In the News...

Solo Acoustic Guitar - a New Artistic Direction

It's ironic that after years of hamering away at paying the jazz dues - and getting some payoff - that I would become interested in solo acoustic guitar. I was teaching the Bay Area workshop and a student put on a Tommy Emmmanuel DVD, and it just rang my bell. What got unearthed inside me was an avalanche of what I loved about the guitar when I was a kid - the songs, the energy, the crispy twang of a good acoustic, and the ability to deliver it as a solo performer. I had forgoten these feelings from a past lifetime.

Adam Rafferty playing "The Hunt" - By Tommy Emmanuel

The material is musically "simpler" than jazz - but let me tell you, if you screw up on "Moments Notice" not many will know. If you screw up a simple solo arrangement,it's plain as day - so there is a training, a discipline, and a satisfaction I am gettting from this. Plus, I really enjoy connecting with people and found that even when I play jazz with a band I use the blues, maybe some pedals, and rhythm to connect. Of course I could simply get as complex as possible and takke the stance that it's the listeners problem to sttay focused and "decipher my genius" but that's not how I feel. In any case - I hope everyone out there enjoys the new acoustic stuff!

Playing and Touring with Bennie Wallace and Alvin Queen

I have been lucky to become associated with two Jazz Masters - saxophonist Bennie Wallace and drummer Alvin Queen. Bennie is an amazing saxophone player - he has a very arpegiated, intervallic approach a la Coleman Hawkins, but is still very modern sounding. It's as if his music is "inside" and "outside" at the same time. Alvin is a powerhouse!!! I can't believe how many Americans have not heard of him. He is the most recent drummer to have played with Oscar Peterson and has played with everyone. He is the heir to the Blakey / Elvin Jones lineage. Alvin, George Benson, and Lonnie were the George Benson trio back in the day. OMG what a bannd that must have been. I am honored to be playing with these guys!

Playing with "The Doctor" Lonnie Smith

I have been fortunate enough over the last 2 years to become affiliated with Dr. Lonnie Smith, master of the Hammmond B-3 organ. Lonnie called me out of nowhere, and invited me to his house to rehearse. Needless to say, I was nervous but he immediately put me at ease. I am thankful to have had an opportunity that many guitarists would die for - to be called by the greatest organ player alive, and one of the greatest EVER. So far, I played with Lonnie at some well known NYC Jazz spots, The Juneau Alaska Jazz Festival, and Marblehead MA Jazz Festival. I recorded his tune "Play It Back" on the solo new acoustic CD as a tip of the hat to him. Thank you, Universe - for giving me this special and rare opportunity.