Rosli Mohalim (Sweet Charity)

Name: Rosli Mohalim
Born: 30th September, 1954 (Singapore)

Profile: He is a Singaporean musician, composer and a self-taught guitarist, better known for his guitar works in the 1970's legendary rock group "Sweet Charity" (AKA Singapore's "Deep Purple"). Other then music, Rosli also appreciate fine arts, he graduated from Nanyang Academy Singapore - Fine Arts in 1975.

History: He started to take an interest in music since primary school, from the influence of his brother, his brother was a music lover who always organized bands in the 60's, and every time there was a jammed session, Rosli will come along and play around with the drums. After he finished Primary 6, his brother bought him an acoustic Rossini guitar. Though Rosli did not have any interest in guitar at the time but he learn and developed some of his techniques from a friend named Fadhlin, and bought his first electric guitar when he was just starting his secondary school.

In 1970, Rosli joined a band called "Purple Grass" - which covered mostly "Deep Purple's" songs. After he graduated from school in 1975, he joined a band called "Sugar N Spice" which played mostly on clubs, this period was the era of funk and disco music, and Rosli at the time played bass guitar for the band.

In 1976, frontman Ramli Sarip and guitarist A. Ali of "Sweet Charity", met up with Rosli and asked him to joined "Sweet Charity" as a bass player replacing Wahid Warren. Ramli was very interested on how Rosli played his bass in one of the clubs where Rosli performed, but after guitarist A. Ali left the band, Rosli step up to take the guitar work and told Ramli to look for a new bassist (Rosli was replaced by the late Syed Hassan).

In 1978, "Sweet Charity" debut album was released, and it was the starting era of Rock & Roll in both Singapore and Malaysia. Followed by their second album, in 1980, 'Pelarian', this album consists of two legendary songs, such as; 'Musibah' and 'Zakiah'. Rosli and "Sweet Charity" managed to released 6 more albums until the late 80's, and did a reunion in 1996, with the original line-ups. Today, he is still in the music industry and is one of the high demand session for solo artists, both in Singapore and Malaysia.

Influences: Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Santana and Grand Funk

Axology: Fender Stratocaster guitar with Floyd Rose Tremolo

Signature song(s): Teratai - Sweet Charity and Kamelia - Sweet Charity (both songs are from - Koleksi Sweet Charity, 1984)

Link(s):

http://roslimohalimfriends.blogspot.com/ (Rosli's blog)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzeE3IU-XTw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B4iD3en5GU&feature=related

Link Wray

Name: Frederick Lincoln Wray Jr.
Born/Died: 2nd May, 1929 (Dunn, North Carolina, USA) - 5th November, 2005

Profile: He was an American rock and roll guitarist, songwriter and occasional singer. Wray was noted for pioneering a new sound for electric guitars, as exemplified in his hit 1958 instrumental 'Rumble', which pioneered an overdriven, distorted electric guitar sound, and also for having, 'invented the power chord, the major modus operandi of modern rock guitarist', 'punk' and 'heavy rock'.

History: At age 8, young Wray first heard slide guitar from a traveling carnival worker, an African-American man named 'Hambone', he got interested with the instrument and learned how to play it. In his early years, Wray was a veteran of the Korean war, where he contracted tuberculosis (TB) that ultimately cost him a lung. His doctors told him that he would never sing again. So he concentrated on his heavy guitar work. Despite this, on his rare vocal numbers he displays a strong voice and a range equivalent to Clarence 'Frogman' Henry.

After discharge from the Army, Wray and his brothers Doug and Vernon Wray, with friends Shorty Horton and Dixie Neal, formed "Lucky Wray and the Lazy Pine Wranglers", later known as "Lucky Wray and the Palomino Ranch Hands". They had been playing country music and Western swing for several years when they took a gig as the house band on the daily live TV show Milt Grant's House Party, a Washington, DC version of American Bandstand. The band made their first recordings in 1956 as "Lucky Wray and the Palomino Ranch Hands" for Starday Records.

In 1958, at a live gig of the Milt Grant's House Party, attempting—at the urging of the local crowd—to work up a cover sound-alike for "The Diamonds" hit, 'The Stroll', they came up with an eleven and one half bar blues titled 'Rumble'. The song was an instant hit with the live audience, which demanded four repeats that night. Eventually the song came to the attention of record producer Archie Bleyer, and he wanted the song to be recorded. The song became a huge hit, not only in the US, but also Great Britain, where it has been cited as an influence on "The Kinks", "The Who" and Jimmy Page among others.

In 1960, he performed an instrumental song composed by Jerry Lordan, called 'Apache' which became a hit in the UK for "The Shadows". Wray later recorded one of the better covers of the song 30 years later, somehow finding new life in this mythic, minor-key, guitar/drum dialogue which by then was also associated with everyone from "The Ventures" to the "Incredible Bongo Band". And with the band they had several more hard-rocking instrumental hits in the late 50's and early 60's, including 'Rawhide', 'Ace of Spades', and 'Jack the Ripper'.

After his initial hits, Wray's career had periods of retirement followed by renewed popularity, particularly in Europe. He toured and recorded two albums with retro-rockabilly artist Robert Gordon in the late 70's. The 80's to the 90's saw a large number of reissues as well as new material. Wray's last new recording was in 2000, titled 'Barbed Wire', he even continued to tour up until four months before he died.

In 2003, Link Wray was ranked at #67 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time, but still has not yet been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is, however, a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender Stratocaster and Gibson SG

Signature song(s): Rumble - Link Wray and his Ray Men (1958)

Link(s):

http://www.rockabillyhall.com/LinkWrayTribute.html (Tribute Page)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEUBV8qPZhw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVfmLFWDnYA&feature=related

Roy Clark (Million Dollar Band)

Name: Roy Linwood Clark
Born: 15th April, 1933 (Meherrin, Virginia, USA)

Profile: He is an American country music musician and performer. He is best known for hosting Hee Haw, a nationally televised country variety show, from 1969 to 1992. He is an entertainer most of all, with an amiable personality and a telegenic presence. He is highly regarded as both a guitarist and banjo player, and is also skilled in classical guitar as well as playing several other instruments.

History: At the age of 14, Young Clark began playing banjo, guitar, and mandolin. He won two National Banjo Championships by the age of 15. He was simultaneously pursuing a sporting career, first as a baseball player, and then as a boxer, before switching over to music full time. At the age of 17, he had his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. By the time he was 15 he had already won the world banjo/guitar flatpick championship twice.

By 1955, he was a regular on Jimmy Dean's Washington, DC television program, where Clark played on Dean's band, the "Texas Wildcats". In 1960, Clark went out to Las Vegas where he worked as guitarist in a band led by former West Coast Western Swing bandleader-comedian Hank Penny. During the 60's, he was also prominent in the backing band for Wanda Jackson during the latter part of her rockabilly period.

