LESSONS INTRODUCTION

Lessons from the world’s greatest teachers and schools...

Jason Sidwell ushers in yet another jampacked Guitar Techniques lessons section.

There is a metaphorical saying that when one gets higher up, it’s important to send the elevator back down. A ‘pass it on’ mentality is not only good karma for the giver but also of real worth to the receiver. All of us at GT have benefited from the ‘musical elevator’, either via a tutor or friend, magazine or website. The guitarist that has stopped learning is a musician that has stopped still. It is the essence of this elevator analogy that drives us to provide you with diverse and informed content every month. Not only the big ‘catch all’ topics concerning technique and theory, but also highlighting both iconic and niche guitarists who are worthy of analysis.

Talking of guitarists, consider the Jazz column this month (p72). Our resident Yoda of jazz, John Wheatcroft, has turned his spotlight on the often overlooked UK guitarist, Tony Rémy. Tony has been on the scene for years and I remember very well when in the heat of mainstream acid jazz - he released his 1994 debut album on the GRP label. Boof! was funky, jazzy and urban. Tony had great chops and a guitar tone that could be soft or driving. This was a musician with influences ranging from Miles Davis to Stevie Wonder, BB King to Mike Stern. Whereas Boof! put him on the map (GRP was one of the world’s most heralded jazz labels so Tony’s signing was really something), 1997’s Metamorfollow-G took his style up another level with a richer production and material ranging from jack swing styled fusion to emotive ballads. Indeed, it was his cover of Stevie Wonder’s Spring High that inspired me to perform it in bands of my own. While Tony may well be a new name to you, please check out the music he has released over the years as it’s so vibrant. But first, work through John’s examples as there is a world of colour to be enjoyed here. You may find your new Tony licks inspire not only your next jam or live gig but also a friend who’s keen to catch his next musical elevator!