works including their self-titled debut in 2014 on Cuneiform Records, "The Anthony Braxton Project," and "Never Is Enough." Comments of Halvorson and Fujiwara regarding the making of their latest album "Multicolored Midnight" are given. It explains the band's evolution since its inception in 2012.

The article offers information on celebration of the 50th anniversary in the spring of 2023 in the William Paterson University. Topics include comments of David Demsey, jazz studies coordinator; information about different events in the celebration; and information on first Jazz Room concert and other achieves related to it.

An interview with John Scofield, a jazz guitarist, is presented. Topics discussed include his solo album that he recorded at home with the help of Tyler McDermott, a sound engineer and Manfred Eicher, producer and the founder of ECM records; his extended solo intros to tunes on the gigs; and pedal-point looping on "Trance De Jour," song using pedal-E.

The article reports that the iconic bassist-composer Ron Carter was fêted in an all-star, 85th birthday celebration at Carnegie Hall, acting as emcee and bass greats Buster Williams and Stanley Clarke providing personal testimonies, the evening included performances by Carter-led groups in three combinations of Golden Striker Trio; and the Ron Carter Octet featuring the leader on piccolo bass alongside cellists Maxine Neuman, Zöe Hassman, Sibylle Johner and Dorothy Lawson.

FOR DECADES, REGGIE WASHINGTON HAD BEEN IN THE THICK OF it. For over ten years he'd been part of saxophonist Steve Coleman's Five Elements, the forward reaching jazz group that [...]

The article discusses the work and life of Mike Stern, an American jazz guitarist and after playing with Blood, Sweat & Tears, and he worked with drummer Billy Cobham, then with trumpeter Miles Davis from 1981 to 1983 and again in 1985.

The article focuses on trumpeter Steven Bernstein who has written for bands such as Sexmob, Spanish Fly and Millennial Territory Orchestra and mentions consideration of mortality and musical legacy by the trumpeter. Topics discussed include elimination of distractions during the process of recording, recording for the music "Tinctures" and material recorded and released on Royal Potato Family label.

The article focuses on saxophonist Miguel Zenón's COVID-19 pandemic learning experiences along with his current album "Música de Las Americas". He shares that his learning of ancient civilizations shows in his songs that include "Imperios" which is based on achievements in astronomy, "Navagando (Las Estrellas Nos Guían)," based on travels of indigenous groups in early America and "Venas Abiertas" which is based on a book "Las Venas Abiertas de América Latina (The Open Veins of Latin America)".