When Dean was tapped to host The Tonight Show in the early 60's, he asked Clark to appear, introducing him to a national audience for the first time. Subsequently, Clark appeared on The Beverly Hillbillies as a recurring character. Once, on an episode of the Sunday evening Jackie Gleason Show dedicated to country music, Clark played a blistering rendition of 'Down Home'. Later, he even appeared on an episode of The Odd Couple where he played 'Malagueña'.

In 1963, Clark signed to Capitol Records and had three top 10 hits. He switched to Dot Records and again scored hits. He later recorded for ABC Records, which had acquired Dot, and MCA Records, which absorbed the ABC label. In 1969, Clark and Buck Owens were the hosts of Hee Haw. The show was dropped by CBS Television in 1971 but continued to run in syndication for 20 more years. During its tenure, Clark was a member of the "Million Dollar Band".

In 1983, Clark opened the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre in Branson, Missouri, becoming the first country music star to have his own venue there, and beginning a trend which led to Branson becoming a center of live music performance, as it is today. Many of the celebrities who have played in Branson first entertained at the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre. Clark frequently played in Branson during the 80's and 90's. He has since sold the venue and gone back to a fairly light touring schedule, which usually includes a performance with Ramona Jones and the Jones Family Band at their annual tribute to Clark's old Hee Haw co-star Grandpa Jones in Mountain View, Arkansas.

In addition to his musical skill, Clark has often displayed his talents as a comedian and actor. During his years on Hee Haw, Clark entertained with numerous comedy sketches, including a recurring feature where he played the clerk of the 'Empty Arms Hotel'. Clark released several albums of his comedic performances, to varying critical acclaim and commercial success.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Mosrite guitars, Gretsch guitars and Heritage guitars - Roy Clark model

Signature song(s): Yesterday, When I Was Young - Roy Clark

Link(s):

http://www.royclark.org/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6x-DCbaC3k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqnU83wPmfc

Steve Stevens

Name: Steven Schneider
Born: 5th May, 1959 (Brooklyn, New York, USA)

Profile: He is an American guitarist and songwriter. He is best known for playing for other artists, most notably Billy Idol, Michael Jackson, and Vince Neil and less known for his critically acclaimed solo efforts in 'Atomic Playboys' and 'Flamenco A Go-Go', and as an in-demand session guitarist.

History: Steve attended New York City's prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts as a music major, studying the guitar, and graduating in 1977.

In 1979, Steve played in a band called "One Hand Clap" with lead singer Ray Melnik. They played Long Island clubs almost six nights a week for about a year. Steve and Ray eventually moved on to join the "Fine Malibus" in New York City. They caught the attention of Jimmy Miller (producer) and he arranged for them to record an album at Compass Point Studios, in Bahamas.

They spent 2 months there in 1981 and even played a local club at night. At Compass Point Studios is where Steve met singer Robert Palmer. Steve moved on when manager of Fine Malibus (Ric Aliberte) introduced him to Billy Idol, and made an agreement with Idol to signed Steve into his band.

His hit-making collaboration with Billy Idol began when Idol moved from the UK to the US. Stevens co-wrote and played on the albums 'Don't Stop' EP, 'Billy Idol' (1982), 'Rebel Yell' (1984), 'Whiplash Smile' (1986), and the remix collection 'Vital Idol' (1985). In 1987, Michael Jackson hired Stevens to back him on the 'Dirty Diana' track.

Following his departure from Billy Idol's band, Steve pursued a solo career, releasing his first album 'Atomic Playboys' in 1989 and receiving good comments from the critics and a moderate commercial response, then followed by his second solo album, 'Flamenco A Go-Go', in his home studio entirely by himself. This effort stemmed from the inspiration he received after attending a concert by Flamenco virtuoso Paco de Lucía.

In 1987, Steve along with Harold Faltermeyer won a Grammy for his performance on the Top Gun soundtrack and has worked with a host of other artists such as Thompson Twins, Joni Mitchell, Peter Criss, Steve Lukather, Ric Ocasek, Ben Watkins (Juno Reactor), Greg Bissonette, Pink, Jill Jones, Robert Palmer, Jizzy Pearl, Terry Bozzio and Tony Levin.

In 1999, after an extended hiatus, Steve and singer Billy Idol reunited for a series of tours across the USA and Australia. This era included a recording captured for the VH1 show Storytellers, which was subsequently released on CD and DVD. Such was the success of this renewed collaboration, in 2005, along with producer Keith Forsey, the duo released Billy Idol's 'Devil's Playground' album.

Steve has an additional following in Japan tied to his appearances with Japanese rock singer Kyosuke Himuro. Steve was first involved with Himuro's big hit single 'Native Stranger' in 1996, and appeared in this song's music video. Steve participated in Himuro's album 'I・DE・A' in 1997 as a guitarist, songwriter and arranger.

Influences: Paco de Lucía

Axology: Gibson Les Paul guitars and Hamer guitars

Signature song(s): Feminova - Steve Stevens (Flamenco a Go-Go, 2000)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqGB4nQIAcQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPwf6g3HK9Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFdPGD-enZo&feature=related

Daisy Berkowitz (Marilyn Manson/3TG)

Name: Scott Mitchell Putesky
Born: 28th April, 1968 (Los Angeles, California, USA)

Profile: He is better known by his stage name Daisy Berkowitz, a professional musician and was the guitarist of industrial metal band "Marilyn Manson" before moving on to "Three Ton Gate" (3TG) and "Stuck on Evil". His stage name is formed from the names Daisy Duke and David Berkowitz.

History: Putesky's first musical instruments were the flute and the snare drum, and in 6th grade he joined the school's chorus, for which he apparently had a talent. His early loves were drawing and Sci-Fi movies (mainly Star Wars). His first record was the Star Wars soundtrack, and the influence that it had on him can be seen in much of his original artwork, which consists of aliens and spaceships.

In the late 70's, when he was in his early teenage years, he found admiration for artists such as David Bowie and "Talking Heads", influences that are apparent in his later work. In 1980, Putesky's discovery of MTV after his moving to Fort Lauderdale, gave him the inspiration to save up to buy a small Casio keyboard. He taught himself to play, and later, in 8th grade, took guitar lessons. Influenced by his early favorites, which lead to his development of an odd personal style sometimes described as a fusion between blues and grunge.

Putesky's first band was "The Flying Eggbeaters", with drummer Tom Wolf and bassist Jim Neuman. This gave him the experience needed to later go on to other bands, such as "Blue China" and "Ear Wacks". In 1988, after being given a small 4-track recorder by his parents, he bought a bass guitar and a drumkit to record his music with a full ensemble, at this period, he met with Brian Warner (future frontman of "Marilyn Manson") at a local party and the two instantly bonded.

Putesky, who had at this point not thought to advance his lyrical ability, began to meet up with Warner and brainstorm after his admission of wanting to start a band as a creative outlet for his poetry-writing abilities. Dual input from both parties gave the band its darkly psychedelic style, and as early as 1989, they began to record on Putesky's 4-track songs that would seven years later become known as 'Cake and Sodomy' and 'Dogma'. They quickly assembled a band with Warner's schoolmate Brian Tutunick (aka Olivia Newton Bundy) and Perry Pandrea (aka Zsa Zsa Speck). The band played its first show at Churchills, Miami and was known as "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids".

