Great list, but where's John McLaughlin?!?

by John Hakala
(Providence, RI)

A few comments.


1)
Definitely need to add John McLaughlin. His stuff with Miles (Bitches Brew, Tribute to Jack Johnson, etc.) is classic. Mahavishnu Orchestra is super influential, and Remember Shakti shows that he's the master of Indian Fusion. He was on Tony Williams' band, kept up with Jaco Pastorius, and even jammed with Jimi Hendrix. Come on. Easily up there with Scofield, Metheny, and Martino.


2)
You might want to consider separating the old time legends from the more modern masters. Reinhardt, and to a lesser extent Pass, are the historical legends of classical-influenced jazz guitar. Christian and Montgomery are the historical legends of blues-influenced Jazz guitar.


3)
Here are some more possibilities that I would consider adding. (I think they rate at least on par with than Ellis, Raney, Bickert, Breau, and Juris.)
-------

Almost there: Bill Frisell, Mike Stern, Larry Coryell, Bill Connors, John Abercrombie

Bossa Nova greats: Joao Gilberto, Bola Sete

Modern wild guys: David Fiuczynski, Mark Ribot, Vernon Reid

Soulful modern guys: Will Bernard, Eric Krasno

Soul-jazz old timers: Melvin Sparks, Boogaloo Joe Jones, Charlie Freeman

Hard to classify: Kevin Eubanks, Tommy Bolin, Al Di Meola


____________
M-A's Comments :

Hi John. Thanks for the wonderful additions. You are right, McLaughlin and most the guys you discussed deserve to be "on the list". (-:

I'm a big Miles Davis fan and I deeply enjoy John McLaughlin on "In a Silent Way".

I didn't have time (or take the time) to add many guitarists to the JazzGuitarLessons.net roster here, as you can see. What's great about your contribution is that it will certainly bring other visitors to check these guys out too! Thanks for ordering them logically together. (-:

I'm a fan of Frisell, Gilberto, Ribot, Eubanks (etc.) and I promised myself I would add them to the site somehow. (Ah, if only we could have 50-hour days instead of 25!)

Thank you,
M-A