Suzzana Owiyo

Name: Suzanna Owiyo
Born: Unknown (Kasaye village, Nyakach, Kenya)

Profile: She is a Kenyan musician. A singer-songwriter, and Owiyo has been called as "the Tracy Chapman of Africa".

History: Owiyo was introduced to music at a tender age by her grandfather who was a prolific Nyatiti player.

In high school, she helped her school to win many trophies during the provincial and national music festivals. In 1998, after high school, Owiyo joined a Nairobi based singer Sally Oyugi as a backup vocalist, and 2 years later she parted ways with Sally to team up with a local band in Nairobi; "Bora Bora sound" and later on went back to sing in Kisumu. It was here that a young business entrepreneur with a keen ear for music spotted her talent and offered her, her first guitar. She then went back to Nairobi and undertook music lessons at the Kenya Conservatoire of Music.

It was while preparations were being made for the centennial celebrations of the city of Kisumu, that Owiyo was requested to compose a theme song for the opening ceremony. In front of a capacity crowd of 60,000 people 'Kisumu 100' was born and immediate success followed; a prolonged applause and a standing ovation.

Owiyo then decided to work on an album with Kenyan music producer Tedd Josiah. The album, which received great success on the radio, won her a nomination in the Kora Awards 2002 in the 'Most Promising Female Artist category'. The same album won her a Kisima Awards for the Most Promising Female Artist of 2003. Her new single 'Sandore' and the video clip with a powerful message on child labour was also a success.

In 2003, Owiyo represented her country at the Kenyan Festival in Paris, and in August the same year she represented East Africa at the Pan-African music Festival in Brazzaville where she sang alongside Youssou N’dour, Koffi Olomide and Rebecca Malope among other African greats.

In 2004, she performed at the Festival Mundial in Tilburg, Holland, and Owiyo beat a host of African artistes to clinch the single berth reserved for a female African artiste to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, where she performed with her band, and also performed the song 'Imagine' with artistes such as Cyndi Lauper, Andrea Bocelli, Chris Botti, Patti Labelle and Baba Maal.

In 2007, Owiyo was part of the Divas of The Nile supergroup, that featured four Kenyan female musicians. The others were Mercy Myra, Achieng Abura and Princess Jully. The group performed at the Festival Mundial. In 2008, she performed at the Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concert in London and performed again at the WOMEX festival. She is among the Kenyan artistes who have been sponsored by the Alliance Française in Nairobi.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Acoustic guitar and other traditional African instruments

Signature song(s): Sandore - Suzzana Owiyo (2002)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvwUXbp7S5g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIpvI8D_dco

Anastasia Bardina

Name: Anastasia Bardina
Born: Unknown

Profile: She is a Russian classical guitarist and graduated from the Russian Academy of Music. Bardina is the only virtuoso guitarist in Russia who plays both the 7-string Russian guitar and the 6-string Classical guitar. She also plays the 12-string GRAN Guitar (Guitar Russian Acoustically New) which is similar to a Classical guitar but has six light steel strings and six nylon strings with the steel strings lower in relation to the soundboard.

History: Her interest in music started when she was still young, and Bardina joined the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music (class of Professor A. Frauchi), just to pursue her dreams to be a classical musician.

After her graduation, Bardina is actively participating in numerous Russian and International Festivals. She always has enormous success with her solo concerts in countries such as Hungary, Poland, Austria, Cuba, Czech Republic, China, Mongolia, Latvia, Estonia, Belorussia and Ukraine.

Although she is not well-known in the West, Anastasia Bardina is one of the best classical guitar players in the world. In every of her concerts, she can be seen using his trademark 7-string classical guitar, though this instrument has been forgotten during several of decades. However, during the last several years, Russian and foreign musicians got highly interested with this instrument and therefore Bardina's concerts became especially valuable.

Bardina also perfectly plays six-string guitars and in her concerts she combines the masterpieces of world guitar art and the unique repertoire of Russian classics, which she tenderly saved and now shares with the audience. Today, Bardina is the constant member of jury on International and Russian competitions.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: 7-strings Russian guitar and the 12-strings GRAN guitar

Signature song(s): The Moth - Anastasia Bardina (GRAN-d Surprise, 1996)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdlYEoIMMp8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N80lAebLVrA&feature=related

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

"Harmony is the best word to describe the creative look of Anastasia Bardina" - World of Guitar Magazine.

Patti Smith (Blue Öyster Cult)

Name: Patricia Lee Smith
Born: 30th December, 1946 (Chicago, Illinois, USA)

Profile: She is an American singer-songwriter, poet and visual artist, who became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 début album 'Horses', and was called the 'Godmother of Punk', she integrated the beat poetry performance style with three-chord rock. Smith's most widely known song is 'Because the Night', which was co-written with Bruce Springsteen and reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978.

History: As a young girl, she got interested in music in an early stage, and in 1969 she went to Paris with her sister and started busking and doing performance art. When she returned to New York in the early 70's, she spent most of her time painting, writing, and performing.

Smith was briefly considered for the lead singer position in "Blue Öyster Cult". She contributed lyrics to several of the band's songs, including 'Debbie Denise', 'Fire of Unknown Origin' and 'Shooting Shark'. During these years, Smith also wrote rock journalism, some of which was published in Rolling Stone magazine and Creem magazine.

