Larry Carlton, Instrumental, Classic and Smooth jazz Artist

Born in Torrance, California, USA

Genre: Smooth Jazz, jazz

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

In 1968 he recorded his first LP, With A Little Help From My Friends (Uni).  The enthusiastic industry response garnered him a place among jingle singers The Going Thing, recording on camera and radio commercials for Ford.  Mid-season in his second year, he segued to Musical Director for Mrs. Alphabet, an Emmy-nominated children’s show on the same network.  It was here that Carlton showcased his acting skills, performing as the show’s co-star, “Larry Guitar.”

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 also broke new ground with his new trademark volume pedal technique, eloquently displayed in his featured performance on ­Crusader One with legendary jazz/rock group The Crusaders in 1971.  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.”

Biographical information courtesy of Larry Carlton; for more information see link below

http://larrycarlton.com/?page_id=19