Party: Larry Carlton

Party: Larry Carlton

"The work of his hands speaks grace, passion and timeless knowledge. Listen, learn and be profoundly moved" - Sting

Larry Carlton's musical story began in California. He picked up his first guitar when he was six years old. He was introduced to jazz in school after hearing The Gerald Wilson Big Band album, Moment of Truth, with guitarist Joe Pass. He then became interested in Barney Kessel, Wes Montgornery and B.B. King. Saxophonist John Coltrane was also a major influence, beginning with Coltrane's 1962 classic Ballads.

Calls began to increase significantly as Carlton gained distinction for the unmistakable and often imitated "sweet" sound he delivered with his Gibson ES-335. He broke new ground with his new trademark volume pedal technique, eloquently displayed in his featured performance with legendary jazz/rock group The Crusaders. Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark album, the first record she made with a rhythm section, displays his distinctive Technique – a style Mitchell referred to as "fly fishing."

During his tenure with The Crusaders, Carlton performed on 13 albums. His demand as a session player was now at its zenith, performing with Sammy Davis, Jr., Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, Jerry Garcia, Dolly Parton, Steely Dan, Bobby Bland. He later produced and arranged for Barbra Streisand, Joan Baez and Larry Gatlin, as well and the acclaimed movie soundtrack for Against All Odds.

With more than 3000 studio sessions under his belt by the early 1980s, Carlton had picked up four Grammy nominations. He won a Grammy for the theme to Hill Street Blues (a collaboration with Mike Post). His 1995 collaboration with guitar great Lee Ritenour, garnered him his eighth Grammy nomination.

Invited: Steve Roberts, Viv Lock, Huw Roberts, Ray Lake, David Paul Reed, Jane Thomas