Arlen Roth aka 'The Master of the Telecaster'

Name: Arlen Roth
Born: 1952

Profile: He is an American guitarist and a columnist from 1982 to 1992 for 'Guitar Player' magazine. He has performed with artists such as Bob Dylan, Danny Gatton, John Entwistle, John Prine, Rick Wakeman, Paul Simon, Steve Morse, Albert Lee and Phoebe Snow. Roth is a Telecaster enthusiast and has written the book 'Masters of the Telecaster', which details the techniques and licks of many famous Telecaster guitar players.

History: He started with classical guitar lessons when he was 10 years old, but most of all, he practice with his ears along the years - a well self-taught guitarist who develop his own “voice” on the guitar.

After seeing "The Beatles" made their famous first appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan show', he got an electric guitar right away - an inexpensive chromed-out Japanese 4-pickup guitar with a whammy bar. At 11, he formed a band in his Junior High School in the Bronx, and played gigs anywhere he could playing "The Beatles" tunes.

His legendary guitar prowess crosses all genres, all styles, and all types of guitar playing, including one of his specialties, slide guitar. He fluidly moves from folk and blues to country tunes, and has played some of the most resounding rock ever recorded. He is as comfortable playing an acoustic ballad.

His music and endless creativity seem to flow directly from him and no matter which guitar or style he is playing at any moment, there is an unmistakable combination of clarity, depth, and fluidity.

His first solo album won the 'Montreaux Critics' Award for Best Instrumental Album of the Year in 1978. He also coached actor Ralph Macchio in the performance of most of his guitar parts for the 1986 movie 'Crossroads'.

Since his remarkable range of talent defies distinct categorization, the best in the business call upon him when they want the best - studio musician, sideman, songwriter, author, teacher, bandleader, film consultant, or to go on tour. He also produces his own, and other artists' music.

Recently, he was a guest on 'WFAN' on the morning of 10th March, 2010. Hosts Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton alternated naming songs which Roth had to play, including Jimi Hendrix's version of the Star Spangled Banner from Woodstock. Roth also performs frequently with his younger daughter, Lexie Roth.

Influences: Buddy Guy, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles

Axology: Fender Telecaster and Gibson guitars

Signature song(s): 'Layla' and 'When a Man Loves a Woman'

Link(s):

http://arlenroth.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmuTcr7pUKM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHq8Xy3ByTU