In the early 90's, the band quickly built a cult following, playing at clubs and later opening for several national acts such as "Danzig". In 1992, "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids" played their last show and renaming themselves to a shorter "Marilyn Manson". Though the band built up a strong local fanbase throughout these years, it was not until their 1995 release 'Smells Like Children' that they caught the ear of the world with the darkly gothic cover of Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)'.

After opening for "Danzig", having two headlining tours, the band headed back to the studio to begin work on their new album 'Antichrist Superstar'. At this point, creative differences between Warner and Putesky reached their peak. Putesky left "Marilyn Manson", abandoning the Daisy Berkowitz moniker in favor of his own initials, SMP, and began recording demos for his first solo project, "Three Ton Gate".

In 1997, the album was released, written entirely by Putesky using the name Scott Mitchell (his first and middle name), and featured gothic vocalist Tyreah James. In 1998, Putesky joined up with longtime "Marilyn Manson" collaborators "Jack Off Jill", replacing departing member guitarist Ho Ho Spade and playing live on their 1999 West Coast tour. His first recorded work with the band was the EP 'Covetous Creature'. By early 1999, Putesky was no longer a member of "Jack Off Jill", by most accounts, he simply lost interest in the band and he kicked around several solo and collaborative projects.

He also re-established the "Rednecks on Drugs" project with fellow musician Rich Penny, eventually, "Rednecks on Drugs" metamorphosed into "Stuck on Evil", essentially a hard-rock band with gothic and early Rock 'N Roll influences. In 2001, the band recorded a 10-song full-length album, 'Suntanic', produced by Putesky. However, following the September, 11 (911) attacks, and the subsequent condemnation of 'evildoers' by President Bush, the band decided to drop the word 'evil' from its name, reverting to the original name of "Three Ton Gate", and Putesky recorded the album 'Lose Your Mind' in 2003.

Influences: David Bowie, "The Cure", "U2", "Talking Heads" and Star Wars (soundtrack)

Axology: Yamaha RGX 612-S

Signature song(s): Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Marilyn Manson (Smells Like Children, 1995)

Link(s):

http://www.myspace.com/threetongatemusic (Three Ton Gate's Official Myspace)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6VojYGrnpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0CliSpoCPQ

Abdee Negara (Slank)

Name: Abdee Negara
Born: 28th Jun, 1968 (Danggala, Sulawesi, Indonesia)

Profile: He is an Indonesian guitarist, producer and sound engineer. He is notably known as the lead guitarist for the legendary rock band "Slank", after replacing Pay Siburian who left in 1996.

History: Abdee is a self taught guitar player. He started to play guitar in his early teens, and wanted to become a professional musician ever since. In the 80's, he moved from Kota Palu to Jakarta, to pursue his dreams. His first band was with Ecky Lamoh, Gideon Tengker and Henky Supit. After the band split, he became a session player for various artists, from Ermy Kulit to "Trio Kwek-Kwek".

In 1996, after guitarist Pay Siburian left "Slank", Abdee went on to audition for the legendary group. He was accepted for the post and in 1997, "Slank's" 7th studio album 'Tujuh' was Abdee's debut album with the band. The album gave new sound to the band due to Abdee's influences in blues and he even added some of his 'slide' trademarks.

From the start, when he joined "Slank", Abdee has contributed all his efforts on "Slank's" albums. Currently, he is the sound engineer and producer for the band. And he has released 7 albums altogther, from 'Tujuh' (1997), 'Mata Hati Reformasi' (1999), 'Ngangkang' (2000), 'Virus' (2001), 'Satu satu dan Bajakan' (2003) and to the latest album 'The Big Hip' {2008}.

With his tight schedules with "Slank", Abdee also collaborated and produced for other bands, such as "Seurius". He is also a clinician for the G Plus magazine and an endorser for Extreme guitars.

Influences: Keith Richard (Rolling Stones) and Ry Cooder

Axology: Fender Telecaster and Extreme guitars - mainly Telecaster model

Signature song(s): Ketinggalan Zaman - Slank (Mata Hati Reformasi, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NelLupDNcVY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdHhPQGCCjo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZm4m5Q4La0&feature=related

Muddy Waters

Name: McKinley Morganfield
Born/Died: 4th April, 1915 (Issaquena County, Mississippi, USA) – 30th April, 1983

Profile: He was an American blues musician, generally considered 'the Father of Chicago blues'. Blues musicians Big Bill Morganfield and Larry 'Mud Morganfield' Williams are his sons. A major inspiration for the British blues explosion in the 60's, Waters was ranked #17 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. His fondness for playing in mud earned him the nickname 'Muddy' at an early age. He later changed it to 'Muddy Water' and finally 'Muddy Waters'.

History: He started out on harmonica but by the age of 17 he was playing the guitar at parties emulating two blues artists who were extremely popular in the south, Son House and Robert Johnson.  Waters moved to Chicago for the first time in 1940. He played with Silas Green a year later, and then returned to Mississippi. In the early part of the decade he ran a juke joint and performed music there himself.

In 1943, Waters headed back to Chicago with the hope of becoming a full-time professional musician. Big Bill Broonzy, one of the leading bluesmen in Chicago at the time, helped Waters break into the very competitive market by allowing him to open for his shows in the rowdy clubs. In 1945, his uncle Joe Grant gave him his first electric guitar which enabled him to be heard above the noisy crowds.

In 1947, Waters recorded some tunes for Aristocrat, he also played guitar with Sunnyland Slim on piano, but in 1948, songs like 'I Can't Be Satisfied' and 'I Feel Like Going Home' became big hits and his popularity in clubs began to take off. Soon after, Aristocrat changed their label name to Chess Records and Waters' signature tune 'Rollin' Stone' also became a smash hit.

In 1958, Waters headed to England and shocked audiences (whose only previous exposure to blues had come via the acoustic folk/blues sounds of acts such as Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee and Big Bill Broonzy) with his loud, amplified electric guitar and thunderous beat. His performance at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival, recorded and released as his first live album, At Newport 1960, helped turn on a whole new generation to Waters' sound. He expressed dismay when he realized that members of his own race were turning their backs on the genre while a white audience had shown increasing respect for the blues.

Waters' sound was basically Delta blues electrified, but his use of microtones, in both his vocals and slide playing, made it extremely difficult to duplicate and follow correctly.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender Telecaster guitars

Signature song(s): Rollin' Stones - Muddy Waters (The Best of..., 1958)

Link(s):

http://www.muddywaters.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO4A6xx65WU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0StecXInguc&feature=related

Otis Rush

Name: Otis Rush
Born: 29th April, 1935 (Philadelphia, Mississippi, USA)

Profile: He is a blues musician, singer and guitarist. His distinctive guitar style features a slow burning sound and long bent notes. With similar qualities to Magic Sam and Buddy Guy, his sound became known as West Side Chicago blues and became an influence on many musicians including Michael Bloomfield, Eric Clapton and SRV.