By 1974, Smith was performing rock music herself, initially with guitarist and rock archivist Lenny Kaye, and later with a full band comprising Kaye, Ivan Kral (bass), Jay Dee Daugherty (drums) and Richard Sohl (piano), and named the band as "Patti Smith Group" or "PSG". Financed by Sam Wagstaff, the band recorded a first single, 'Hey Joe/Piss Factory' in 1974.

In 1975, "PSG" was signed by Arista Records, and released their first album 'Horses'. The album fused punk rock and spoken poetry and begins with a cover of Van Morrison's 'Gloria'. As the popularity of punk rock grew, "PSG" toured the US and Europe. The rawer sound of the group's second album, 'Radio Ethiopia', reflected this, and several of its songs from the second album have stood the test of time, and Smith still performs them regularly in concert.

Through most of the 80's, Smith was in semi-retirement from music, but in 1988, she released the album 'Dream of Life', which included the song 'People Have the Power'. In 1994, Smith faced the unexpected death of her brother Todd and "PSG" original keyboard player Richard Sohl. After the impact of these deaths, her friend Michael Stipe (REM) urged her to go back out on the road, and she toured briefly with Bob Dylan in 1995.

In 1996, Smith worked with her long-time colleagues to record 'Gone Again', featuring 'About a Boy', a tribute to Kurt Cobain (Nirvana). Smith was a fan of Cobain, but was more angered than saddened by his death. That same year she collaborated with "Stipe" on 'E-Bow the Letter', and a song on "REM"s 'New Adventures in Hi-Fi', which she has also performed live with the band. After release of 'Gone Again', Smith had recorded two new albums: 'Peace and Noise' in 1997 and Gung Ho in 2000.

In 2005, Smith was named a 'Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres' by the French Ministry of Culture. In addition to her influence on rock music, the Minister also noted Smith's appreciation of Arthur Rimbaud. In 2007, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She dedicated her award to the memory of her late husband, Fred, and gave a performance of "The Rolling Stones" staple 'Gimme Shelter'. As the closing number of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Smith's 'People Have the Power' was used for the big celebrity jam that always ends the program.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender guitars

Signature song(s): Gloria - Patti Smith (Horses, 1975)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3coSfks4rQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cppyn-u3Djw&feature=related

Tanya Donelly (Throwing Muses/Belly)

Name: Tanya Donelly
Born: 14th July, 1966 (Newport, Rhode Island, USA)

Profile: She is an American Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist based in New England who co-founded "Throwing Muses". She is best known as lead vocalist and songwriter for "Belly"'.

History: At age 8, she met with Kristin Hersh in school and their quickly becoming close friends. Eventually, Donelly's father later married Hersh's mother.

Around the age of 14, Hersh's and Donelly's fathers both gave them their own guitars and they initially started playing along with "The Beatles" songs. Soon after, the two started to play along with songs written by Hersh's musical father and then began to write original songs of their own. At age 15, Donelly and Hersh founded "Throwing Muses".

Throughout the 80's, Donelly worked as lead guitarist and secondary vocalist/songwriter, complementing the work of band leader Hersh. In 1986, the band did recording albums for the British 4AD label. Although the band's work generally employed complex rhythms and offbeat chord structures, Donelly has said she eventually accepted that her compositions were simpler and had 'more traditional songwriting sensibilities' than Hersh's, by the last two years she worked in the band. Some of her tunes from this period include 'Green', 'Dragonhead' and 'Angel'.

In 1990, Donelly had additionally begun working in a side project called "The Breeders" with Kim Deal (Pixies). Working with this band increased Donelly's versatility as a guitarist. In 1991, after the released of "Throwing Muses" album 'The Real Ramona', Donelly officially left the band and founded "Belly", as guitarist, vocalist and songwriter.

In 1993, "Belly" released the 'Star' LP, the album soon peaked at #2 on the UK music charts and featured, 'Feed the Tree', which quickly rated at #1. In 1995, the band released, 'King'. Though critically well-received, this album did not match the commercial success of 'Star'. The band officially broke up in 1996.

After "Belly" was disbanded, Donelly put together a group of musicians to tour internationally with, just prior to her first solo release, the 'Sliding & Diving' EP. Included on the tour were bassist Dean Fisher (husband) and drummer Stacy Jones (Letters to Cleo).

In 2004, Donelly released 'Whiskey Tango Ghosts', an acoustic album laced with Rich Gilbert's pedal steel guitar touches. The album's lyrics explored, in part, marital relationships and family life. Donelly has said the album's minor-key tone was influenced by 'a horrible war, a horrible administration, a bleak, mean winter'.

Influences: Marc Ribot, Leonard Cohen, Lucinda Williams, Joan Wasser, Robyn Hitchcock, Nina Simone, Kristin Hersh, "Dambuilders", "Pixies", "Count Zero" and "The Beatles"

Axology: Campbell American guitar - Tanya Donelly signature model and Fender Telecaster Thinline

Signature song(s): Feed the Tree - Belly (Star LP, 1993)


Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EkoG75W9NY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpwqcR-lHuY&feature=PlayList&p=57C21F566D771728&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=3

Eva Fampas

Name: Eva Fampas
Born: 4th June, 1964 (Athens, Greece)

Profile: She is a Greek guitarist and a music teacher. She was described as 'a great musical personality' by Morning Talk Newspaper. Fampas is also regarded as one of the world's most gifted artists, with performances noted for coupling deep musicality, passion and an exceptional virtuosity.

