Rusty Cooley (Revolution/Outworld)

Name: Rusty Cooley
Born: Unknown

Profile: He is a self-taught American guitarist who influenced by many styles including Jazz, Classical, Funk, Blues and even Country. His guitar works can be heard in his previous and current band such as "Revolution", "Dominion" and "Outworld", respectively.

History: Cooley received his first guitar on his 15th birthday (a Peavey T27 guitar and a Peavey Decade amp) from that day on he immersed himself in music, practicing upwards of 4 hours a day. Unsatisfied with local Instructors, he began teaching himself through instructional books and videos.

During high school, young Cooley took music theory classes and also attended the National Guitar Workshop. He performed solo guitar in high school talent shows and performed such pieces as Van Halen’s 'Eruption' and Randy Rhoads 'Revelation Mother Earth' solos. During his senior year, he was offered his first teaching job at the same store, where he had bought his first guitar.

After graduating from High School, Cooley continued studying Music Theory at the local college, as well as Music History and Class Piano. In 1989, he joined the local rock band "Revolution", the band wrote, performed and recorded all original music. They became one of Houston’s top drawing bands, and opened for national acts like "Badlands", "Nitro", "Every Mothers Nightmare", and "South Gang".

In 1992, "Revolution" released a four-song EP. "Revolution’s" music was once described as "Skid Row" meets Yngwie Malmsteen. The band made two appearances on a local TV show called 'Metallurgy' and 'Metallurgy Unplugged'. Cooley also taught guitar on a college TV show called 'Stay Tuned'. In 1993, he quit the band and started a new band called "Dominion", this new band wrote and performed locally as well but was short lived and broke up in 1995. Also, during 1995 he entered and won the 'Guitar Master Series' winning the title of 'Best Guitarist' in Houston.

In 1996, marked the beginning of a new direction, Cooley bought his first 7-string guitar and decided it was time to go for it on his own. It was during this period that he began to work on instrumental guitar compositions. These songs represented his desire to record an over-the-top guitar instrumental release featuring state of the art chops and strong melodic content. He also hosted 3 episodes of a local cable show called 'World Class Guitar Techniques', which aired in the Houston area.

In 2000, Cooley released an instructional CD 'Shred Guitar Manifesto' and gained endorsements with Jackson Guitars and Seymour Duncan pickups, and started doing guitar clinics as well. In 2001, he released two more instructional CD 'Extreme Pentatonics' and 'The Art of Picking'. Soon after, Cooley was asked to headline Jemfest in Orlando, Florida in 2002. Late that year, he had a custom 8 string guitar hand made by Bill Conklin of Conklin guitars.

In 2003, Cooley was given the honor of the '7th Fastest Shredder of all Time' in Guitar One Magazine, and not wanting to be known for shred skills alone, he and Bobby Williamson formed "Outworld", recorded its self-titled debut which was released in 2006 to both critical and artist acclaim. With the success of "Outworld’s" debut, and increasing notoriety in guitar circles, Cooley garnered a significant number of endorsements with Dean Guitars, EMG pickups and Diamond Amplification. In 2007, "Outworld" won 10,000 in a Famecast contest similar to American Idol where viewers watched and voted for the favorite artist.

Influences: Randy Rhoads, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, Allan Holdsworth, Paganini, Bach, Steve Vai, Gary Moore, Tony MacAlpine, Marty Friedman, Shawn Lane, Derek Taylor, Buckethead, Todd Duane, Scott Stine and Haji’s Kitchen and Ritchie Kotzen

Axology: Jackson guitars, Dean Rusty Cooley signature series guitar - the RC7 Xenocide and Diamond Amplifiers

Signature song(s): Under the Influence - Rusty Cooley (Rusty Cooley, 2003)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL3RJ4B349o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6frmbC3pdTs&feature=related

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.

Erros Candra (Sheila On 7/Jagostu)

Name: Eross Candra
Born: 3rd July, 1979 (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)

Profile: He is an Indonesian multi-talented musician, composer and guitarist, better known for his guitar work in "Sheila On 7" or (So7).

History: Erros was born in a musical background families, his mother was a singer, his grandfather was a saxophonist and his uncle was a professional guitar player. Since elementary school, he was exposed to the music industry by accompanied his mother to band practice in their home studio, since then he was so interested in guitar and wanted to learn more about the instrument. He got his first acoustic Kawasaki guitar on his 14th birthday from his dad (which he still kept), and started to learn classical guitar from his uncle named Rus.

In 1995, in 3rd grade junior high school, he joined in a band, but it did not last long because one of his band mates moved to the city, and the band was disbanded. While in high school, Eross was invited to joined "Dizzy band' with Icha and Adhit Jikustik, and it was at this time that his old man bought Erros his first electric guitar. In 1996, Eross acquainted with Sakti, Anton, Adam and Duta. After they went a lot of jamming together, "Sheila Gank" was finally formed on May, 1996. The band had followed 'Festival Band DIY in Yogyakarta and got first prize, and both Eross and Adam won the prize as 'The Best Guitarist' and 'The Best Bassist', respectively.

