If you’re a guitarist, like the guitar, or have heard of the guitar, than you’re probably excited for the Guitar Masters tour, which kicks off this October with dates throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Featuring guitar legend Eric Johnson, Fingerstyle guru Andy McKee and acoustic-guitar master Peppino D’Agostino, the tour is lining up to be the must see guitar event of the fall season, and possibly the entire year.
Peppino D’Agostino has to be one of the most remarkable solo acoustic guitar players on the scene today. He has been working hard to make a name for himself since the 1980’s when he decided to embark on a career as a guitarist, composer and arranger, and moved to San Francisco from his native Italy.
In January 2007, Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel was handed a Golden Guitar award for “Best Instrumental Performance” at the Country Music Awards of Australia for “Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag” a track off his latest album, The Mystery, released in 2006.
Brad Richter is a rare bird. He is a classical guitarist, but you will never hear him playing a Bach piece or any Tarrega. Instead he performs solely his own compositions, utilizing techniques few other guitarists use, mostly because he made them up.
Growing up in Canada, I was first exposed to Bruce Cockburn’s playing and songwriting through a cover version of his classic song “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” by the then little-known band, The Barenaked Ladies. The song grabbed radio airplay and steady airtime on Much Music, helping to launch the BNL’s careers, while at the same time, also exposed countless people such as myself to the music of one of Canada’s greatest artists.
Australian guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel, has gifted the world with some of the finest acoustic guitar playing to adorn the planet. He’s an itinerate touring musician who sparkles on stage with his ability to caress, cajole and occasionally slap beautiful acoustic arrangements out of his beat up Maton guitars. Emmanuel captivates his audiences with his humorous patter, world-class guitar playing and the percussive antics he unleashes on his six-strings.
A masterful performer, McKee has recently been featured on the Guitar Masters Tour alongside acoustic guitar virtuoso Peppino D’Agostino and guitar legend Eric Johnson. During the concerts, each member of the trio performs a short solo set, followed by several tunes as an ensemble to close the show.
Guitar International recently sat down with Val Bonetti to talk about his new album, his myriad influences and what gear he takes with him into the studio.
Guitar International recently sat down with Bill Mize to talk about his early influences, his latest album The Angel’s Share and his favorite guitars.
As 2010 comes to a close, we here at Guitar International are taking a look back at the year that was, of all the great albums that came out this year, all the killer concerts that took place and the amazing guitarists who made this year a great year for the guitar.
Do you love the guitar and all things guitar related? 