History: Fampas was born into a musical family and started playing the guitar very young under the instruction of her father Dimitri Fampas, the very famous Greek composer, guitarist and professor. Her first participation in concert was at the age of 12, with the D. Fampas' famous guitar school.

Fampas was a brilliant graduate of the National Conservatory of Athens, she studied with outstanding professors such as; Dimitris Dragatakis (composer), Theodore Antoniou (composer-maestro), Leo Brouwer (guitarist-composer), master-classes given by: Ruggero Chiesa, Robert Vidal, John Duarte and Pepe Romero.

In 1981, Fampas won at first place on the 16th International Guitar competition (Guitar Academy of Milan), followed by a medal by Athens Municipality in 1984, for her participation in the celebrations-Athens 150 years capital of Greece - organized by the Greek Writers' Association and the Cultural Center of Athens Municipality.

Fampas has performed hundreds of recitals and concerts in more than 25 countries in Europe, Asia, America Latina and Africa with great success, she maintains a very active concert schedule and she is in great demand as a recitalist, soloist, chamber musician and pedagogue. Newspapers, magazines, National and International TV and radio stations around the world have honored her accomplishments with portraits, interviews and extensive articles.

In 2004, Fampas premiered the FOR EVA guitar concerto by Yiu-Kwong Chung and the Baiao Lunar, two new works dedicated to her, with Athens State Orchestra conducted by Costis Papazoglou at the MELINA Athens' cultural center. In 2008, she premiered the orchestrated by Andersen Viana, GREEK SUITE with the Athens Municipality Symphony Orchestra conducted by Michalis Economou at the Byzantine Museum of Athens. This concert was repeated at the Technopolis cultural centre of Athens due to the great success of the premiere and to audience's demand.

Her virtuoso repertoire, very melodic and exciting, with traditional, ethnic and contemporary influences, includes a substantial amount of works by Greek composers as well as music from the Baroque era to the present century. Her passionate and powerful interpretations of Greek music frequently receive ovations from both the press and the audiences.

In addition to her other activities she is frequently invited to be member of the jury in guitar competitions as well as in competitions for compositions for guitar, to give lectures and master-classes in Academic Conferences, Musical Institutions and Guitar festivals around the world. Presently she reworks and supervises the publication of Dimitris Fampas' guitar music books. She is also the author/composer of the educational book - melodic lessons, the most joyful guitar method for children and of various award winning short pieces for children.

Eva Fampas is the Founder and President of the Guitar Friends' Association DIMITRI FAMPAS, a non profit cultural society, which is dedicated to serving her father personality and music, to celebrate guitar excellence and to encourage and promote young talented guitarists and the Greek music.

Influences: Dimitri Fampas (father)

Axology: Unknown

Signature song(s): Ravines  - Eva Fampas (Eva Fampas plays Fampas, 2005)

Link(s):

http://www.evafampas.gr/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW0WLUm_vjE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwQqua5rn8g&feature=related

Filomena Moretti

Name: Filomena Moretti
Born: 1973 (Sassari, Italy)

Profile: She is an Italian classical guitarist, graduated from the Sassari Conservatoire and was awarded the first prize.

History: Moretti was given her first guitar when she was 5. It was love at first sight and the passion grew with the years. Early learning and practice with the masters, something she never stopped doing – to this day she follows Julian Bream’s guidance.

In the early 80's, she continued her studies with Ruggero Chiesa, and won several international competitions; Premier Prix at the Competition Cagliari (1991), Second Prix at the International Competition of Sassari (1992), Second Prix at the Competition Fernando Sor de Rome (1993) and Premier Prix at the Competition de l’A.R.A.M (1996).

In 1993, she obtained a grant to pursue her studies with Oscar Ghihlia at the Chiagana Academy in Sienne, and took part in several master-classes with A. Diaz, D. Russel, J. Bream, J. Tomas and M. Barrueco. After her studies, Moretti performed with leading orchestras. Her extensive repertoire includes the most important guitar and orchestras concertos.

In 1999, she toured Italy with the renowned Lucero Tena, and was also invited by the Verdi Conservatoire in Milan. In June 1999, she performed the Giuliani Concerto with the "Societa dei Concerti" at the Verdi Conservatoire in Milan. In France, she has appeared at the TransClassiques at La Cigale in Paris, at the Flâneries Musicales in Reims, at the Festivals de Radio France in Montpellier, at the Young Soloist Festival in Antibes. Her concerts have been broadcasted on Muzzik and Mezzo TV channels. She has also been invited by FRANCE 2 channel.

Moretti has recorded two CD's for Phoenix and Stradivarius labels. The released of the Integral for solo guitar by Joaquin Rodrigo under the Stradivarius label, Moretti caused her to be on the front page of the Italian magazine Classica. In 1998, she received the 'Golden Guitar' for her recording of Fernando Sor under the Stradivarius label. For Transart UK label, she recorded two volumes of J.S. Bach's lute works transcribed for guitar

With her warm and deep sounds, the richness and variety of her musical palette and her skilful transpositions, Moretti already demonstrated at the Théâtre des Abbesses how she could wrench us from ourselves; she created a unique fusion between interpreter and audience. Beside transpositions of pieces by Scarlatti and Bach, she will play scores by Italian composer Regondi, by Mertz the Austrian, Mangoré the Paraguayan and Fernand Sor the Spaniard.

