Who is the best\your favorite chord melody/solo jazz guitar player ever and why?

**tbeltrans** · 10-20-2024, 03:05 PM

I would like to throw Robert Conti into this discussion. He sent me a CD some years ago that he had made from a 1970s album he recorded of all solo chord melody treatments of standards. I can't post any of it since I don't have his permission and unfortunately, I have not found any of his chord melody work on youtube. Clearly, once you hear him in his element, you realize that the block chord style he teaches in his books is his way of getting you started quickly and there is much that can be built on that. Remember that his focus in teaching is to get to playnig tunes as quickly as possible. This isn't a shortcut (there is no such thing), but playing tunes and learning everything you choose to learn based on its being readily applicable to use in your playing is what he is all abut as a teacher.

Regarding all the names posted so far, I enjoy all of them. I especially enjoy Earl Klugh's solo albums and the last two releases from Joe Pass on nylon string guitar.

Tony

**jumpnblues** · 10-22-2024, 08:36 PM

Barney Kessel with Wes a very close second. Then there's Joe Pass and perhaps a few hundred more that will never get the recognition they deserve.

**pingu** · 10-22-2024, 09:44 PM

Johnathan Kreisberg is pretty
incredible ….

Bickert of course , yes , sublime

**Kirk Garrett** · 10-22-2024, 10:40 PM

Barney Kessel in the “jazz guitar” sense.

And Bill Frisell in the broadest musical sense. I feel music is the whole point with him, and he just happens to be using a guitar.

**Stringswinger** · 10-27-2024, 02:16 PM

Joe Pass

When it comes to solo jazz guitar, Joe gave me a lantern and showed me the path. I may never catch up to where Joe got, but I am enjoying the journey!

**jazznylon** · 10-27-2024, 02:34 PM

Luiz Bonfa. Just from this recording alone

**Boss Man Zwiebelsohn** · 10-27-2024, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by jazznylon

Luiz Bonfa. Just from this recording alone

Wow! There is life beyond Rubato-land ...

**mr. beaumont** · 10-27-2024, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by jazznylon

Luiz Bonfa. Just from this recording alone

I bought this record when I was in college, and 20 seconds into the opening track I was searching thru the liner notes to find out who the "other guitar player" was.

**wolflen** · 10-27-2024, 07:47 PM

ahh..and a real monster player..sometime using TWO guitars

His knowledge of harmony and melody is wonderful to listen to. His approach and technique are not something to be copied..at least I have not seen anyone
else doing this stuff.

Stanley Jordan

**charlieparker** · 10-28-2024, 10:52 AM

Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery and Tal Farlow.

To expand on this, I like Kenny's chordal work better than his single note stuff. For my money he has some gorgeous lush voices with tasty runs intermingled.

I've only heard a few tracks of Wes playing solo bit they have all been amazing. His tone can't be beat, IMO.

Lastly, I'd say that Tal's solo work feels similar to Pass' but he beats him in terms of tone and playfulness. I can only listen to small doses of Joe at a time because he tends to be so busy.