Episode #43
Episode #43
Recording Date: June 27, 2008
Location: Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal, Canada
Featured Artists:
Martin Taylor
Pierre Bensusan
Antoine Dufour
Jake Shimabukuro
Andy McKee
This was another International episode of Studio Jams, and is one of our “Special Edition” episodes. It is different in concept from a typical Studio Jams program in that rather than bring musicians into a recording studio and watch them create fresh new music on the spot – as we usually do – this episode brought us to Montreal, Canada to cover some of the highlights of the 2008 Montreal International Jazz Festival, and even more specifically, some highlights of the Montreal Guitar Show that was taking place as but a part of the much broader jazz festival. In addition to a number of guitar-themed exhibits and seminars, The Guitar Show featured intimate solo performances by a number of world-class guitarists. Studio Jams viewers get a chance to learn a little about some of these performers through interview and performance segments.
The following artists are profiled in this episode:
Martin Taylor / Guitarist
A multi-award winning guitarist and composer, he has established a unique musical career as an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has seen him recognized as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing…says Pat Metheny: “Martin Taylor is one of the most awesome solo guitar players in the history of the instrument. He’s unbelievable.”
Pierre Bensusan / Guitarist
An eclectic, sensitive player with a smooth edge…says Steve Vai: “Listening to Pierre Bensusan is rejuvenating. Beside his extraordinary touch and tone, the notes and melody appeal directly to the tender side of our human nature.”
Andy McKee / Guitar
An unconventional, finger-style master.
As far as festivals go, The Montreal International Jazz Festival is one of the biggies. It is very well-organized and always features a diverse lineup of International musicians – of all kinds – performing throughout a dedicated section of the city. The fact that this particular edition of the festival also featured the prestigious Montreal Guitar Show was just an added bonus.
– Tom Emmi / Producer