Influences: JS Bach

Axology: Unknown

Signature song(s): Asturias - Filomena Moretti (Extrait De Suite Espanola)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB-CuSj9IhM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6rOPAoTgaQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1wRK5ILVTE&feature=related

Kaori Muraji

Name: Muraji Kaori (村治 佳織)
Born: 14th April, 1978 (Tokyo, Japan)

Profile: She is a Japanese classical guitarist, and the first Japanese artist to have signed an exclusive international contract with Decca Music Group. She is considered as one of the most prominent classical guitarists of today, and her challenges and activities are always regarded with keen interest by the entire classical music community.

History: Kaori received her first lessons on the guitar from her father Noboru Muraji at the age of 3. From 10, she continued her studies with the renowned guitarist Shinichi Fukuda. From quite early on, her presence was dominant in competitions, winning the 1989 Junior Guitar Competition, and the 1991 the Student Guitar Competition for all categories.

In 1992, Kaori won both the Leo Brower International Guitar Competition (Tokyo) and the Tokyo International Guitar Competition. In 1993, she gave her debut recital at Tsuda Hall in Tokyo, which was soon followed by the release of her debut CD 'Espressivo'. Her orchestra debut came in 1994 with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 1995 she joined Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI as soloist in Turin. This concert, which was broadcasted on TV throughout Europe, marked her European debut.

Kaori continued on with her musical education, and in 1997 she went to study under Albert Ponce at Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris. In 1999, she had the extraordinary opportunity to perform for the legendary Joaquin Rodrigo's compositions, 'Tiento antigno' and 'En los trigales'. With her graduation from Ecole Normale that year, she returned to Japan to vigorously pursue her solo career. She performed with the major orchestras of Japan, including the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and gained a wide national following.

In the meantime, Kaori’s musical world continued to expand: her first chamber music collaboration came in 2000 when she joined the Vogler Quartet on their Japan tour, and her long time wish to perform in other Asian countries was realized as she gave her first Korean recital at the Seoul Arts Center.

Kaori’s international relationships continued to flourish. In 2006/07 season, Kaori participated in La Folle Journee de Nantes, had some recitals in west coast of USA. In 2008/09 season, Kaori toured in Japan and Korea with Bachochester des Gewandhauses zu Leipzig and Orchestre de Chambre National de Toulouse. In April 2009, she invited the Spanish orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia as a soloist of their subscription concert.

Influences: Shinichi Fukuda

Axology: Unknown

Signature song(s): The Summer Knows (Theme from "The Summer of 42') - Kaori Muraji (Lumieres, 2006) and Jongo - Kaori Muraji (Portrait, 2010)

Link(s):

http://www.musicachiara.com/dulcinea/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq3rSwX4QHM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF-0fqRDhXY

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

Jewel

Name: Jewel Kilcher
Born: 23rd May, 1974 (Payson, Utah, USA)

Profile: She is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actress, and poet. She has sold 27 million albums worldwide, and almost 20 million in the US alone.

History: Jewel learned to play guitar while at the 'Interlochen Arts Academy' in Michigan, where she majored in operatic voice. She started writing songs at the age of 16. In her early teens she and her father sometimes earned a living by singing in bars and taverns. It was from these experiences she learned to yodel, a quality demonstrated in many of her songs.

For a time, she was poverty-stricken and lived in her van while traveling about the country doing street performances and small gigs. She gained some recognition by singing at the 'Innerchange Coffeehouse' and 'Java Joe's' in San Diego, California.

She was discovered in 1993, when John Hogan (Rust), whom Inga Vainshtein was managing at the time, called to tell her about a girl surfer who sang at a local coffee shop. Vainshtein drove to the coffee shop with a rep from Atlantic Records. Danny Goldberg (head of Atlantic Record) offered to pay for Jewel to record some of her songs. Jewel's debut album, 'Pieces of You', was released when she was only 19 in 1995. The album stayed on the Billboard 200 for an impressive 2 years, reaching #4 at its peak.

In 2008, Jewel began work on a project with several dozen singer-songwriters to write and auction their lyrics with donations benefiting her 'Project Clean Water' charity. Many singers and songwriters besides herself have donated their written lyrics such as; Carrie Underwood and Pussycat Dolls, to name a few. The majority of the lyrics were written on paper, signed by the songwriter and also drew pictures to illustrate their lyrics.

In 2010, Jewel released a new single, 'Stay Here Forever'. It is also the lead-off single to Jewel's upcoming ninth studio album 'Sweet and Wild'. The single debuted at #58 on the Hot Country Songs chart and reached #34 in May 2010.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Martin acoustic guitars

Signature song(s): You Were Meant for Me and Foolish Games - Jewel (Pieces of You, 1995)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW6QrCaRrmY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9abuQVho5I

Joan Jett (The Runaways/The Blackhearts)

Name: Joan Marie Larkin
Born: 22nd September, 1958 (Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, USA)

Profile: She is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and actress. She is best known for her work with "Joan Jett & the Blackhearts" including their hit cover 'I Love Rock 'n Roll' which was #1 on the Billboard charts in 1982.

History: In her teens, Jett would sneak out at night to go to concerts with friends. She got her first guitar for Christmas from her father at the age of 13 (after she heard songs like 'Bang a Gong' and 'All Right Now' in the radio) and she mostly spent time after that writing songs. When her family moved to West Covina, LA, Jett took the opportunity to pursue her musical endeavors.

