Lenny Breau: Biography

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• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

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• Joe Pass
• Pat Martino
• Sonny Greenwich
• Jim Hall

• Tal Farlow
• Chet Atkins
• Bill Evans

• Bruce Mathiske
• Garrison Fewell

• Philip DeGruy

• Victor Young
• Ned Washington
• Cole Porter
• Lorenz Hart

Born:

Aug 5, 1941 in Auburn, ME

Died:

Aug 12, 1984 in Los Angeles, CA

Genres:

Jazz Music, Bop Jazz Music

Decades Active:

1950's|1960's|1970's|1980's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Medium

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

An outstanding jazz improviser who performed on both acoustic and electric guitars, Lenny Breau's right hand drew on classical, flamenco, and country (Travis/Atkins) finger-picking techniques. He was among the first guitarists to digest the impressionistic, post-bop chord voicings of pianist Bill Evans. Breau developed the ability to simultaneously comp chords and improvise single-string melodies, creating the illusion of two guitarists playing together. His facility with artificial harmonics remains the envy of many guitarists. Late in his career, Breau began using a seven-string guitar that extended the instrument's range in the upper register. Breau's early RCA recordings are eclectic and technically dazzling. His later work is less flashy, but communicates on a deeper level.

Born to Canadian country music singers, Lenny Breau started out playing country in a sophisticated manner. Chet Atkins himself helped Breau get an RCA recording contract in 1968. However, Breau's jazz-oriented style and remarkable technique quickly caused him to be uncategorizable. Problems with drugs made his career erratic and he is now considered an underground guitar legend. A new label (Guitararchives) was formed in 1995 specifically to release private tapes of his performances.

- Richard Lieberson Scott Yanow, All Music Guide