History: Rush is a self-taught musician who began playing the guitar at the age of 8. Moving to Chicago in 1948, he was introduced to the more urban sounds of the blues and made the decision to become a performer after he saw Muddy Waters for the first time. At the age of 13-14, Rush made a name for himself playing in clubs on both the South Side and West Side blues scenes. Soon Rush fronted his own band under the name of "Little Otis".

From 1956-1958, he recorded for the Cobra Records and released eight singles, some featuring Ike Turner on guitar. His first single 'I Can't Quit You Baby' reached #6 on Billboard's chart. During his tenure with Cobra, he recorded some of his well known songs such as 'Double Trouble' and 'All Your Love (I Miss Loving)'.

In 1960, Rush landed a recording contract with Chess. He recorded eight tracks for the label, four of which were released on 2 singles that year. Six tracks including the 2 singles later came out on 'Door To Door' album in 1969, a compilation with Albert King. Around the 60's, Rush began playing in other cities in the US and also to Europe, most notably the American Folk Blues Festival.

In 1971, Rush recorded the album 'Right Place, Wrong Time' for Capitol Records, and the album was released 5 years later. The album generally has since gained a reputation as one of the best works by Rush. In 1985, he made a tour in the US and releasing the live album, 'Tops', recorded at the San Francisco Blues Festival. In 1998, Rush released 'Any Place I'm Goin', and earned his first Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1999.

Though he has not recorded a new studio album since 1998, he continued to tour and perform. In 2002, he was featured on the Bo Diddley tribute album 'Hey Bo Diddley - A Tribute!', performing the song 'I'm A Man'.

Influences: Muddy Waters, Jimmie Rogers, T-Bone Walker and BB King

Axology: Fender Stratocaster, Gibson ES-335, Gibson ES-355 and a Japanese-made Flying V

Signature song(s): Double Trouble - Otis Rush (singles, 1958) and Three Times A Fool - Otis Rush (Right Place, Wrong Time, 1976)

Link(s):

http://www.otisrush.net/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy2tEP3I3DM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsXK2zL2-yM

Carter Lancaster

Name: Carter Lancaster
Born: mid 1950's (Ontario, Canada)

Profile: A versatile guitarist, performer and composer, he is one of those rare musicians whose expertise and virtuosity transcend issues of style. His unique musical vision has led him to master Jazz, Bluegrass and modern acoustic guitar styles, in a manner that allows each style to complement the others without sacrificing any of their respective nuances. A performer with over 30 years experience, and can be seen working as a solo artist, with jazz and folk duos, trios, or quartets, and occasionally with orchestras.

History: Lancaster was raised in a family who loved music, his father was a jazz pianist - and taught him the importance of understanding scales, chord theory, and harmony. Young Lancaster learned to read music at an early age. He started playing acoustic guitar at the age of 11 on a 'Saturn' acoustic guitar (at the time it cost him $12) which he still owns. He took private lessons for 5 years and gradually switched over to an Aria semi acoustic guitar.

By the time Lancaster was 13, he purchased a Gibson ES 335 which was his main guitar for years. He then formed his first band called "Velvet Fog", which covered mostly Jimi Hendrix songs. In his early 20's, he started playing more acoustic guitar and purchased a Martin M-36 acoustic guitar that he used for Bluegrass. It was at this period of time he started writing his own music.

Though Lancaster started by playing the guitar, he began studying the harp guitar (a rare vintage instrument with 6 treble and 5 or 6 contra-basses), after he heard a Stephan Bennett album. He was intrigued with the sounds from this amazing instrument and bought 2 Dyer Symphony Harp guitars that are about a hundred years old.

Lancaster was noticed in the music community after he performed one of his original compositions 'Widow Walk' at the Harp Guitar Gathering in Williamsburg, Virginia. But, he is probably known best for his fluid jazz electric chord-melody style and his standard and open tuning acoustic compositions, his ability to incorporate a variety of harmonic and 2-handed tapping techniques, while maintaining a strong melody line and percussive rhythm are sure to grab any listener’s attention.

In 2009, Lancaster released his second solo album called 'Case Closed'. The album is a compilation of original pieces performed solo on 6 string acoustic and Harp guitar. Currently, he is writing more music which he hopes to begin recording soon for his next album.

Influences: Joe Pass, Lenny Breau, Bruce Cockburn and Stephen Bennett

Axology: 2 Dyer Symphony Harp Guitars, Holloway Harp Guitar, Marc Beneteau Concert standard, Breedlove Performance Focus, Fender Stratocaster, Gibson ES-335, Martin M-36 guitar and Saturn acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): Blue - Carter Lancaster (Case Closed, 2009) and Widow Walk - Carter Lancaster (Case Closed, 2009)

Link(s):

http://www.carterlancaster.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3zdCuSSMwc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkl5BiUg6rE

"When I listened to Carter’s CD, I became more and more annoyed as I realized that he had written some tunes that I should have. He must be stopped". - Stephen Bennett

Pay Siburian (Slank/BIP)

Name: Parlin Burman Siburian
Born: 2nd May, 1970 (Pematang Siantar, Sumatera, Indonesia)

Profile: He is an Indonesia musician and lead guitarist, notably known for his guitar works in the legendary rock group "Slank". He was one of the few Indonesian guitarist featured in the album 'Gitar Klinik' and jam with Andy Timmons (Danger Danger) at the Hard Rock Cafe, Jakarta.

History: Started to play guitar since year 4 at school, and determined to make music as his career. In his teenage years, he joined various of bands, but never had the opportunity to get a deal with any major recordings.

In the mid 80's, Pay was heavily influenced by Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai (at that time, Vai was still with David Lee Roth's band). With the help of these influenced, Pay started to play rock and heavy music.

In 1989, he joined "Slank", a rock group from Jakarta. Pay who at that time knew a few major producers, try his luck to sent the band's demos. Eventually, the band got a deal for an album and in 1990, "Slank" released their debut album 'Suit-Suit....Hehehe (Gadis Sexy)'. The album was a hit and received a lot of positive reviews, and the band was known as the new Indonesia Rock group, after "God Bless".

In 1996, after releasing 5 albums with "Slank", Pay quit the band. After four long years leaving "Slank", he formed a new rock band called "BIP", with other former "Slank" members (bassist Bongky and keyboardist Indra). With this new lineup (joined by drummer Jaka and vocalist Irang Perdana), "BIP" has released 4 albums, 'Turun dari Langit' - (2001), 'Min Plus' - (2002), 'The Best of .....' - (2003) and 'Udara Segar' - (2004).

Pay also collaborated with Ronald, vocalist Once (Dewa19) and the late vocalist Andy Liany to formed "Fargat 27". The band released their only album 'Seribu Angan'.

