This week we once again feature California jazz guitarist Bruce Forman.

Online Bio

Bruce Forman's guitar style has been an important part of the international jazz scene for more than two decades. He has been featured as leader as well as sideman at most of the prestigious festivals and concert venues throughout the world. His numerous recording and performing credits include the likes of Bobby Hutcherson, Ray Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Henderson, Barney Kessel, and others. Known for bop-style phrasing and inventive harmonizations, his ability to work in a variety of settings keeps him in constant demand.

His devotion to sharing his knowledge-particularly with children-has been a constant throughout his career. Having taught since his late teens, he is keenly aware of the needs of developing musicians and is personally connected to all of his students, many of whom have moved on to successful careers as recording and performing artists. He has served as 'artist in residence' at numerous music workshops worldwide, has conducted seminars in conservatories and universities across four continents, is a Resource Team member for the IAJE and a longstanding member of the Monterey Jazz Festival Education Program.

In January 2000, he founded JazzMasters Workshop, a music-mentoring program that is free to student-age musicians. Beginning in 2001, JazzMasters achieved non-profit 501(c)(3) status and has operated more than 600 workshops in venues throughout California, including an entry-level performance program at The Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County for at-risk children. In 2002, JazzMasters expanded to the East Coast, with an after-school program at Clara H. Carlson School in N.Y. Through JazzMasters Workshops' auspices, many of the world's greatest touring and recording artists have had the opportunity to inspire and interact with the upcoming generation. In June 2003, the Jazz Journalist's Association recognized this work by bestowing an award for "Service To and Beyond Jazz."

Bruce Forman's music publications exemplify his passion for music and educating. The Jazz Guitarists Handbook, (GSP Publications), is a critically acclaimed method book that clarifies the concepts of jazz from a performance-based point of view. Jazz Band Guitar, (Mel Bay Publications), is a no-nonsense approach to the big band for guitarists of all levels. His video, Jazz Guitar Soloing, (GSP), encompasses the important musical aspects that make up an expressive and swinging solo.

In April 2003, his first published fiction novel, Trust Me, was released by Lost Coast Press. The story is a Faustian frolic, a guitarist's personal odyssey through jazz, mysticism, and human folly. It has received rave reviews for its portrayal of playing music and the jazz life.

He has thirteen recordings as leader, the most recent being a self-produced issue entitled Dedication, Bootleg Vol. I, (re-released by BluJazz Records, September 2003) a selection of compositions and arrangements that reveal his personal acknowledgement of many of the musicians and experiences that shaped his music. Among his numerous recordings as sideman, Bruce was prominently featured on Ray Brown's Some of my best fiends are Guitarists CD, released in 2002.

September 2003 commemorated his 21st year at the Monterey Jazz Festival-where he was honored for his contribution to jazz guitar-with a trio performance with special guest Sherman Irby, and as a featured member of an all-star tribute to the late Bill Berry.

Bruce Forman's website: http://bruceforman.com

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!)