Isochronism, the truth be told; almost every guitarist mentioned is one of my favorites. My very first LP featured Jim Hall with the "Chico Hamilton Trio". Lee Ritenour might be my favorite when I get back from the record store.
Who was the best jazz guitarist ever?
Since all music is "subjective", I lay no claim to any objective truth to anything I write on this subject.
Johnny Smith was the first to make me aware of the guitar as a jazz instrument. Before him I considered it to be a country and western or blues instrument. "Moonlight in Vermont" is his most famous album, it contains some of the most beautiful versions of standards I've ever heard.
Kenny Burrell who was often featured with Jimmy Smith on organ was the next jazz guitarist I became aware of. While his work with Jimmy Smith was tops, "Midnight Blue" on Blue Note, is my favorite album.
Wes Montgomery came to my attention twice, that's because according to some; he was better and more inclusively "jazz", before he became famous. The "Wes Montgomery Trio" recorded in 1959 is one example of a recording made before he became famous. His "Round Midnight" had a deep soulful intensity that's hard to match; but jazz guitarist's also have bills to pay.
Grant Green is the best jazz guitarist ever, his prodigious output makes that statement. There are some who claim, that out of all of the versions of "Round Midnight", his is the best.
There are many guitarist's I like who may or may not fit the description of "jazz guitarist". I'll leave the strict definition of that to others. Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco De Lucia are guitarists I like a lot whatever category they fit in.
Since I prefer the broad definition of "jazz" as opposed to the strict definition, if you think your favorite guitarist fits the description; so do I. Who are your favorite guitarists?
Showing 17 responses by orpheus10
Duanegoosen, [Not sure real sure the "all music is subjective" statement works, (both musical notation and sound physically exist). It may be more reasonable to assert that opinions, (which often can be chock full of prejudices and misconceptions) are subjective.] Since I am not teaching music, it is one's opinion of music that I'm seeking. "Opinions" of music is the subject of this thread. My very first sentence stated that I lay no claim to any "objective" truth to what I wrote. That nullified my statement in regard to "Grant Green" for anyone except me. If this site has had too many extensive favorite guitar threads, why did you post on this one, and then have the audacity to inquire about some guitarist named "Marc Ducret"? If there are any stop signs in your neighborhood, you can continue this dialog with them. |
This thread has attracted some of the most knowledgeable "jazz aficionado's"; those who know the history of the jazz guitar, beginning with Charley Christian, and the legendary Django Reinhardt. While Pat Methaney is well represented in my collection, I don't think of him as a "guitarist", just as I don't think of "Charlie Mingus" as a bassist; their music so overshadows the instruments they play, that the music is all enveloping, and I forget who is playing what; of course my personal idiosyncrasy is completely unrelated to the facts. Stanley Jordan is the only guitarist who can sound like two guitars at the same time. I enjoy him a lot. These comments indicate how wide the range of music is for guitarists, they incorporate so many other generas of music into what we call "jazz", that we are not sure if it's still jazz. But jazz became amorphous, after 1970; consequently neither you or the music are confused, it just changed. |
I was a "Brazilian" in my life before this one. Anything that is of Brazil resonates my "inner soul", and that's where Egberto Gismonti's guitar resonates; his music is Brazil. I went to a film festival that lasted for weeks. It featured movies made in Brazil about Brazil, they were in Portuguese; even the language was music to my ears. The soundtracks were "deep in the pocket" Brazilian, music not heard here. Egberto's music is reminiscent of that. "Sol Do Meio Dia" is my favorite, it's a spectacular recording on ECM. Any recommendations will be appreciated. |
Charlie Byrd first came to my attention when he did "Jazz Samba" with Stan Getz. His "laid back" sound evokes ipanema beach and Rio. No one can forget "Desafinado", it is a classic example of "bossa nova"; which is what Byrd and Getz made famous. While both Byrd and Gismonti were inspired by Brazil, there is absolutely no similarity in their music. Egberto Gismonti is historic Brazil, his music resonates with an ancient Afro pulse from the hinterland of Brazil. I mention this because some might get the impression they were duplicating Brazilian guitars by buying both. In my opinion, they are a must have for the "guitar aficionado". |
Inna, "Sol Do Meio Dia" is one of the most beautiful albums in my collection. The rhythms I spoke of are exemplified by "Nana Vasconcelos" on the "Barimbau". They are not the typical "Rio carnival samba beat". These rhythms originated in Angola and are now associated with "capoiera", the Brazilian fighting dance. I am on the hunt for CD's that feature those rhythms exclusively. |
Now that we have thoroughly covered the best, I would like to cover some of the rest. While these guitarists may, or may not fit the jazz category; they are marvelous musicians. Jose Feliciano came to my attention with "Light My Fire". I know his sound certainly lit mine. Next is "Ry Cooder", he's all over the place, from East Indian to hill billy; put him in "unclassifiable". I've enjoyed all of his extremes. Feel free to include your favorite guitarist, regardless of classification. |
I Saw Albert King live, he was a big impressive man whose guitar had an unforgettable "blues twang". When you heard Stevie Ray Vaughn, you heard that same twang; this identified him as an Albert King protege. Albert was my all time favorite blues guitarist. Santana's guitar could hold a note forever. I wore out 3 copies of "Abraxas". His music symbolized "The Age of Aquarius", that was the most magical time ever. |
Gabor Szabo is one fantastic guitarist. He must be included as one of the best, among jazz guitarists. The music form we call "Jazz" had evolved somewhat when Szabo came on the scene as opposed to when Grant Green originated. Grant began playing jazz when it was a definitive form of music, and the word "Jazz" communicated this definitive form of music. This was before Miles trolley jumped the tracks and he played this same music; consequently I feel comfortable with my statement that Grant Green was the best "jazz" guitarist ever. Since jazz is a music form that embellishes creativity and individuality, it's quite difficult to judge the artist. "Ice skaters" have set routines and their scores are based on how well they perform them. With "Jazz", there are so many variables; it's rare that we are on the same page when discussing it. The music has gone through so many changes that a meaningful conversation would require much "specificity". Gabor Szabo first came to my attention on the LP "El Chico". This was hot in 66, 67, due to Szabo as much as Chico Hamilton the drummer. The title say's it all in regard to the music, this is red hot "Bull fighter jazz", and Gzabo provides that smokin latin guitar. This music is a delight to my musical sensibilities. On "Mizrab", the LP I have that he headed; we get a different Szabo. First, the recording quality is exceptional, next; this display of his unique Hungarian individuality has aroused my insatiable appetite for new music, "I must have more Gabor". |
Playpen the first two are for you, the last one is for me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iteKJQRXsno http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqn3PF_DcSg "Round Midnight" Wes Montgomery. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uU3HcuQKeM |
Alexatpos, this is one of my favorites by Kenny Burrell, I'm sure you have that album. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP0flneNfaQ |
Ptmconsulting, and all George Benson fans; he is by far the most romantic guitarist. I was listening to him late last night as he went from lost love, to true love, and then on to blue love. Someone as romantic as George, has to verbalize it. I didn't find his vocals unappealing. I guess over the years they've expressed my own ups and downs in the affairs of the heart; and if you listen, you can hear one fantastic guitar. |