Influences: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Keith Richard (Rolling Stone), Michael Lee Firkins, Eddie Van Halen, Eet Sjahranie (EdanE) and Edy Kemput

Axology: Fender Telecaster, Jackson guitars, Ibanez guitars, Laney amplifiers and Marshall amplifiers

Signature song(s): Hey…Bung! - Slank (Generasi Biru, 1995) and Ke Rumah Kak Butet - Pay Siburian (Gitar Klinik)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuDonaKprcg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSmxBoRgr4o&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwgEFQrvuEw&feature=related

Tomo Fujita

Name: Tomo Fujita
Born: Unknown

Profile: He is a Japanese guitarist and an assistant professor in Berklee College of Music (Guitar Department). He is also a columnist for Japanese guitar magazines.

History: His love in music started when he was young, and determined to be a musician ever since. He went to Berklee College of Music, where he met and studied with Jazz-guitarist Joe Pass. Tomo earned a degree at Berklee College of Music and has been a faculty member at Berklee since 1993. Perhaps the most famous of his former Berklee students are "Soulive" guitarist Eric Krasno (Kraz) and John Mayer.

After he graduated from Berklee College, Tomo was interested in discovering more about the blues. He listened to all the records of legendary BB King and T-Bone Walker, and started playing with blues bands. He could play blues technically, but emotionally he could not connect himself to the music, he then started (experimenting) playing gospel music at church every Sunday, to capture the 'feel'.

He possesses all the elements of great musicianship; astounding technical ability, flawless rhythm skills, and a total command of his instrument. In his private lessons, he teach fundamental techniques for playing good music — by getting a good tone from the guitar and keeping a good rhythm. He discovered in playing blues songs, it was very difficult to achieve quality and the details, that is why he teach a lot of grooves and rhythm. It is very important for him, to emphasize expression, tone and time.

Tomo has performed with some of the best artists in the world, including Phil Collins, John Mayer, James Genus (Saturday Night Live), Will Lee (Late Show with David Letterman), Kenwood Dennard, bassist Jaco Pastorious, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, Darryl Jones, Miles Davis, Sting, the "Rolling Stones", Paul Jackson, Ronnie Earl, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Steve Jordan and Susan Tedeschi.

Tomo is also affiliated with the major music schools in his native Japan. His articles have been published in the Japanese magazines 'Jazz Life' and 'Jazz Guitar', and he is a regular contributor to the Japanese edition of 'Guitar magazine'. His instructional materials are especially popular in Japan, where guitar players have bought more than 100,000 copies of his videos and books.
Tomo also enjoyed a guitar-playing gig in a Boston production of the musical 'Rent'. And, currently, Tomo is touring to promote his newly released album 'Pure', and he usually presents clinics annually in Japan.

Influences: BB King, T-Bone Walker, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Pass, Larry Carlton, Ray Charles, James Brown, Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughan

Axology: Fender guitars, Fender amplifiers and Fuchs amplifiers

Signature song(s): Tomo Fujita (Right Place, Right Time, 2007) and (Pure, 2010)

Link(s):

http://www.tomofujita.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP-alOw-ALw

Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe)

Name: Robert Alan Deal
Born: 4th May, 1951 (Terre Haute, Indiana, USA)

Profile: He is the lead guitarist and songwriter for American hard rock band "Mötley Crüe". In his career with "Mötley Crüe", Mars has created the aura of being a somewhat mysterious figure, letting the other members of the band speak for him in public and in print, despite being the eldest and most articulate member of the band. In what public interviews he has conducted, Mars often comes off as a very reserved and somewhat quiet individual.

History: After his family relocated from Indiana to California, Deal dropped out of high school and began playing guitar in a series of unsuccessful blues based rock bands throughout the 70's. After nearly a decade of frustration with the California music scene, Deal reinvented himself, changing his stage name to Mick Mars and dyeing his hair jet black, hoping for a fresh start.

In 1981, he put in a want ad in the LA newspaper 'The Recycler', describing himself as 'a loud, rude, and aggressive guitar player'. Bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee contacted him and after hearing him play decided he would be their guitarist. Upon Lee's prodding, they persuaded a former high school friend of Lee's and local rock & roll singer Vince Neil to join. It was Mars' suggestion that the band be called "Mötley Crüe", a name that had stuck in his head from his days as a member of a band called "White Horse".

Unlike many of the hard rock/heavy metal guitarists of his era, Mars' guitar style is steeped in the blues tradition. He employs frequent use of a metal slide in his soloing and takes on both the rhythm and lead guitar duties of the band. In the studio and live, Mars frequently tunes his guitar down a whole step to get a stronger and crunchier rhythm sound. The altered tuning also increases string slack to enable his characteristic hammer-on trills, pitch bending, and pinch harmonics during soloing. Mars also introduced the pedal steel guitar to many of "Mötley Crüe's" later recordings and live sets, and also taken a critical role in songwriting for the band, coming up with many of "Mötley Crüe's" best known riffs.

Recently, he contributed his songwriting skills to John LeCompt (Evanescence), "Machina" and to the Swedish band "CRASHDÏET". Mars also played lead guitar for "Hinder's" 2008 album 'Take It to the Limit' and "Papa Roach's" 2009 album 'Metamorphosis'. Currently, Mars is on tour with the three other original members of "Mötley Crüe", supporting their newest album, 'Saints of Los Angeles', which has revived a strong public interest in the band more than 25 years after its formation.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Les Paul customs guitars, BC Rich Warlock guitar, Hamer Blitz guitar, Gibson Flying V, Guild Flying Star, Kramer guitars, Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters and Marshall amplifiers

Signature song(s): Too Young To Fall in Love - Mötley Crüe (Shout at the Devil, 1983)

Link(s):

http://www.mickmars.tv/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfU502fvO2Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNMuzKc_0Mg

Andy Wood (Down From Up)

Name: Andy Wood
Born: Unknown

Profile: He is an American guitarist, notably known for his work with the band "Down From Up". In 2003, he won the national competition of 'Guitarmageddon', soon after that, he was mainly known through the Internet and iTunes.

History: Born in a musical background, where most of his family members plays music. Wood started playing music around 5 years old with an old Alvarez mandolin, since then he always join the family's band to jamm. It was his grandfather who got him started on bluegrass songs, like Tony Rice, Bela Fleck and Bill Monroe, then he got into some acoustic jazz.

At the age of 18, he did a two year, jazz major at the University of Tennessee, and it was around this time he heard all of the 'standard issue shred' like the work of virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai and Steve Morse. But pretty much he got his skills by 'old school' hard work - practicing his ears. Eventually, after that he started playing electric guitar in 2000. His first electric guitar was a Fender Telecaster, with a Peavey Bandit combo amplifier.

The following years, he formed a band called "Down From Up". And in 2008, the band was a success, "Down From Up" even toured with "Drowning Pool" and "Sevendust". The next year, Wood released his first solo album, entitled 'A Disconcerting Amalgam'.

In 2010, he played along with guitarist Guthrie Govan. The both of them played in two shows in LA, at the Tone Merchants and Musician's Institute. Wood was definitely impressed with Guthrie and they played a great version of Guthrie's song 'Rhode Island Shred'.