Jett is a founding member of "The Runaways" along with drummer Sandy West. Micki Steele, Jackie Fox, Lita Ford and Cherie Currie completed the line-up. While Currie initially fronted the band, Jett shared some lead vocals, played rhythm guitar and wrote or co-wrote a lot of the band's material along with Ford, West and Currie. The band recorded five LPs, with 'Live In Japan' becoming one of the biggest-selling imports in US and UK history.

While "The Runaways" were popular in Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada and South America, they could not garner the same level of success in the US. Altogether they produced five albums from 1975 until they disbanded in spring of 1979.

In 1979, Jett launched a solo career, first in England, then New York and finally back in Los Angeles, where she met producer Kenny Laguna. Laguna helped Jett put together a self-titled album that was rejected by more than 20 major record labels. Undeterred, Jett started Blackheart Records and thus became the first woman to own her own label.

Jett formed her next band, the "Blackhearts", with the help of Laguna. The group played several gigs in local California venues before hitting the road on a European tour, including the Netherlands and the Marqee in London. Upon return to US, the group developed quite a following, particularly in New York. Laguna and Jett decided to press some albums and sold them out of the trunk of their cars after each concert. Soon, demand was overwhelming and it was time to find a new label.

Casablanca Records signed Jett and re-released her album as 'Bad Reputation'. "Joan Jett and the Blackhearts" continued to tour and record and released the album 'I Love Rock and Roll'. Jett had become a hot commodity, with several Top 40 hits and sold out shows with "The Police", "Queen" and "Aerosmith". In 1987, Jett was selected out to appear opposite Michael J. Fox in the movie, 'Light of Day', in which she received critical acclaim.

Her musical and songwriting approach is heavily influenced by the hard-edged, hard beat-driven rhythms common to many rock bands of her native Philadelphia, often featuring lyrics surrounding themes of lost love, criticisms of insincerity, the quest for authenticity, the struggles and resolutions of the American working class.

Influences: T-Rex, Free and Suzi Quatro

Axology: Gibson Les Paul

Signature song(s): Crimson and Clover and I Hate Myself for Loving You - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (I Love Rock 'n Roll, 1981)

Link(s):

http://greatesthits.joanjett.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdhonK8NMm8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euY1XFK1118&feature=player_embedded

"I grew up in a world that told girls they couldn't play Rock 'n Roll... girls have got balls. They're just a little higher up that's all" - Joan Jett

Miki Berenyi (Lush)

Name: Miki Berenyi
Born: 18th March, 1967 (London, UK)

Profile: She is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. She was the lead singer of now disbanded group "Lush". She is mixed Japanese and Hungarian parentage, and currently she works for a magazine as a sub-editor.

History: Berenyi actually did not learn guitar formally, she just started to play guitar after forming "Lush" in 1988. At the age of 14, Berenyi met her friend and future bandmate, Emma Anderson. They became interested in music and together wrote the music fanzine 'Alphabet Soup'. Berenyi first music instrument was bass guitar while she was with the band, "The Bugs" and later went on to play with "I-Goat", "Fuhrer Five", and "the Lillies".

In 1988, Berenyi studied English literature at North London Polytechnic, where she met Emma Anderson (guitar) and Meriel Barham (vocal), and they decided to form their own band. When Barham left, the remaining members of "Lush" placed ads in local papers looking for Barham's replacement, but they could not find the singer they wanted, and Berenyi took over the vocals.

By 1990's, "Lush" supported opening tours for "Loop" and the "Darling Buds". Throughout those year, the band's reputation in the British music press began to grow as they released the acclaimed EP's 'Mad Love' and 'Sweetness and Light', played high-profile gigs like the 'Glastonbury Festival', and became favorites of the music weeklies' gossip columns.

'Gala', an album compiling their three EPs, became the band's first American release at the end of 1990. "Lush" spent most of 1991 recording their debut album, releasing the 'Black Spring' EP in the spring and their debut album, 'Spooky' in 1992, reaching the British Top Ten and topping the U.K. indie charts.

After "Lush" disbanded, Berenyi appeared as guest on "The Rentals" album 'Seven More Minutes'. Miki has also contributed vocals to a remix of a 'Flat 7' track by Robin Guthrie and appearing on four tracks as a guest vocalist for "Seinking Ships" on their debut album released in 2008.

Influences: Unknwon

Axology: Gibson Firebird guitar, Epiphone Riviera 12-String electric guitar and Marshall 1960B

Signature song(s): Single Girl - Lush (Lovelife, 1996)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9tcEuUWuhc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2qbMP4YSu0

Poison Ivy Rorschach (The Cramps)

Name: Kristy Marlana Wallace
Born: 20th February, 1953 (San Bernardino, California, USA)

Profile: She is an American musician, songwriter and an actress. Ivy is famously known for her guitar works and founding member of the American garage punk band "The Cramps". Ivy was married to "The Cramps" singer Lux Interior, whom she had been with for 37 years, until his death on 4th February, 2009.

History: Ivy started to play guitar in her early teens but didn't take it seriously. At the age of 19, Ivy met young Erik Lee Purkhiser (Lux Interior) during a college course on art and shamanism, Purkhiser would later become her husband. Deciding that both of their birth name weren't quite edgy enough, the duo decided to change their names and form a punk band that would later come to change the style and sound of Rock & Roll.

