In this episode of Deeper Roots, we explore the diverse sounds of jazz guitar, featuring some of the very best from the early century where the masters defined the role of guitar in trios, quartets, and then finally in the jazz band.  In the early century, the guitar was relegated to either solo performances or in smaller ensembles where there was no competition other than strings. It didn’t really have much of a chance in the jazz scene where horns and percussion would simply drown the strings out making it not only impossible to record but impossible to hear in a live performance. All of that changed, of course, with the invention of the electric guitar allowing the sound to come through, holding its own with the saxophone or trumpet.

Our show will feature a number of early blues and jazz practitioners who crafted a sound into gold and paved the way for others. We’ll hear from many of the early gems from the likes of Eddie Lang, Charlie Christian, Tampa Red, Lonnie Johnson, as well as the inheritors including Wes Montgomery, Tal Farlow, and Kenny Burrell.