September 16 Coincidentally enough, two of the greatest practitioners of jazz on the classical guitar were born on this date. In addition to this similarity both Byrd and Klugh were noted for styles that used latin rhythms extensively. Happy Birthday, … Continue reading
This week, in celebration of the birth of creative genius John Coltrane, we focus on Trane’s Interstellar Space. Coltrane recorded this masterpiece in 1967, the year of his death, and Impulse! Records released it in September 1974. Plainly Astounding In a … Continue reading
The world lost a genius musician when Michael Brecker passed on. He has been sorely missed. While performing at the Mount Fuji Jazz Festival in 2004, Brecker experienced a sharp pain in his back. Shortly thereafter in 2005, he was … Continue reading
John McLaughlin (born 4 January 1942 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England), also known as Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, is among the most advancing musicians on the planet today. John has been cited as an influence by a number of prominent musicians. In 2010, guitarist Jeff … Continue reading
Mike Stern is a down-to-earth, happy-go-lucky inspiration to us all, musicians and otherwise. Born on January 10th 1953, Stern has long been a shining example of one of the hardest working musicians of his generation. After attending Berklee College of … Continue reading
John Coltrane, the tenor saxophonist, who was considered one of the most gifted modern jazz musicians of this decade, died on this day 50 years ago at Huntington Hospital, Huntington, Long Island. He was 40 years old. Coltrane was born … Continue reading
For more Larry Carlton music, click the image. Larry Carlton built his career as a studio musician in the 1970s and ’80s for acts such as Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell. He has participated in thousands of recording sessions, recorded on hundreds of albums … Continue reading
Fuller Sound For Albert Albert King is featured performing his signature tune “I’ll Play The Blues For You” during a live performance in the early 70s. The 1970s saw King teamed with members of The Bar-Kays and The Movement (Isaac … Continue reading
We’re all happy for this 73rd birthday of saxophonist/vocalist/bandleader/sideman, Maceo Parker. Parker was born on February 14, 1943 in Kinston, North Carolina. His father played piano and drums; his mother and father both sang in church. His brother Melvin played … Continue reading