Originally released in 1977 on PMP Records and now available on CD for the first time ever! Digitally remastered for compact disc from the original analog master tapes by John Strother at Penguin Recording in Los Angeles, ... more »California and supervised by Ted Greene himself. Includes the original album cover artwork and liner notes from both pressings of the original LP release. Ted is also the author of several excellent books on the subject of guitar chords, "Chord Chemistry", and chord progressions, "Modern Chord Progressions", as well as Jazz guitar soloing, "Jazz Guitar Single Note Soloing, Volume 1 & 2". This is the only recording Ted Greene has ever released as a leader; a true solo guitar masterpiece in every sense of the word. Many people all over the world have been anxiously awaiting the CD reissue of Ted's "Solo Guitar" album. Art of Life Records is proud to make this long out-of-print recording available to the world once again.« less
Originally released in 1977 on PMP Records and now available on CD for the first time ever! Digitally remastered for compact disc from the original analog master tapes by John Strother at Penguin Recording in Los Angeles, California and supervised by Ted Greene himself. Includes the original album cover artwork and liner notes from both pressings of the original LP release. Ted is also the author of several excellent books on the subject of guitar chords, "Chord Chemistry", and chord progressions, "Modern Chord Progressions", as well as Jazz guitar soloing, "Jazz Guitar Single Note Soloing, Volume 1 & 2". This is the only recording Ted Greene has ever released as a leader; a true solo guitar masterpiece in every sense of the word. Many people all over the world have been anxiously awaiting the CD reissue of Ted's "Solo Guitar" album. Art of Life Records is proud to make this long out-of-print recording available to the world once again.
CD Reviews
Simply put, a classic of jazz guitar
Glen Murley | Sagamore Beach, MA United States | 12/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been playing guitar for over 20 years. I love Wes Montgomery, Ed Bickert, John Scofield, Jim Hall, Bill frisell, Grant Green, and many others. But you now have an idea of my tatse.
Having said this it wasn't until last year that my brother turned me on to this CD. My first thought was, "if he was that great I would have already owned this CD years ago." But on my brother's word I picked this CD up. My first impression? "Amazing!"
This entire CD runs less than 40 minutes. But it's definately a case of quality over quantity. From the first song to the last there is not a single dud. Every song is amazingly arranged with heartfelt passion and precision. Easily one of my top 10 desert island discs. And from me that's saying a lot.
Ted's style is very similar to Lenny Breau. Finger picks everything. Each track sounds as though there are two tracks playing at once. But it's simply a very talented individual pouring his heart out for you.
If you read about Ted's life (he's no longer with us) you'll find he was a very humble man. He was a student of music (all forms) and also one of the most respected teachers in the art. For Ted, teaching others was more important than his own recording success. As a result, this is sadly his only commercial recording.
The album was recorded with Ted playing with two mics, one in front of his amp and one in front of a rotating Leslie. This gives his sound an etheral chorus effect.
If you're looking for a jazz CD don't let the pop titles of a few of these tracks fool you. They are all given a warm treatment. Give the samples a listen and you'll see what I mean.
If you're on the fence about purchasing this CD, just dive right in. You will not regret it. The music is very accesible regardless of your tastes and musical background. It's not a coincidence that this CD's reviews are all 5 stars.
Enjoy!"
A full spectrum of emotion and harmonic vision is expressed.
snowbound | Florida | 02/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ted Greene's legendary "Solo Guitar" album, first released on LP in 1977, has been an inspiration to fingerstyle Jazz guitarists for over a quarter century. By the recent release of this album on compact disc, Art of Life Records has added to its already impressive catalog of Jazz guitar music. The nine songs on the album are all perfectly realized gems of tasteful and inspired Jazz guitar playing, so beautiful and fresh sounding even after all these years. There's a feeling of perfect proportion, characteristic of much great art and music. A full spectrum of emotion and harmonic vision is expressed, in a very inviting and rewarding manner.
Josh Gordon - Just Jazz Guitar Magazine
"
Ted Greene has the deepest ears that music can flow through.
Jazz Fan in PA | USA | 02/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ted Greene has the deepest ears that music can flow through. He is totally in touch with the potential of harmonic constructions. On this record he defies the technical physics of Jazz melody chord voicings but creates an organic and inspired listening delight. A must for anyone who puts their fingers on an instrument with strings.
Steve Vai - Guitarist
"
GREENE IS TIMELESS
M.C.C. pROG. | NYC | 09/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ted was a supreme artist who remains unmatched to this day in his skills as a technician.After you hear Ted play those flawless runs and chord flourishes you will be floored.Ted plays all the instruments on this album and that in itself shouldn't be too surprising since many musicians have taken up the role of multi-instrumentalist over the years...till you find out that there is only one instrument being played on this album!Just guitar folks,just guitar(in the immortal word's of Porky Pig,"thats all folks!").Jazz organ,harp,strings,all emulated effortlessly by the magic fingers of Ted Greene.You owe it to yourself to buy this album especially in light of his recent passing.But above all to own a piece of what is sure to become jazz history."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1