In 1998, "Sheila Gank" had the opportunity to offer demos of their songs to Sony Music Indonesia, and change the band's name to "Sheila On 7" ('Sheila' is derived from the Celtic meaning of music and 'On 7' was taken from the seven scales in music), and their debut album hit the charts and made "So7" as the new Best Indie band in Indonesia.

With "So7", Eross became the most active songwriter in this band, he also composed songs for Memes, Rio Febrian and Tasya, and both the soundtrack for the movie '30 Hari Mencari Cinta' and 'Soe Hok Gie'. In addition to "So7", Eross is also busy with his new project band, "Jagostu". However, he made sure that his new band will not interfere with the existence and integrity of the band who made him as one of the best guitarist in Indonesia.

Influences: Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), KISS, Europe and God Bless

Axology: Fender Telecaster and Kawasaki acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): Sephia - Sheila on 7 (Sheila on 7, 1999) and Berhenti Berharap - Sheila on 7 (OST - 30 Hari Mencari Cinta)

Link(s):

http://www.sheilaon7.com/ (Official Sheila on 7 website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3eh6Q-mxI4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW0k2JkScgs

José Feliciano

Name: José Montserrate Feliciano García
Born: 10th September, 1945 (Lares, Puerto Rico)

Profile: He is a blind Puerto Rican singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer, known for many international hits including the 1970 holiday single "Feliz Navidad".

History: Feliciano was born blind because of congenital glaucoma. He was first exposed to music at age 3. When he was 9, he played on the Teatro Puerto Rico. He started his musical life playing accordion until his grandfather gave him a guitar. He reportedly sat by himself in his room for up to 14 hours a day to listen to 50's rock albums, classical guitarists such as Andrés Segovia, and jazz players such as Wes Montgomery. He later had classical lessons with Harold Morris who earlier had been a student with Segovia.

At 17, he quit school to play in clubs, having his first professional, contracted performance in Detroit. In 1963, after some live performances in pubs and clubs around the USA, where he played at the same time as Bob Dylan, he was signed at RCA Victor.

In 1964, he released his first single 'Everybody Do the Click'. Later, in 1965 and 1966, he also released his first albums 'The Voice and Guitar of Jose Feliciano' and 'A Bag Full of Soul', two folk-pop-soul albums that showcased his talent on radio across the USA, where he was described as a '10 finger wizard'. He also was invited to the Newport Jazz festival in 1964.

After two more successful albums, Feliciano, now a household name all over Latin America, moved to LA. He got together with Rick Jarrard and they recorded "The Doors" song 'Light My Fire' in a Latin style and when released as a single, it reached #3 on the US pop charts in 1968. It sold over a million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. He immediately became a sensation all across North America, selling millions of albums and followed up his success with another top 20 hit in the US with his version of 'Hi-Heel Sneakers', again recorded with a Latin feel. On the strength of this success he won 2 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist Of The Year and for Best Pop Song Of The Year in 1969.

In 1970, he wrote and released an album of Christmas music, 'Felíz Navidad', which may be deemed to be his most famous recording. The title song has been covered by many artists and is now a traditional part of the musical landscape in the US, Canada and Latin America around Christmas time. Each year during the Christmas season, 'Feliz Navidad' returns to US airwaves, one of the most-played and most-downloaded radio songs and downloaded songs of the season. 'Feliz Navidad' is also recognized by ASCAP as one of the 25 all-time most-played Christmas songs in the world.

Feliciano holds the distinction of being one of the few singers to have enjoyed success both in Spanish language music and in English language rock & roll. He won 5 consecutive awards for best pop guitarist from Guitar Player magazine and was voted in jazz, classic and rock fields. He received a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987, and continued as a very popular singer during the 80's. He also has a star in the Walk of Fame of his native Puerto Rico.

In 1987, he also had a great hit in Austria with the song 'The Sound of Vienna', at #1 for four weeks and recorded with the famous Vienna Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra also performed with him live on national television at Danube Park in Vienna before more than 60,000 people. During the 80's, record companies gave him space made only for the Latin market, and he recorded an impressive number of albums for that market, including the Motown albums 'Escenas de Amor' and 'Me Enamoré', as well as others from RCA, EMI, and Capitol which added four more Grammys for best Latin performer.

In 2006, Feliciano's new Spanish album, 'José Feliciano y amigos' was released by Universal Records, featuring Feliciano joined in duets with many other Latin American stars including Marc Anthony and Gloria Estefan, to name a few. In 2007, Feliciano released an album called 'Soundtrack of My Life', the first English-language album composed and written by him.

In 2010, Feliciano performed his rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' again at Comerica Park in Detroit. This was part of the remembrance of Detroit Tigers radio announcer the late Ernie Harwell. He played it similarly to how he did back in 1968; with his acoustic guitar and in his slow tempo-ed, latin jazz style.

