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Who was the best jazz guitarist ever?


Since all music is "subjective", I lay no claim to any objective truth to anything I write on this subject.

Johnny Smith was the first to make me aware of the guitar as a jazz instrument. Before him I considered it to be a country and western or blues instrument. "Moonlight in Vermont" is his most famous album, it contains some of the most beautiful versions of standards I've ever heard.

Kenny Burrell who was often featured with Jimmy Smith on organ was the next jazz guitarist I became aware of. While his work with Jimmy Smith was tops, "Midnight Blue" on Blue Note, is my favorite album.

Wes Montgomery came to my attention twice, that's because according to some; he was better and more inclusively "jazz", before he became famous. The "Wes Montgomery Trio" recorded in 1959 is one example of a recording made before he became famous. His "Round Midnight" had a deep soulful intensity that's hard to match; but jazz guitarist's also have bills to pay.

Grant Green is the best jazz guitarist ever, his prodigious output makes that statement. There are some who claim, that out of all of the versions of "Round Midnight", his is the best.

There are many guitarist's I like who may or may not fit the description of "jazz guitarist". I'll leave the strict definition of that to others. Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco De Lucia are guitarists I like a lot whatever category they fit in.

Since I prefer the broad definition of "jazz" as opposed to the strict definition, if you think your favorite guitarist fits the description; so do I. Who are your favorite guitarists?
orpheus10
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,874 posts
 
Jimi Hendrix comes to mind when I think 'who's the best guitarist', OTOH, there are many great players.......a few others that come to mind...SRV, EC, Robin Trower ( VERY underrated IMHO), BBKing, Santana, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Jimmie Vaughn, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Earl Klugh, George Benson, Al Di Meola, Chet Atkins, Les Paul and I could go on and on..:0)
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

I Saw Albert King live, he was a big impressive man whose guitar had an unforgettable "blues twang". When you heard Stevie Ray Vaughn, you heard that same twang; this identified him as an Albert King protege. Albert was my all time favorite blues guitarist.

Santana's guitar could hold a note forever. I wore out 3 copies of "Abraxas". His music symbolized "The Age of Aquarius", that was the most magical time ever.
rockadanny
1,226 posts
 
And now, back to jazz ...
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Rockadanny, I have the same problem with Wes and Grant; they both have versions of "Round Midnight" and I alternate in regard to which one I like best. It seems that who I'm listening to at that time is the best. All of the guitarists you mentioned make for good listening.

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Gabor Szabo is one fantastic guitarist. He must be included as one of the best, among jazz guitarists. The music form we call "Jazz" had evolved somewhat when Szabo came on the scene as opposed to when Grant Green originated.

Grant began playing jazz when it was a definitive form of music, and the word "Jazz" communicated this definitive form of music. This was before Miles trolley jumped the tracks and he played this same music; consequently I feel comfortable with my statement that Grant Green was the best "jazz" guitarist ever.

Since jazz is a music form that embellishes creativity and individuality, it's quite difficult to judge the artist. "Ice skaters" have set routines and their scores are based on how well they perform them. With "Jazz", there are so many variables; it's rare that we are on the same page when discussing it. The music has gone through so many changes that a meaningful conversation would require much "specificity".

Gabor Szabo first came to my attention on the LP "El Chico". This was hot in 66, 67, due to Szabo as much as Chico Hamilton the drummer. The title say's it all in regard to the music, this is red hot "Bull fighter jazz", and Gzabo provides that smokin latin guitar. This music is a delight to my musical sensibilities.

On "Mizrab", the LP I have that he headed; we get a different Szabo. First, the recording quality is exceptional, next; this display of his unique Hungarian individuality has aroused my insatiable appetite for new music, "I must have more Gabor".
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