12.07. – Happy Birthday !!! Grammy nominated guitarist, composer, and producer, Chuck Loeb has had a musical career that spans over four decades, and he is proud to be known as a “renaissance man” in the music world. He is a #1 jazz recording artist; composer of over 250 published songs, network television show themes and scores; a producer of over thirty world-renowned recording artists; as well as an in-demand clinician and educator.
With the 2013 release of “Silhouette”, his eighteenth solo CD, Loeb has attained the much sought after position as one of the most in demand artists in the world, as well as one with his own recognizable sound. He is also a member one of the world’s premier jazz groups Fourplay, and the ground breaking fusion band Metro. He hails from Nyack, NY and studied guitar, composition and arranging at The Berklee College of Music.
Sound has been a central focus in Loeb’s musical journey, intensified greatly by the influence of Stan Getz, who gave Loeb one of his first big breaks in the world of music. He joined the Getz band in 1979 and toured and recorded with the jazz legend for the next several years. In 1984 Chuck joined the all-star group Steps Ahead featuring Michael Brecker, who Chuck considers his greatest musical inspiration. After nearly twenty years as a seasoned studio musician with thousands of sessions under his belt, ranging from jazz, to pop, to rock & roll, to Broadway, classical and even folk music, Loeb firmly believes in the inclusion of all areas of music in the working knowledge and practice of the twenty-first century musician. This concept is central to his educational work as a clinician, and in his work with his “String Training” seminars & forthcoming video series. In a NY Times, feature article he was dubbed “The Clark Kent of jazz guitar” for his understated style and subtle prowess.
Over the four decades in his illustrious career, Loeb has played and toured with a long list of jazz, pop, rock, and classical greats: Hubert Laws, Chico Hamilton, Freddie Hubbard, Ray Barretto, Gary Burton, Wayne Shorter and the aforementioned Stan Getz among many others.
He has also written music for, performed on albums by, and produced recordings for Bob James, Michael Franks, Carly Simon, Dave Grusin, Bob Dylan, Art Garfunkel, Johnny Mathis, Wallace Rooney, Ivan Lins, Gato Barbieri, Thomas Quasthoff, Richard Stoltzman, Steps Ahead, Spyro Gyra, Keiko Matsui, Eric Marienthal, Anita Baker, Astrud Gilberto, Jon Lucien, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, Brian Culbertson, David Benoit, Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp, George Garzone, Kim Waters, Walter Beasley, Randy Brecker, Warren Bernhardt, Jennifer Hudson, Bill Evans, Jim Hall, Chet Baker, Grover Washington, Jr. Sergio Salvatore, Eddie Daniels, Earl Klugh, Special EFX, Michel Camilo, Nelson Rangell, and the list goes on…. (for a complete discography see www.chuckloeb.com/discography)
“Silhouette” – Loeb’s latest recording features an all-star lineup with legendary musicians Nathan East, Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, Will Lee, Eric Marienthal, Mitchel Forman, Wolfgang Haffner, Andy Snitzer, Pat Bianchi, David Mann, and David Charles, as well as introducing some fresh new talent with Oli Rockberger and Giulio Carmassi.
It features eight new exciting original compositions, ranging from the smokey Wes Montgomery inspired title song, to the lithe and airy “Appreciation”, to the driving “Silver Lining” & “Lockdown”.”JT” is a tribute to James Taylor, one of Chuck’s all time favorite artists.”Stompin” is a visit with Chuck’s “Plain ‘n’ Simple” organ band, and swings like crazy through and through.
As always Chuck’s family is featured, with a beautiful rendition of the classic Bolero “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” sung by his wife Carmen Cuesta, a duet of the classic “My One And Only Love” with daughter Lizzy Loeb, and a haunting original co- penned with daughter Christina Loeb “Las Eras” featured on Ukelele, inspired by their summers in Northern Spain. The title “Silhouette” (…the shape and outline of someone or something visible against a light background) is meant to evoke the idea that Chuck’s musical life has been shaped and outlined by the light of his experiences, relationships, and influences throughout his career, and a nod of appreciation to the music and musicians that got him where he is today. Enjoy this latest offering of vintage Loeb and look out for tour dates world-wide on his web site, Facebook & Twitter.
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