This week we are featuring New York Guitarist Lou Mecca. Lou has been a jazz guitarist since the late 40's, so I guess that qualifies him to be an 'elder statesman' of the jazz guitar. He was very active during his younger days, but stopped playing professionally for 25 years. In his 'retirement' years, he has resumed doing gigs and recording once again, and has released a wonderful CD called "Bridging the Gap".

I can relate well to Lou, as I had a 12 year hiatus myself. If anything, I have learned you are never to old to learn new things, and it's never too late to follow your dream. That's why I thought it important to do a column on Lou Mecca. Besides, George Benson calls him one of the 'heavys' and that's good enough for me!

His new CD is available on CD Baby. There are some sound clips posted there also. I especially liked 'The Days of Wine and Roses' however all the other clips sound great too.

Online Bio

Lou Mecca has been termed the "Jazz Guitarist with the Classical Sensitivity"...

Selected by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as outstanding Jazz Guitarist. Voted a "NEW STAR" in the Guitar Category in the Downbeat critics Poll.

Recognized by Leonard Feather as a brilliant new guitarist heard on Blue Note Records. Illustrated in the "Encyclopedia Yearbook of Jazz" and "History of Jazz" written by Leonard Feather, and also illustrated in "The Jazz Guitar Book", in the third and fourth editions, by Maurice J. Summerfield, UK.

Performed at the 1st "Newport Jazz Festival" with the Gil Melle Quartet, and at Town Hall, N.Y.C., also performed at Gullivers, Trumpets and the Cafe D'Angelico, and various Jazz Clubs in N.J., N.Y., Canada, FL, PA, RI, and throughout the country.

Worked with such outstanding artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Evans, Teddy Charles, Eddie Costa, Al Cohn, Chris Conners, Archie Blyer's Orchestra, accompanist for Julius La Rosa, Stan Purdy, accompanist for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown Show", performed with the Ron Metcalf Orchestra, at the Worlds Fair in N.Y., Vincent Lopez Orchestra, John Lewis, Maxzine Sullivan, Rex Stewart, Vinnie Burke, Gary Mazzaroppi, Jack Six, Al Caiola and many other great musicians and singers.

Lou is a contributing consultant to "Just Jazz Guitar" Magazine. He also has a Guitar Book called "Exploring the Guitar Fingerboard" by: Lou Mecca. Lou lays down the foundation of the many facets of the guitar, and he presents important guitar categories in a logical sequence. Also, Lou's newest release is out and called "THE LOU MECCA TRIO - Bridging the Gap".

Lou can be found playing at various venues in N.J. and N.Y. area, he performs with a duo, trio, quartet and sometimes a quintet.

Lou's website: http://www.zyworld.com/LouMecca

Sound Clips: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mecca

Doc Dosco is a jazz guitarist, composer and audio consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. His website is located at http://www.docdosco.com, where you can find more information on the 'What's Hot in Jazz Guitar' columns, audio clips of Doc's playing, and many additional features. Doc endorses Heritage Guitars and also endorses the new Pignose Valve Tube Amps -- great for jazz (and anything else!)