Influences: Django Reinhardt, Paul Birchfield (Grandfather), Brian Arrowood (cousin), Greg English (stepfather), 10 Years, Coheed and Cambria, Shinedown, After Midnight Project, The Hellecasters, Albert Lee, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, Diamond Rio, Jerry Reed, Brent Mason, Buck Owens and Clint Strong

Axology: Suhr guitar, Tom Anderson guitars, TC Electronic G-System and Diezel amplifiers

Signature song(s): Amazing Grace - Andy Wood (Disconcerting Amalgam, 2009)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukN0M8QIBHQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHXzWlYoZUI&feature=related

John Mayer

Name: John Clayton Mayer
Born: 16th October, 1977 (Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician and songwriter. His career pursuits have extended to stand-up comedy, design and writing; he has written pieces for magazines, most notably for Esquire. He is also involved in philanthropic activities through his 'Back to You' fund.

History: His love in music started when he was young, he started playing clarinet for a while in middle school, with minor success. After watching Michael J. Fox's guitar performance as Marty McFly in the movie Back to the Future, Mayer became fascinated with the instrument, and when he turned 13, his father rented one for him.

Soon after, a neighbor gave him a Stevie Ray Vaughan cassette, which began Mayer’s intense love of the blues. Mayer started taking lessons from a local guitar-shop owner, and soon became consumed with playing the instrument. After two years of practice, he started playing at blues bars and other venues in the area, while he was still in high school. In addition to performing solo, he was a member of a band called "Villanova Junction" (named for a Jimi Hendrix song). After graduation, he worked for 15 months at a gas station until he saved enough money to buy a 1996 Stevie Ray Vaughan signature Stratocaster.

In 1997, at age 19, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he refined his skills and gained a following. After two semesters, he left school and moved to Atlanta with a friend Clay Cook . In Atlanta they formed a two-man band called "LoFi Masters" and began performing in local coffee houses and club venues such as Eddie's Attic. According to Cook, they began to experience musical differences due to Mayer’s desire to move more towards pop music. As a result the two parted ways, and Mayer embarked on a solo career.

With the help of local producer and engineer Glenn Matullo, Mayer recorded the independent EP 'Inside Wants Out'. The EP includes eight songs with Mayer on lead vocals and guitars. Mayer’s reputation began to build, and in 2000, his appearance at South by Southwest brought him to the attention of Aware Records.

In 2001, Aware released Mayer’s internet-only album entitled, 'Room for Squares'. During that time, Aware inked a deal with Columbia Records that gave Columbia first pick in signing Aware artists, and so in September of the same year, Columbia remixed and re-released 'Room for Squares'. By the end of 2002, the album had spawned several radio hits, and Mayer won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for 'Your Body Is a Wonderland'.

In 2004, Mayer began to collaborate extensively, often working with artists outside of his own genre. He appeared on Kanye West's song 'Bittersweet Poetry', and Mayer received praise from rap heavyweights Jay-Z and Nelly. It was around this time that Mayer began hinting a change in his musical interests. In 2005, he began a string of collaborations with various blues artists, including Buddy Guy, BB King, Eric Clapton, as well as jazz artist John Scofield. He also went on tour with legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock.

In mid 2005, Mayer formed the "John Mayer Trio" with bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan, both of whom he had met through previous studio sessions. The trio played a combination of blues and rock music. In October, the Trio opened for "The Rolling Stones" during a sold-out club tour of their own, and that November, released a live album called 'Try!'.

In 2009, Mayer's 4th studio album, 'Battle Studies', was released and debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 album chart. The album consists of 11 tracks. Despite the album's commercial success, critics were mixed with their praise; while some reviews were glowing, calling it his 'most adventurous', others called the album 'safe'.

Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray and Freddie King

Axology: Fender Stratocaster

Signature song(s): Your Body Is a Wonderland - John Mayer (Room for Squares, 2001)

Link(s):

http://www.johnmayer.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etBZBbx_qjM

Carlos Santana

Name: Carlos Augusto Alves Santana
Born: 20th July, 1947 (Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico)

Profile: He is a Mexican rock guitarist. He became famous in the late 60's and early 70's with his band, "Santana", which pioneered rock, salsa and jazz fusion. The band's sound featured his melodic, blues-based guitar lines set against Latin rhythms featuring percussion instruments such as timbales and congas not generally heard in rock music.

History: His father was a mariachi violinist, and young Santana learned to play the violin at age 5 and the guitar at age 8. In 1965, he met with Javier Bátiz, a famous guitarist from Tijuana, Mexico, and was said to have been Santana's guitar teacher who taught him to play a different style of guitar soloing. After learning Batiz's techniques, Santana would make them his own as well.

From Tijuana, he then moved to San Francisco, where he got the chance to see his idols, most notably BB King, performing live. He was also introduced to a variety of new musical influences, including jazz and folk music. After several years busking for spare change, Santana decided to become a full-time musician, and in 1966, he formed the "Santana Blues Band", with fellow street musicians, bassist David Brown and keyboardist Gregg Rolie.

With their highly original blend of Latin-infused rock, jazz, blues, salsa, and African rhythms, the band (which quickly became known simply as Santana) gained an immediate following on the San Francisco strip club. The band's early success, capped off by a memorable performance at Woodstock in 1969, led to a recording contract with Columbia Records, then run by Clive Davis.

Santana was signed by CBS Records and went into the studio to record their first album, simply titled 'Santana' and became a huge hit, reaching #4 on the US album charts, and the catchy single 'Evil Ways' reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1970, the group reached its early commercial peak with their second album, 'Abraxas', which reached #1 on the album charts and went on to sell over four million copies.

In 1972, Santana became a huge fan of the pioneering fusion band "The Mahavishnu Orchestra" and its guitarist John McLaughlin. A year later, Santana and McLaughlin recorded an album together, 'Love, Devotion, Surrender' with members of "Santana" and "The Mahavishnu Orchestra".

In 1983, Santana paid tribute to his early rock roots by doing the film score to 'La Bamba', which was based on the tragically short life of Rock & Roll legend Ritchie Valens. Although Santana and his band had concentrated on trying to produce albums with commercial appeal during the 80's, changing tastes in popular culture began to reflect in the band's sagging record sales. But, Santana retained a great deal of respect in both jazz and rock circles, when Prince and guitarist Kirk Hammett (Metallica) citing him as an influence.

In 1991, Santana made a guest appearance on Ottmar Liebert's solo album 'Para Ti', and on a cover of his own song, 'Samba Pa Ti'. Though, Santana's record sales in the 90's were very low. Toward the end of the decade, he was without a contract. However, Clive Davis, who had worked with Santana previously, signed him and encouraged him to record a star-studded album with mostly younger artists. The result was 1999's album 'Supernatural'. The single 'Smooth' which featured Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), spent 12 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually sold over 15 million copies in the US.

Until now, Carlos Santana is still active and busy touring the world with his work in the music industry, he has spent more then 3 decades of his life as a musician and worked with so many artist along the way. In 2003, Santana was named 15th on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the '100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time'.

