D_dup3 Posted November 23, 2002 Share Posted November 23, 2002 What massively innovative & influential 20th century guitarist achieved tremendous fame only to die at the age of 29? If you guessed either Jimi Hendrix or Charlie Christian, you're right (sort of)---but here we're discussing Eddie Lang! (WHO? ) Few, if any, of you will recognize that name but in the first half of this century he was the guitarist. Born in 1902 & dead by 1931 (or b.1904/d.1933---accounts disagree), Lang came blowing out of Philadelphia into NYC in 1924 to become the premier guitarist on radio & in studios, appearing on countless recordings by others; as a solo artist (under his own name & as "Blind Willie Dunn") & in duets with other guitarists, most notably Lonnie Johnson. You can find his work on records by Bix Beiderbecke, the Dorsey Bros. & Louis Armstrong (&, uncredited, many others) & also those of the influential band he lead with Joe Venuti (presaging the work of Django Reinhardt & Stephan Grappelli by a decade). His fleet-fingered, fluid lines & deft chordal accompaniment in blues, pop & jazz styles brought the guitar out of the background role it generally lead in bands (a credit which is often given to Christian) & made him the first popular music guitar idol. If you haven't heard him, it's worth your while to do so. His style(s) may seem out-dated...but try copping his licks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlChuck Posted November 24, 2002 Share Posted November 24, 2002 Many of us who know anything about jazz and guitar specifically will certainly recognize Mr. Lang's name. Charlie Christian did not die at 29, by the way, he was 23. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_dup3 Posted November 26, 2002 Author Share Posted November 26, 2002 Thanks for the correction! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myles_rose Posted November 26, 2002 Share Posted November 26, 2002 Originally posted by d: What massively innovative & influential 20th century guitarist achieved tremendous fame only to die at the age of 29? If you guessed either Jimi Hendrix or Charlie Christian, you're right (sort of)---but here we're discussing Eddie Lang! (WHO? ) Few, if any, of you will recognize that name but in the first half of this century he was the guitarist. Born in 1902 & dead by 1931 (or b.1904/d.1933---accounts disagree), Lang came blowing out of Philadelphia into NYC in 1924 to become the premier guitarist on radio & in studios, appearing on countless recordings by others; as a solo artist (under his own name & as "Blind Willie Dunn") & in duets with other guitarists, most notably Lonnie Johnson. You can find his work on records by Bix Beiderbecke, the Dorsey Bros. & Louis Armstrong (&, uncredited, many others) & also those of the influential band he lead with Joe Venuti (presaging the work of Django Reinhardt & Stephan Grappelli by a decade). His fleet-fingered, fluid lines & deft chordal accompaniment in blues, pop & jazz styles brought the guitar out of the background role it generally lead in bands (a credit which is often given to Christian) & made him the first popular music guitar idol. If you haven't heard him, it's worth your while to do so. His style(s) may seem out-dated...but try copping his licks!The best and most versitile guitarist I have heard that is alive today is a fellow named Jeff Lund. He works at Norm's Rare Guitars in Tarzana Califonia. Myles S. Rose www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com www.la-economy.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/mylesr www.twitter.com/myles111us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wow Posted November 26, 2002 Share Posted November 26, 2002 Jimi Hendrix and the band of gypsys. I still cant get past that album. Every time I listen to it something new pops out at me. What a cross up of rock/blues/funk . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the people of Earth Posted November 26, 2002 Share Posted November 26, 2002 Yeah, CM, we've never heard of him... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitefang Posted November 26, 2002 Share Posted November 26, 2002 I know of Mr. Lang by reputation only. I still need to hunt down some music by him and give a listen. I also think Charlie Christian was given credit mostly for his use of ELECTRIC guitar in bands, not being the first to stand out and play leads. So, you're right, d. Eddie Lang could very well be the best guitarist I NEVER heard! Whitefang I started out with NOTHING...and I still have most of it left! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jotown Posted November 26, 2002 Share Posted November 26, 2002 Prop's to Mr. Lang. There is a cat here in Detroit by the name of Al Aube, who IMHO is one of the best guitarist I have ever seen. I am sure there is a cat like him in every state, but he is surely a monster that not many people know about. Jotown:) "It's all good: Except when it's Great" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlh Posted November 26, 2002 Share Posted November 26, 2002 A big jazz fan I used to work for years ago gave me a Lonnie Johnson & Eddie Lang duet tape and it is wonderful. I grin everytime I listen to it. I don't really know their individual styles so I can't tell who is playing what part, but those guys really blow. Jamie But never fear, you're safe with me... Well maybe. - Les Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strat0124 Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Jay Rakes here in Virginia Beach. He's like Eric Johnson, Johnny Winter, and Steve Morse all in one. He teaches guitar at Alpha Music. Down like a dollar comin up against a yen, doin pretty good for the shape I'm in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahadeva Posted December 6, 2002 Share Posted December 6, 2002 I would say that Randy Rhoads was far better then Jimi Hendrix or that other guy you mentioned that I have never heard of.