After dubbing themselves "The Cramps", the both of them traveled and ultimately ended up in New York City. The band are noted as influencing a number of musical styles; not only are they one of the first garage punk bands but also by being the first known band to blend punk rock with rockabilly, "The Cramps" are widely recognized as one of the prime innovators of psychobilly, and they inspired many of the early goth rock bands.

Her stage persona is best defined by as being the bad-girl vixen from next door, this is underlined by the sexually explicit cover-art which she has frequently posed for the band's albums.

In 2009, after her husband's death, the group naturally disbanded, leaving Ivy without a lover and without a band. However, Ivy remains an inspiration for many reasons to the past, present, and future punk rockers of the world. Her unique sense of fashion, combined with her ability to wail on the guitar is the stuff that legends are made of. She did what she want, how she wanted, without worrying about appealing to a mass audience.

Influences: Link Wray

Axology: vintage Gretch hollow body guitar, 1958 Gretch Chet Atkins 6120 guitar and vintage Fenders amplifiers

Signature song(s): Monkey with Your Tail - The Cramps (Big Beat from Badsville, 1997)

Link(s):

http://www.thecramps.com (The Cramps' official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCQ4QLFl01g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrbTkNwbUz8

Juliana Hatfield (Blake Babies/Some Girls)

Name: Juliana Hatfield
Born: 27th July, 1967 (Wiscasset, Maine, USA)

Profile: She is an American guitarist/singer-songwriter and author from the Boston area, formerly of the indie rock bands "Blake Babies" and "Some Girls".

History: She acquired a love of rock music during the 70's, having been introduced by a babysitter to the music of the LA punk rock band "X", which proved a life-changing experience. She was also attracted to the music of more mainstream artists like Olivia Newton-John and "The Police", perhaps explaining the contrast in her later music between sweet, melodic pop songs and more hard rock oriented material.

Visualizing herself as a singer since her high school years, where she sang in school choirs and briefly played in a cover band called "The Squids", which played "Rush" songs.

After high school, Hatfield attended Berklee College of Music in Boston as a piano student, in the hope of finding a band with which to sing. There she soon met Freda Boner (Freda Love) and John Strohm, forming the "Blake Babies" with them in 1986, at the age of 19. The band, with which she sang and played bass guitar, was signed to 'Mammoth Records' and received a fair amount of airplay on college radio through the early 90's. The group toured the US several times, performed in Europe, and made several music videos.

Although the group's early work was essentially punk-oriented, they quickly settled into a sunny, melodic, and slightly jangly pop style reminiscent in style of early "REM" and Neil Young. Hatfield and Strohm shared songwriting credits and often sang together in harmony or octaves, creating a memorable "boy-girl" sound rarely encountered in rock.

Hatfield began her solo career following the "Blake Babies" breakup in 1991, releasing her first solo album 'Hey Babe' in 1992. The album was one of the highest selling independent albums. Hatfield recruited a rhythm section consisting of Todd Phillips and bassist Dean Fisher, and thus becoming "The Juliana Hatfield Three".

In 2001, she joined with Freda Love and Heidi Gluck to form the trio "Some Girls", with which she performs in addition to her solo work; the group has toured the US twice and has released two albums. The trio is another outlet for Hatfield's more lighthearted material. Their first album, entitled 'Feel It', was released in 2003. The lead single 'Necessito' is a funky affirmation of the power of music, sung in a mixture of English and Spanish. "Some Girls" second album, 'Crushing Love', was released in 2006.

In 2005, Hatfield toured the US with the band "X", whom she idolized during her teenage years. In 2006, Hatfield released her first live album 'The White Broken Line: Live Recordings', the album featured performances from her tour with "X". Hatfield's latest album, 'Peace & Love' was released on 16th February, 2010. The album's composition, arrangement, performance, production, engineering and mixing is solely credited to Hatfield.

Influences: Neil Young, Olivia Newton-John, X, The Stooges, the MC5, The Police and The Replacements

Axology: Gibson Les Paul Standard and Gibson SG

Signature song(s): My Sister - The Juliana Hatfield Three (Become What You Are,1993) and Necessito - Some Girls (Feel It, 2003)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc7qCdy3Bc4

Ruyter Suys (Nashville Pussy)

Name: Unknown (Ruyter Suys - pronounced Rider Sighs)
Born: 5th November, 1967 (Canada)

Profile: She is a Canadian musician, mostly known as the lead guitarist for American hard rock band "Nashville Pussy" and the wife of guitarist Blaine Cartwright (former "Nine Pound Hammer").

History: She started to learn guitar ever since she heard her favorite 70's rock bands, such as Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, to name a few, and wanted to be a professional musician one day, touring the world with her music. She also claims that the reason she plays guitar is because of Courtney Love (Hole), not as an idol, but the opposite reasons.

In 1996, Suys and Cartwright (husband) formed a new band called "Nashville Pussy" after the breakup of "Nine Pound Hammer", where her husband played as a guitarist. With "Nashville Pussy", Cartwright would take up vocal duties while Suys plays lead guitar.

The band has remained largely underground, however gaining a large cult following in Europe, Australia and Japan. The band has a modest fanbase. Grassroots promotion of the band has been aided by their taper-friendly show recording policy.

'ELLE' magazine voted Ruyter Suys as 'One of the Greatest Female Electric Guitarists'.