Influences: BB. King, John Lee Hooker, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Valens, John McLaughlin and Mike Bloomfield

Axology: Gibson SG guitars, Yamaha SG 175B, PRS guitar - Santana signature series, Alvarez Yairi CY127CE nylon strings and Mesa/Boogie amplifiers

Signature song(s): Black Magic Woman - Santana (Abraxas, 1970) and Smooth - Santana (Supernatural, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.santana.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-y2LUh-9AA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9ZRS0F5t34

George Benson

Name: George Benson
Born: 22nd March, 1943 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician, whose recording career began at the age of 21 as a jazz guitarist. He is also known as a pop, R&B, and scat singer. This one-time child prodigy topped the Billboard 200 in 1976 with the triple-platinum album, 'Breezin'. Benson uses a rest-stroke picking technique very similar to that of gypsy jazz players such as Django Reinhardt.

History: At the age of 7, Benson first played the ukulele in a corner drug store for which he was paid a few dollars; at the age of 8, his stepfather taught him to play guitar, soon after that he was playing guitar in a nightclub. At the age of 10, Benson recorded his first single record with RCA-Victor in New York, called 'She Makes Me Mad'.

As a youth, he learned how to play straight-ahead instrumental jazz for several years with organist Jack McDuff. At the age of 21, he recorded his first album, 'The New Boss Guitar'. Benson's next recording was 'It's Uptown' with the "George Benson Quartet" and followed up with "The George Benson Cookbook".

In the mid 60's, Miles Davis employed Benson, and featured his guitar on 'Paraphernalia' in the 1968 album 'Miles in the Sky'. Then Benson went to signed with CTI Records, where he recorded numerous albums with jazz heavyweights guesting to limited financial success. Benson also did a version of "The Beatles's" album 'Abbey Road' called 'The Other Side of Abbey Road'.

By the late 70's, as he recorded for Warner Bros. Records, a whole new audience began to discover Benson for the first time. With the 1976 release album 'Breezin', Benson began to put his vocal on tracks such as 'This Masquerade'. He had used his vocals infrequently on songs earlier in his career. 'Breezin' was a significant album in terms of popular music history - the first jazz release to go platinum.

In 1985, Benson and guitarist Chet Atkins went on the smooth jazz charts with their collaboration 'Sunrise'. In 1992, Benson appeared on Jack McDuff's 'Colour Me Blue' album. He even toured with Al Jarreau in America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand to promote their 2006 album 'Givin' It Up'. He played during the second Monsoon Cup in Terengganu in 2006 and also Malaysia's 50th Merdeka celebration alongside Jarreau in 2007.

In 2009, Benson finished recording a new album titled 'Songs and Stories', with Marcus Miller and Steve Lukather. Currently, Benson will tour throughout 2010 in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim.

To commemorate the long term relationship between Benson and Ibanez guitars and to celebrate 30 years of collaboration on the GB Signature Models, Ibanez created the GB30TH, a very limited edition model featuring a gold foil finish inspired by the traditional Japanese Garahaku art form.

Influences: Django Reinhardt, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Charlie Christian, Robert Johnson, Albert King, Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, Quincy Jones, Wynton Marsalis and Roy Hargrove

Axology: Ibanez GB30TH hollow body electric guitar

Signature song(s): This Masquerade - George Benson (Breezin', 1976)

Link(s):

http://georgebenson.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QjTK0pL1go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpEfAV1T5b0

Anik Jean

Name: Anik Jean
Born: 11th April, 1977 (Gaspésie, Québec, Canada)

Profile: She is a Canadian musician, singer, songwriter, producer and a painter. In 2008, she was the official spokesperson of the Trophée Roses des Sables’s and she also exhibited her paintings at the De la Scène - a L’Atelier art expose alongside other popular personalities like Christiane Charrette.

History: From a young age, Jean has been interested in blues music and the entertainment landscape. She was 11 years old when she expresses the wish to become a singer-songwriter. All it took was one David Bowie concert attended alongside her mother to convince her to devote her life to music.

She learned the basics of guitar and of piano, self-proclaiming herself as a freelance artist and in the years that passed Jean set musical roots down in Gaspésie, Los Angeles and in Montreal. Jean’s moving around enabled her to meet such established artists as Jean Leloup, with whom she created her first album.

In 2005, Jean’s first single, 'Je Suis Partie' was released and made it’s way to the commercial radio airwaves. The following single entitled 'Junkie de Toi' was met with even more success than the first, reaching the #1 on Nielsen BDS’ radio top 100. Her first studio album, 'Le Trashy Saloon' was released on August the same year and Jean was quickly embraced by the public and her peers as an authentic musical artist.

The album was met with much critical acclaim as well and received a nomination for French Album of the year at the 2005 Juno Awards. Thanks to her unique style, music and personal audacity, Jean was also able to land a spot as the opening act for the "Rolling Stones" in 2006 Montreal show. In addition to her prominent musical accomplishments, she is also known for having standout music videos. Her cooperation with directors Francis Leclerc and Robin Aubert resulted in - among other feats - a nomination at the Much Music Video Awards for the Tendre Sorcière video clip.

In 2008, Jean launched her second studio album 'Le Ciel Saigne le Martyre' upon which the rock star collaborated with David Bowie, Rita Mitsouko and Jean-Sebastien Chouinard, the end result was exceptional; the album was an intense rock album extremely reflective Jean as an artist. The first single 'Oh Mon Cheri' quickly reached the #1 position of the Nielsen BDS top 100 and was nominated at the Adisq Gala in 2008 in the Song of the Year category. Currently, she is working with Earl Slick on a new project called Project Pirate.

Influences: David Bowie

Axology: Eastwood - Airline 2P DLX guitar

Signature song(s): Junkie de Toi - Anik Jean (2005) and Oh Mon Cheri - Anik Jean (Le Ciel Saigne le Martyre, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.anikjean.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQyQ3iiYsmM

Tuck Andress (The Gap Band/Tuck & Patti)

Name: Tuck Andress
Born: 28th October, 1952 (Oklahoma, USA)

Profile: He is an American Jazz musician and a finger-picking guitarist. He is well known both as a solo artist and with his duo-group "Tuck & Patti", where he plays guitar while his wife Patti sings.

History: Tuck was raised in a family who love music. His father and older sister played piano where his father led a college jazz band and her sister Sharon studied classical piano. At the age of 7, Sharon taught him some few things on piano then later on he studied formal classical lessons until the age of 14.

Soon after that, he started a neighborhood band where he played the piano. It was during this period that Tuck decided he must play guitar. This was pre-Jimi Hendrix era, so his first playing was reminiscent of Chuck Berry with Beatles' melodic influences. His first electric guitar was a Ventures Mosrite with a Vox Pacemaker amplifier.

Tuck took a few lessons from Tommy Crooka, a brilliant Chet Atkins-inspired guitarist. However, Tuck was mostly a self taught guitarist. It was Jimi Hendrix's album that blown him away because of the power playing of Hendrix. And his other influence at that time was blues.

