Celebrating Charlie Christian

Chuck Redd – Vibes
Craig Gildner – Guitar
Amy Shook – Bass
Scott Silbert – Clarinet

Charlie Christian (1916-1942) was the founding father, primary architect and first major soloist of the modern jazz guitar style. With Christian, the electric guitar became a distinct solo voice; equivalent to a saxophone, trumpet or clarinet, and capable of the same levels of expressiveness and intensity. His pioneering efforts with the electric guitar resulted in a liberating of the instrument, in jazz specifically and in music generally. Following Christian’s initial appearance and short career, a school of stylistic disciples emerged and spread his influence far and wide. Christian’s legacy today is larger and more pervasive than ever, and his contributions more profound and revered. His music is embedded in the very core of all guitarlore influencing blues, rock, country and popular electric guitarists for decades to follow.