On 25th March 2010, "Nashville Pussy" will embark on the 'Parental Advisory Tour' with "Green Jelly" and the cult comedy metal band "Psychostick".

Influences: Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Iggy Pop, ZZ Top, Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, Motorhead and ABBA

Axology: Gibson SG

Signature song(s): Fried Chicken And Coffee - Nashville Pussy (Let Them Eat Pussy, 1998)

Link(s):

http://www.nashvillepussy.com (Nashville Pussy's official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVCcTblh4Tw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yay27KbacLY

"...good old-fashioned, humping-in-the-back-seat-of-a-car Rock ’n Roll" - Ruyter Suys

Kelley Deal (The Breeders/tkd6k)

Name: Kelley Deal
Born: 10th June, 1961 (Dayton, Ohio, USA)

Profile: She is an American multi-talented musician, composer, lead guitarist for "The Breeders" and the identical twin sister of musician Kim Deal. She also specializes in knitted handbags, which she sells on her official website.

History: Her love in music started when she was still in her early teens, where Kelley and her twin sister Kim formed the first line-up of "The Breeders" while in their late teens, with Kim on acoustic guitar, Kelley on bass, and both girls singing. They both had an opportunity to join the "Pixies" in the mid 80's, with Kim on bass and Kelley on drums (for just a brief of time).

In 1992, Kelley joined "The Breeders" (after Kim Deal and Tanya Donelly formed the second line-up of the band in 1989) as guitarist, even though she didn't really know how to play. In 1993, the album 'Last Splash' was released, the band toured opening for "Nirvana" and also got a slot on the 'Lollapalooza' tour in 1994.

In early 90's, Kelly started the "The Kelley Deal 6000" (tkd6k). She began writing her own songs, which appear in her band's set, while her sister was back home in Dayton playing in her new band "The Amps". "tkd6k" released two albums on Kelley's 'Nice Records label', their first debut album was 'Go To The Sugar Altar' in 1996 and 'Boom! Boom! Boom!' in 1997.

In 1997, Kelly also joined the "Last Hard Men" with vocalist Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), drummer Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins) and Jimmy Flemion (The Frogs). She played bass for them and they recorded an album, but it was not released until 2001 because they could not find a label that would release it.

She also co-wrote and played guitar on "Magnetophone" and performed duets with Kris Kristofferson and "Supersuckers".

Kelley teamed back up with her twin sister Kim in the late 90's, and began recording new demos for "The Breeders". With a new line up, they released 'Title TK' in 2002, which features three songs recorded in 1999, where the Deal sisters played all the instruments. In 2008, "The Breeders" released 'Mountain Battles'.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Les Paul Deluxe and Fender Statocaster

Signature song(s): Safari - The Breeders (1992) and Dammit - tkd6k (Go to the Suger Altar, 1996)

Link(s):

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBd47GOL0oY

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

Jennifer Batten

Name: Jennifer Batten
Born: 28th November, 1957

Profile: She is an American guitarist and songwriter, has worked as both a session musician and a solo artist. Jennifer are famously known as a lead and rhythm guitarist on Michael Jackson's 'Bad', 'Dangerous' and 'HIStory' tours.

History: She started to play guitar in her teens where at one point she was in 6 different bands, playing everything from straight ahead rock, to metal, fusion, and funk. A major turning point came when she was selected from over 100 guitarists to play in Michael Jackson's highly skilled band which toured the world for one and a half years playing for over four and a half million people.

Jennifer wasted no time after the 'Bad' Tour's grand finale, diving into work on her own album with renown producer Michael Sembello. The stunning results can be heard on 'Above, Below, and Beyond', the title appropriately describing the interesting diversity within.

Shortly after the record's release in 1992, she was asked again to join Michael Jackson (MJ) for his upcoming 'Dangerous Tour'. In early 1993, she joined MJ to partake in Superbowl XXVII's half time entertainment which aired to one and half billion people in 80 nations. It was the largest audience in television history.

She completed her second solo record 'Jennifer Batten's Tribal Rage~Momentum', just before she was again asked to join MJ for his 2 year world tour supporting his double album 'HIStory' in 1997.

Jennifer's 'Tribal Rage' project took a much different direction than her first record and is heavily influenced by world music. It is a hybrid of rock and very exotic sounds, including African percussion, Australian didgeridoo, Caribbean steel drums and Scottish bag pipes.

In 1998, Jeff Beck asked Jennifer to join his band. They joined forces for 3 years doing 2 albums which were both supported by world tours.

Influences: Jeff Beck, Joe Diorio, Eddie Van Halen, George Lynch, Steve Morse, Steve Lukather, Steve Vai, Johnny Lang and Michael Bianco.

Axology: Washburn guitars, Ibanez guitars, Adrian Belew Parker Fly, Marshall cabinet with greenbacks, Marshall EL34 100/100 Dual Mono Bloc power amp, Digitech RP 1000 and Stuart Box Doubleneck Tapping Guitars

Signature song(s): Black & White - Michael Jackson

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7TtzfVshO8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQO2fi-UJxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vOsTLyh1uE

Donna Austin

Name: Donna Austin
Born: Unknown

Profile: She is an American musician, singer and guitarist, mostly known for her blues style SRV's techniques. Her spirituality and supernova energy are a gifted quality that few possess. She is rich in diversity and master of many styles, Austin's passion and perfection are dedicated to her life's true love, music.

