Latest articles by Jim Campilongo
What Charlie Christian did with his reasonably sized toolbox was incredible. Here's what I learned
Jazz guitarist Jim Campilongo reflects on Christian's groundbreaking guitar work on the 1987 compilation 'Charlie Christian – The Genius of the Electric Guitar'
He was one of jazz guitar’s greatest tutors, but on Wildest Guitar, Mickey Baker’s playing is unhinged in the best possible way
When it came to guitar instrumentals, no-one served them hotter than Mickey Baker
Vinyl Treasures: Steel Guitar Favorites shows Jerry Byrd at the very top of his game
On this outstanding album, Byrd packs in every steel-guitar treat one could hope for, including tone sweeps that convincingly replicate the human voice
Betty Davis's self-titled debut album is essential funk guitar listening
This oft-overlooked, and recently-reissued, album sprang from the early '70s Bay Area music scene, which featured some of the best funk ever played by human hands
“Link Wray does it all, but his style also reminds us how captivating a few well-chosen riffs can be when combined with compelling tone, passion, and musicality”: Link Wray's Rumble (1956–62) is an essential document of ‘less is more’ guitar playing
A spin of this fantastic compilation will make you fall in love with the guitar all over again
"Wondrous… unique… exquisite": The seven-string guitars and smooth "lap-piano" style of forgotten jazz and swing guitarist George Van Eps
On his 1966 album, My Guitar, George Van Eps makes the best case ever for playing with seven strings
"I’ve taught Travis picking at least 500 times but whenever I’ve asked a student, 'Do you know who Merle Travis is?' I’ve never heard, 'Yes!'" A deep dive into Walkin’ the Strings, an album whose influence is everywhere in our guitar lives
As well as writing popular standards like “Sixteen Tons”, Merle Travis was idolised by peers like Scotty Moore and the Everly Brothers. Walkin’ the Strings is a flashy, intimate and soulful masterclass of his stunning playing at its peak
Pushing Telecaster playing to innovative new heights, Roy Buchanan’s Second Album is a guitar masterclass as groundbreaking and timeless as its predecessor
With haunting songs about Jesus, solos that erupt like volcanoes plus his trademark chicken picking, shredding and right-hand pyrotechnics, here’s why you should take a deep dive into Roy Buchanan’s Second Album
From sparkling duets with Joe Pass to sweat-soaked virtuoso TV guest spots, his playing was a wonder — here’s why you should take a deep dive into The Roy Clark Guitar Spectacular!
With elegance, speed, humour and soul, Roy Clark showed he was far more than a “gun for hire” on this toe-tapping, fun-packed 1960’s tour de force
From playing fiddle on street corners during the Great Depression to becoming one of the biggest Telecaster heroes of the 20th century – here's why you should immerse yourself in Jimmy Bryant's Country Cabin Blues…
Jimmy and pedal-steel supremo Speedy West (aka “the country jazz John and Paul”) have a swingin’ good time on this fun 1960's shredfest which belies his difficult reputation
He played on over 2000 country records, was friends with Leo Fender and played a small role in the development of the Tele – but here's why you should really listen to the Noel Boggs Quintet's Magic Steel Guitar
It's not a masterpiece. It didn't change the world. But Magic Steel Guitar should be listened to by anyone who loves country, jazz, and steel guitar
Here’s Why Fleetwood Mac's 1969 Album 'Then Play On' is One of the Greatest Blues-Rock Records Ever Made
The group’s third studio LP is hard evidence of Fleetwood Mac’s growth from an excellent blues band to a blues-based act that defied description
Featuring Unhinged Electric Guitar Work and a Contradictory Shredding Non-Solo, Here Why You Need to Listen to Julian Priester Pepo Mtoto’s ‘Love, Love’
This 1970s ECM classic defines a moment with deeply spiritual power
Looking to Expand Your Musical Diet? Alexandre Lagoya’s Captivating ‘The Spanish Guitar’ Is Just What the Doctor Ordered
Devastated by his partner Ida Presti’s death, Alexandre Lagoya reclaimed his life and artistry on his own with this stunning display of beauty, technical prowess and humanity
He Billed Himself as the “Paganini of the Guitar” While John Williams Called Him the “Greatest Guitarist/Composer of Any Time”: Here’s How Agustín Barrios Became a Guitar Legend
The Paraguayan sensation was a recording pioneer and remains one of the 20th century’s greatest guitar virtuosos and composers
Wild, Urgent and Vital: Here’s Why MC5’s ‘Kick out the Jams’ Stands as a Precursor to Punk and Defines Timeless Rock Music
If rock music is a combination of bravado and lust, MC5 left pretty much everyone in the dust
“Every Track on the Record Is a Must-Hear”: Jim Campilongo Says ‘Django Reinhardt et Stephane Grappelli’ Changed His Life
"That said, one can’t go wrong with almost any Django selection," explains the Telecaster master
Starring Jazz Guru Bill Frisell, Here's Why Paul Motian’s ‘On Broadway Vol. 1’ Is Essential Listening for Every Guitar Player
Bill Frisell’s innovative lines and chord voicings flow majestically on this masterful jazz recording
Here's Why José Feliciano Is a Musical Melting Pot as Well as an Amazing American Story
A true “American” artist he filtered pop through Spanish Harlem roots on his 1968 debut
“Almost More Expressive Than the Human Voice”: Jim Campilongo Waxes Lyrical About One of His All-Time Favorite Jazz Discs
Ben Webster’s 'Warm Moods' LP is a searing lesson in melody and skillful phrasing
“It’s Kind of a Crazy Sound”: Watch Eddie Peabody Demo the Obscure Electric Banjoline on ‘The Lawrence Welk Show’ in 1962
Video Eventually put into production by Rickenbacker in 1968, this niche electric six-string was invented by the Banjo King
On ‘The Memphis Sounds,’ Lonnie Mack Shreds and Displays a Virtuosity That Could Humble Blues Breaker-Era Eric Clapton
His Gibson Flying V played through a Magnatone 460 amplifier sounds truly iconic
Every Guitar Player Can Learn Something From Listening to Les Paul and Mary Ford’s ‘Bye Bye Blues!’
Featuring great melodies, bends, trills, slides and raking, the electric guitar innovator always puts the listener first on this ‘50s gem
