Guitaristically

Joe Pass

I saw Joe Pass perform at the Royal ayorl Hotel in the 80's and he was great. Joe was born Joseph Anthony Passalaqua in 1929 and died in 1994 in Los Angeles. His playing was marked by chord-melody style that made use of effective bass movement and outstanding knowledge of chord progressions.

Joe Pass emerged in the  1960's after struggling with addictions in the 50's and recorded classics as Catch Me, For Django and Simplicity. He collaborated with many musicians such as: Gerald Wilson, Bud Shank, Les McCann, Lou Bellson, Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Della Reese and Johnny Mathis. He worked a nunber of televsion shows including the Tonight Show et. and performed with Herb Ellis  at Dantes in Los Angeles. This led to a recording contract with Concord Jazz. He later recorded on Pablo Records.

Joe won a Grammy for his contribution to The Trio in 1975.

A notable collaboration was with Ella Fitzgerald towards the end of her life.

 

 

Favourite Guitarists

Wes Montgomery was born March 6, 1923 and died of a heart attack June 15, 1968. Many guitarists including Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, George Benson and Pat Metheny have acknowledged Montgomery as one of the few innovators on the guitar along with Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt. Although he picked up the guitar when he was already 19 he could learn complex melodies and riffs by ear. He collaborated withTal Farlow, Johnny Smith, Jimmy Raney and Barney Kessel to establish the guitar as a bebop insrument. Montgomery was awarded a Grammy for his album Goin' Out Of My Head in 1966 and various Down Beat magazine awards.

Wes Montgomery played with his thumb only. This contributed to a truly unique sound and style. He generally played a Gibson L-5CES along with a Fender tube amplifier. Judge his music for youself.

 

 

Events in January

The Toronto Classical Guitar Society has arranged for the fantastic Peruvian guitarist Jorge Caballero to perform at the Heliconian Hall on Saturday January 16th at 8pm. The hall is located at 35 Hazelton Ave and general admission is $25 at the door only. See you there!

In New York City Rupert Boyd the Australian guitarist and his troup perform Jan. 14/2010 at The Tank 354 West 45th Street. Admission is $10 at the door. (www.rupertboyd.com)

Also in New York City the New York Guitar Festival contines till Feb. 4th. (www.newyorkguitarfestival.org)

How about London England on Jan.16th the young fabulous French guitarist Judicael Perroy appears at West Sussex Guitar Club, 46 Sudley Road at 7:30 pm. Tel: 01243 866 462.

Don't miss Elliot Fisk and Angel Romero at Armstrong International Cultural Center 14400 Bryant Ave. Edmond OK 73034, 8pm. Tel: 405 285 1010. January 24th.

My Absolute Favourite Guitarists Of All Time

 

Bola Sete was a Brazilian guitarist from Rio de Janeiro whose real name was Djalma de Andrade. In Brazilian billiards the seven ball is the only black ball on the table; the nickname Bola Sete which means seven ball was given when he was the only black musician in a small group.He died  February 14, 1987 at 64 years of age  after a rich and varied career. He was a creative composer and fiery player of bebop and Brazilian music. He worked notably with Dizzy Gillespie and Vince Guaraldi, toured the U.S.A., Italy, and South America. He teamed up with fellow Brazilians Sebastian Neto (bass) and Paulinho (drums) with whom he recorded a fabulous version of the Black Orpheus medley. Check out his rendition of Gillespie's Tour de Force.