This week we feature the very fine Canadian born jazz guitarist Peter Leitch.

Online Bio (Jazz Canadiana)

Guitarist Peter Leitch is self-taught, although some studies for classical guitar were a part of his early introduction to the instrument. Born in Ottawa in 1944 but raised in Montreal he started playing at the early age of 16. "Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall and Rene Thomas were my favourite four guitarists back then", Peter remembers. Belgium's Thomas lived in Montreal from 1956 to 1961, and came back to visit a few times after that. "Rene was the first jazz guitarist I ever heard" says Peter.

In Montreal he worked in local clubs and recorded with Sadik Hakim on the CBC label. When he later moved to Toronto he joined the Phil Nimmons band 'Nimmons and Nine plus Six', did some television appearances with this band and with Rob McConnell's Boss Brass and Peter Appleyard.

During the next five years Peter had a variety of gigs that helped strengthen his ability and technique - Kenny Wheeler, Red Norvo, Clark Terry, Pat LaBarbera, Jim Galloway, Sam Noto and others too numerous to mention. In 1982 he felt the urge to move to New York and continue his studies. Along with the lessons he was able to play with other musicians - Milt Jackson, Pepper Adams, Jaki Byard, Al Grey, Jimmy Forrest and Woody Shaw, and finally decided to make New York his home base.

Since the mid 1980's Peter has been busy teaching, recording for Criss Cross, Concord and Reservoir as a leader and playing in the U.S., Europe and Canada.

Peter Leitch's website

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 with Jazz Guitar' columns, audio clips of Doc's playing, and many additional features. Doc endorses Heritage Guitars and is a featured artist on their website. He also endorses the new Pignose Valve Tube Amps -- great for jazz (and anything else!)