 |
|
Charlie
Christian
|
Lonnie Johnson:
A New Orleans born guitarist, Lonnie Johnson is credited as
the first guitarist to incorporate single string solos in their
playing style. Known most as a blues player, Johnson played
a variety of styles and influenced scores of other musicians.
Although he never achieved great fame, he was a particularly
strong influence on the Charlie Christian.
Charlie
Christian: From southwest Texas, Christian's electric single
string soloing in the Benny Goodman Orchestra was as unique
and influential as any guitarist of the era. While some critics
were slow to proclaim his genius, all of them recognized that
jazz would not be the same. Christian's single-string solos
have now found their way into nearly every propular guitar
style from country to rock to jazz. Sadly, Christian's career
only lasted a few years, but his innovation changed the guitar
forever.
Django
Reinhardt: As unique and influential as Christian, Django
made his mark primarily from Europe. A Belgian Gypsy with
limited movement in his hand due to a fire in a gypsy caravan,
he took up guitar playing as physical therapy. Influential
for technique, harmonies, and melodies, Reinhardt rarely recorded
with a standard jazz group. In fact, he recorded most often
either solo or with the unusual Quintet of the Hot Club of
France featuring reknowned violinist, Stephane Grapelli. Today
Django's influences are as varied jazzgrass and solo guitar
accompaniment.
In the
1940s Les Paul invented the solid-body guitar; that is, a
guitar without a resonating chamber. It's sound is produced
solely through string vibrations and magnetic pick-ups. With
its long-sustained notes and capacity for producing wailing
melodic lines as well as percussive rhythms, it soon became
the principal instrument in popular music. The age of amplification
paved the way for even more innovation, stylistic changes,
and prominence of guitar in jazz.
Music
Folk carries a widening selection of archtop guitars including
models from Guild and Bourgeois. Be sure to check our vintage
instruments pages to see what we currently offer. As of September
2003, we currently have a 1960 Gretsch Chet Atkins 2160.
|
