Jack Petersen-guitar: “Les Paul & Many More” January 17, 2010

The January Jazz in AZ party on Sunday, Jan. 17, will be an opportunity to hear one of the finest jazz guitarists in the world today! Jack Petersen has made his mark not only as a jazz guitarist, but also as an educator of extraordinary influence on a generation of young musicians.

Petersen’s professional performance associations include Billy Taylor, Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Dave Brubeck, Herb Ellis, Stan Kenton, Rufus Reid, Milt Hinton, Buddy DeFranco, Clark Terry, Nancy Wilson, Lou Marini, Randy Brecker, Doc Severinsen, Henry Mancini, Ellis Marsalis, Michel Legrand and many more. He can be found playing regularly in Prescott at 129-1/2 An American Jazz Grille, a jazz bar-restaurant. He also continues to play with the Mike Vax Big Band, which features alumni of the Kenton orchestra.

Petersen will be playing a number of tunes made popular by another great guitarist, Les Paul, whose musical association with folk singer (and his wife of many years) Mary Ford made him an American icon in the early ’50s with a string of multi-million record-selling hits including “How High the Moon.” But there was another dimension to Les Paul that made him legendary. In addition to his jazz chops and unique guitar licks, Les Paul was a revolutionary inventor: He invented the solid body guitar, which literally defined the sound of rock and roll; and he invented an array of recording techniques that are essential tools of the recording industry, including overdubbing, multi-tracking and a variety of sound-delay effects.

Petersen will be joined by the rhythm section of fellow guitarist Stan Sorensen, bassist Ted Sistrunk and drummer Cleve Huff for an extraordinary afternoon of music. That’s 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17, at Kazimierz World Wine Bar: a casual venue with great food, wine and beverages. Kaz is located at 7137 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale. Admission to the public is $10 (FREE if you join Jazz in AZ at the party). JiA member rates apply.

Official Website: http://jazzinaz.org/index.php?option=com_gigcal&task=details&gigcal_gigs_id=415&Itemid=37