History: Started to play guitar in her early teens, where she will practice countless of hours with the instrument and knew that one day she will be a great musician as her idol Jimi Hendrix.

Several years ago, Austin moved to Florida and decided to make it her new home, where she had been playing in several concerts in central Florida and up and down the east coast while working on her first album project entitle 'Spirit of the Gypsy Rose'. When not on the road she is either writing, in the studio or rehearsing from 8 to 10 hours a day, but never failing to keep her high profile.

Austin is often seen out and about at some of the local concert halls, from Universal Studio's - 'Hard Rock Live', Disney's - 'House of Blues' and also TV and radio interviews, to name a few.

The music of Miss Austin captures the essence and purity of some of her great mentors in every genres, such as Jimi Hendrix (Rock) , Stevie Ray Vaughan (Blues) and Wes Montgomery (Jazz).

Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Eric Johnson, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Django Reinhardt, Tony Mottola, Tommy Garrett, Julian Bream, Carlos Montoya, Charlie Byrd, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bonnie Raitt, Roy Block, Jim McCarty, BB King and J. Winters

Axology: Fender Statocaster and her favorite guitar; a custom-made yellow Telecaster with black pickguard

Signature song(s): Sunset Strip - Donna Austin

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X14h8ypRvE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnJQtdYQj7Y&feature=related

"I meet a lot of guitar players but, Donna Austin is absolutely an awesome singer and guitar player." - Sammy Demo

Heather Nova

Name: Heather Nova
Born: 6th July, 1967 (Bermuda)

Profile: She is a singer-songwriter and poet. She has released seven full-length albums and has found lasting success in Germany where two of her albums 'South' and 'Storm' have made their way into the Top-5 of German official album chart.

History: Nova started playing guitar and violin at an early age, writing her first song when she was 12. Her family relocated to New England where she attended the Putney School in Putney, Vermont. Following her graduation in 1983, Nova enrolled at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she majored in film in 1989. She also sat in on poetry classes and wrote music to go with her student films. Later, she would forgo film study to focus on creating music.

After graduating from RISD, Nova briefly relocated to New York City (where she unsuccessfully tried to interest some major labels in a demo), before moving to London. In 1990, she released her first recording, 'Heather Frith', an EP; she had not yet changed her name. The name change came a year or so later, in an effort to create a name with more buzz.

The new name debuted in 1993 with her second EP 'Spirit in You' and her first full album, the critically acclaimed 'Glow Stars'. The success of the album led her to record and release her first live album 'Blow' the same year, which she supported by a tour of Europe.

In 1994, she released what many consider to be her finest work to date, the emotional yet jagged album 'Oyster', for which she toured for almost 2 years. 'Siren', the long-awaited album was released in 1998, after which she joined Sarah McLachlan and others on the 'North American Lilith Fair', a music festival with only female performers.

Over the years, Nova has written and recorded over 100 songs. With the release of 'South' in 2001, she returned to the international spotlight with an appearance on the soundtrack of the John Cusack movie 'Serendipity', the album followed by 'Storm' in 2003, 'Redbird' in 2005 and 'The Jasmine Flower' in 2008.

She also collaborated with the German trance artist ATB on tracks like 'Love Will Find You', 'Feel You Like A River' and 'Renegade'.

Influences: Patti Smith

Axology: Taylor acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do) - Heather Nova (Siren, 1998) and Gloomy Sunday - Heather Nova (South, 2001)

Link(s):

http://www.heathernova.com/start/menu/home/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buE0nMhyvwI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2fGWQKbX68

"One of pop's most enduring mysteries" - Sunday Times

Joni Mitchell

Name: Roberta Joan Anderson
Born: 7th November, 1943 (Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada)

Profile: She is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and painter.

History: Mitchell began singing at the age of 9, and started in small nightclubs in her native Western Canada and then busking on the streets of Toronto. As a teenager, she taught herself ukulele and, later, guitar. She began performing at parties and bonfires, which eventually led to gigs playing in coffeehouses and other venues in Saskatoon.

In the mid 60's, she left for New York City and its rich folk music scene, recording her debut album in 1968 and achieving fame first as a songwriter and then as a singer in her own right. Finally settling in Southern California, she played a key part in the folk rock movement then sweeping the musical landscape.

In 1971, her starkly personal album 'Blue', is regarded as one of the strongest and most influential records of the time. Mitchell's soprano vocals, distinctive harmonic guitar style, and piano arrangements all grew more complex through the 70's as she was deeply influenced by jazz, melding it with pop, folk and rock on experimental albums like 76's Hejira. She worked closely with jazz greats including Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock and Charles Mingus.

While some of Mitchell's most popular songs were written on piano, almost every song she composed on the guitar uses an open, or non-standard tuning; she has written songs in some 50 different tunings, which she has referred to as "Joni's weird chords." The use of alternative tunings allows more varied and complex harmonies to be produced on the guitar, without the need for difficult chord shapes. Indeed, many of her guitar songs use very simple chord shapes, but her use of alternative tunings and a highly rhythmic picking/strumming style creates a rich and unique guitar sound.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Steve Klein custom acoustic guitar and Martin D-28 acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): Both Sides Now, Big Yellow Taxi, Free Man in Paris and Hejira

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4foLKDlcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEK9yi3KS4I&feature=related

"My style is quite different. People were always telling me I was playing things wrong" - Joni Mitchell