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strat0124 Posted December 6, 2002 Share Posted December 6, 2002 Originally posted by Mahadeva: I would say that Randy Rhoads was far better then Jimi Hendrix or that other guy you mentioned that I have never heard of..To me thats a stretch, but to each his own. Hendrix when he was playing R&B or blues walks all over RR. Its more than playing 64ths... Down like a dollar comin up against a yen, doin pretty good for the shape I'm in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_dup3 Posted December 6, 2002 Author Share Posted December 6, 2002 Originally posted by Mahadeva: I would say that Randy Rhoads was far better then Jimi Hendrix or that other guy you mentioned that I have never heard of..Hmmm, that's an interesting approach to learning you have there, Mahadimwatt---you already know that what's in your limited awareness is better than what you've never heard! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henrysb3 Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 Would that we had quality recordings of some of these past masters. I think I'll dig out my Roy Buchanan records. Roy and the Mahavishnu Orchestra with John McLaughlin would always prompt a "Who the hell was that?" from friends in the seventies. He not busy being born Is busy dyin'. ...Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boggs Posted December 9, 2002 Share Posted December 9, 2002 Phil Keaggy... You see him in a solo concert right there in front of you and you still don't believe what you are seeing or hearing... Also, pick any style and he is a master of it. Just think of what he could do if he had all 10 fingers!! The guy is just not right... OOPS! That's the best guitarist I EVER sal... I missed the "n" in never... Sorry 'bout that. Probably the best guitarist I NEVER saw would be Ralph Towner... Boggs Check out my Rock Beach Guitars page showing guitars I have built and repaired... http://www.rockbeachguitars.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geetar Posted December 9, 2002 Share Posted December 9, 2002 Buddy Whittington in John Mayall's band...big guy, huge tone. I don't normally go for blues players, but you have to check this fella out live. J. Eliot Howe (Chief Gear-Pimp) Guitaravenue L.L.C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Ryan Posted December 9, 2002 Share Posted December 9, 2002 I'm so low way down bottem deep of playing guitar....everyone is the greatest...one good thing about being a beginner is I gots no responsiblity to be good...yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Downchild Posted December 10, 2002 Share Posted December 10, 2002 I'll second both Lonnie Johnson and Eddie Lang. Those duets of theirs are some of the most tasty rhytms and licks you'll ever hear. I'll also add Earl Hooker- one of the most versatile blues guitarists that ever played. Jesse Ed Davis- Tasteful, yet he burned. Grant Green- Deep shades of blue. Scrapper Blackwell- Jazzy licks played on a National guitar. Tampa Red- Slide wizard. Ry Cooder was here. Blind Willie Johnson- Ditto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guittarzzan Posted December 10, 2002 Share Posted December 10, 2002 The best guitarist? Hmmmm well there are so many greats in so many different styles. I seriously doubt that a lot of the greats could do what some of the other greats do. Eddie VH turned rock upside down and is/was amazing, but technically her could never do what Yngwie Malmsteen could. In all Yngwie's speed and glory, he could never play one solo with half the originality or sweet phrasing of EVH. Paul Gilbert, a master shredder, wouldn't do the blues thing with the raw feel of SRV. ...and SRV sure as hell couldn't do what Paul Gilbert can. Everyone has their forte and very few are great players on all levels in all styles. That's why there is no greatest; just a lot of awesome players. Damn those guys, I gotta go work on my scales now cya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarPlayerFL Posted December 10, 2002 Share Posted December 10, 2002 Although I appreciate several players from different styles, nobody impresses me more than my former teacher, Robert Conti. www.robertconti.com Carl A Jazz/Chord Melody Master-my former instructor www.robertconti.com (FKA GuitarPlayerSoCal) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space_Ace113 Posted December 15, 2002 Share Posted December 15, 2002 Ace Frehley Hands Down!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_dup3 Posted December 17, 2002 Author Share Posted December 17, 2002 Do you mean Ace Frehley with his hands down? That I might agree with... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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