In 1970, Tuck enrolled in Stanford. The musical life there was rock bands, and he was still teaching himself Jazz music and Jimi Hendrix in every available moment. After the first quarter he dropped out and went to LA to rejoin some of the members of the band he had played with in high school. Thanks to Dean Parks he was given the opportunity to take over the guitar position for the 'Sonny and Cher TV show'. Tuck then left LA and went back in Stanford to study music while also going to Tulsa, where he played with "The Gap Band".

During this period, Tuck was studying and listening to every jazz album he could find. While in Stanford, Tuck had two years of weekly classical guitar lessons, first from Stanley Buetens, then Charles Ferguson. He already had a lot of classical experience from childhood and piano, a lot of left hand technique from playing electric and enough right hand technique to play the pieces he was learning. Therefore most of their focus was on expression, and learning to hear and experience one guitar as several different instruments at once. He also experimented with varying the volume and tone of each part independently. This would later become the most characteristic ingredient of the fingerstyle.

During the 70's, Tuck was well known in San Francisco jazz circles as a flat pick electric player. In 1978, he met Patti Cathcart and married shortly after following a trip together to India. It was only after he started playing with Patti that he developed his unorthodox but influential fingerstyle technique. Tuck's style of fingerstyle guitar playing exemplifies the art of simultaneously playing a bassline, chords, and melody.

Currently, Tuck is giving guitar lessons and supporting his students in discovering their own direction in music. His way of teaching is very unique, because he try to restrain himself from the natural tendency to overload people with materials.

Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Chet Atkins, Tommy Crook, BB. King, Albert King, Freddie King, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Michael Bloomfield, Steve Hickerson, Jim Byfield, Tommy Tripplehorn, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Miles Davis, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones

Axology: 1953 Gibson L-5 and 1949 Gibson L-5

Signature song(s): Little Wing and Europa (both songs are covered, originally by Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana respectively)

Link(s):

http://www.tuckandpatti.com/ (Tuck & Patti official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ3Z5cL4zCs&feature=player_embedded#!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M56QwDjE6PQ&feature=PlayList&p=C615115AEBD6D088&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=60

Tommy Emmanuel (The Southern Star Band)

Name: Tommy Emmanuel
Born: 31st May, 1955 (Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia)

Profile: He is an Australian multi-talented musician, composer and guitarist. He is well known for his works as the lead guitarist of "The Southern Star Band" and "Dragon". Throughout his career he has played with many notable artists including Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin, Air Supply, John Denver, Les Paul and Doc Watson.

History: He received his first guitar at the age of 4 - being taught by his mother to accompany her playing lap steel guitar. At the age of 7 he heard Chet Atkins on the radio. He vividly remembers this moment and says it greatly inspired him.

By the age of 9, he was a working professional musician. Recognizing the musical talents of Tommy and his brother Phil, their father created a family band, sold the family home and took his family on the road. With the family living in two station wagons, much of Emmanuel's childhood was spent touring Australia with his family, playing rhythm guitar.

After his father died in 1966, the family settled in Parkes. Tommy eventually moved to Sydney where he came to be noticed nationally when he won a string of talent contests in his teen years. By the late 70's, he was playing drums with his brother Phil in the group "Goldrush" as well doing session work on numerous albums and jingles. He gained further prominence in the late 1970's as the lead guitarist in "The Southern Star Band", the backing group for vocalist Doug Parkinson. During the early 80's, he joined the reformed lineup of leading 70's rock group "Dragon", touring widely with them, including a 1987 tour with Tina Turner. He left the group to embark on a solo career.

In 1994, he became a member of the "John Farnham Band". Australian music veteran John Farnham invited him to play guitar next to Stuart Fraser from "Noiseworks" for the Concert For Rwanda.

In 2000, Tommy and his brother Phil performed live in Sydney at the closing ceremony of the Summer Olympics Games. The event was televised worldwide with an estimated 2.85 billion viewers. When performing together the pair will sometimes share and play just one guitar with each having one hand free.

Recently, having been deeply touched by the tragic 2010 Haiti earthquake, Emmanuel announced that he would be auctioning off three guitars, that he personally played and owned, on eBay, in order to raise money to donate to UNICEF in Haiti.

While Emmanuel has never had formal music training, his playing ability has won him fans from all over the world. He is known to play percussion parts on the body of his guitar. As a solo performer he never plays to a set list and uses a minimum of effects. He usually completes recordings in one take.

Influences: Chet Atkins

Axology: Maton EBG808 custom (fitted with a pickup and an internal condenser microphone - named Mouse) and TE1 Maton dreadnought acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag - Tommy Emmanuel (The Mystery, 2006) and Sukiyaki - Tommy Emmanuel (Center Stage, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.tommyemmanuel.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lbvSBNLLoo

- Eric Clapton, Chet Atkins, Les Paul, and Joe Satriani all say that he is the best they have ever heard which is a testament to his extraordinary abilities.

Prisa (Dead Squad/Morning Star)

Name: Prisa Adinda Arini Rianzi
Born: 6th January, 1988 (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Profile: She is one of the few female guitarist in Indonesia, and was famously known after featuring in one of J-Rocks' song 'Kau Curi Lagi'. She is a young talented musician, singer and guitarist.

History: While staying at her high school's female dormitory, she started to play guitar (coincidentally), using a friend's guitar. Eventually, after been scolded many times by the guitar owner she was determined to took guitar lesson.

In early 2000's, Prisa was known to the underground scene with the all female heavy metal band "Zala". It was in 2006, where her band and Prisa, herself, make success in the Indonesian music industry, after she was offered to model and as a spoke person for 'Gitaris.com' in events and media conferences.

On June 2006, Prisa joined guitarist Stevie Item (Andra & The Backbone) to formed a new band called "Dead Squad". On July, the same year, she collaborated with Indonesian virtuoso Eet Sjahranie and his band "EdanE" at PRJ. Prisa also signed a 2 year contract as additional guitarist and backing vocal for "Sheila On 7's" album 'Band Sejuta Copy', and followed the band's tour in Indonesia and Malaysia.

In 2007, Prisa featured in "J-Rocks'" song 'Kau Curi Lagi' as a vocalist and guitarist for their second album. A few months later, she released her debut album. Prisa also had a side project band called "Morning Star", in this band she mainly sang and used acoustic guitar.

On July 2007, Prisa was endorse by Jackson guitars for their Jackson DKMG Arch Top. It was a phenomenal moment for every Indonesian musician because she was the first and only guitarist in Indonesia to be endorse by Jackson guitars. In 2008, Prisa released her second solo album entitled 'Muka Dua'.

Influences: Slayer, John Mayer, Mick Thompson, Steve Vai, God Forbid, Trivium, Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, Megadeth, Unearth, Lamb of God and The Black Dahlia Murder

Axology: Gibson DKMG Archtop, Jackson USA Randy Rhoads RR1, Fender Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton signature series, Jackson Flathead Custom Shop, Martin acoustic X Series, Line 6 POD XT Live and Roland Cube 30 amplifiers

Signature song(s): Kau Curi Lagi - J-Rocks (Spirit, 2007) and Muka Dua - Prisa (Muka Dua, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.prisarianzi.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIzSFqxP5AU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UagchMYV4Ys&feature=related