Influences: Andrés Segovia and Wes Montgomery

Axology: Unknown

Signature song(s): Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano (1970)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgIC6KOFySk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKIrqC2QUvg

Paco de Lucía (Paco de Lucía Sextet)

Name: Francisco Sánchez Gómez
Born: 21st December, 1947 (Algeciras, Cádiz, Spain)

Profile: He is a Spanish composer and guitarist. Recognized as a virtuoso flamenco guitarist all over the world, he is a leading proponent of the Modern Flamenco style, and is one of the very few flamenco guitarists who has also successfully crossed over into other genres of music. Paco enjoys, and has been a successful musician in, many styles such as classical, jazz and world music. He is the winner of the 2004 Prince of Asturias Awards in Arts and in 2010 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Berklee College of Music in Boston.

History: Born in a musical family, his father was flamenco guitarist Antonio Sánchez, brother of flamenco singer Pepe de Lucía and flamenco guitarist Ramón de Algeciras. At age 11, Paco made his first public appearance on Radio Algeciras, and a year later was awarded a special prize in the Jerez flamenco competition.

In 1961, he toured with the flamenco troupe of dancer José Greco, Three years later, he met Madrid guitarist Ricardo Modrego with whom he recorded 3 albums: 'Dos guitarras flamencas', 'Dos guitarras flamencas en stereo', and 'Doce canciones de Federico García Lorca para guitarra'. Between 1968 and 1977, he enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with fellow New Flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla. The two recorded 10 albums together. His 1976 album, 'Almoraima' was a success and featured notable tracks such as 'Almoraima' and 'Río Ancho', the latter track of which has been covered by other guitarists such as Al Di Meola.

In 1979, Paco, John McLaughlin, and Larry Coryell formed "The Guitar Trio" and together made a brief tour of Europe and released a video recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall entitled Meeting of Spirits. Coryell was later replaced by Al Di Meola, and since 1981, the trio has recorded 3 albums. Paco's own band, the Paco de Lucía Sextet (which includes his brothers Ramón and Pepe) released the first of its three albums that same year. He has released several albums encompassing both traditional and modern flamenco styles.

In 1995, he recorded with Bryan Adams the hit song and video 'Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman' on the soundtrack for the movie Don Juan DeMarco. Through his wide discography he has advanced the technical and musical boundaries of his instrument. The University of Cadiz recognized Paco's musical and cultural contributions by conferring on him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in 2007.

Influences: Antonio Sánchez (father)

Axology: Almeria classical guitars

Signature song(s): Almoraima - Paco de Lucía (Almoraima, 1976)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cadbYIzhqQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TmxfHbd-M0

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

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

Christopher Amott (Arch Enemy/Armageddon)

Name: Christopher Amott
Born: 23rd November, 1977 (Halmstad, Sweden)

Profile: He is a Swedish guitarist, vocalist and younger brother of guitarist Michael Amott (Carcass) and founding member of the Swedish metal bands "Arch Enemy" and "Armageddon".

History: Inspired by his older brother Michael Amott's band "Carcass", Christopher began studying the guitar at 14, playing in local bands, and eventually attending music college at age 18. His style of playing consist of aggressive, fast vibrato, speedy alternate-picking and fluid lead lines.

While attending music school in 1996, Amott's brother Michael asked him to record solos for his new melodic death metal project "Arch Enemy". The 'Black Earth' album was released in Japan, and was an instant hit, receiving regular airplay on Japanese MTV. In 1997, the band were invited to play in Japan, and it was there that Amott secured a deal for his "Armageddon" side project. The project began as a melodic death metal band, similar in style to "Arch Enemy", but with a more conceptual feel to the lyrics. "Armageddon" released their first debut album 'Crossing the Rubicon' in 1997.

In 1999, with "Arch Enemy" gaining ground worldwide, Amott would go on to release 'Burning Bridges' and 'Burning Japan Live 1999', then take a break until the later part of 2000, when "Armageddon" released their second album 'Embrace the Mystery' in Japan. This time featuring a melodic singer, and more of an overall power metal feel, the album was a drastic shift from the straight ahead melodic death metal, and marked Amott's desire to branch out of the extreme metal genre.

In 2001, "Arch Enemy" were joined by new singer Angela Gossow, and the band reached new heights in worldwide popularity with the release of 'Wages of Sin'. After completing an extensive world tour with "Arch Enemy", Amott returned to his "Armageddon" project, and released 'Three' in 2002. This album featured Amott as lead vocals. In 2005, "Arch Enemy" released, 'Doomsday Machine', but immediately after the recording, Amott left the band.

He now spent the next two years teaching music in Sweden, as well as attending a university. In 2010, Amott revealed that he would be releasing a solo album early in the year entitled 'Follow Your Heart'.

Influences: John Sykes, Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth, John Norum and Michael Schenker

Axology: Caparison guitars, ESP guitars, Boss Digital Delay DD-3 and Peavey JSX amplifiers

Signature song(s): Seed of Hate - Arch Enemy (Burning Bridges, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7jbX2HKEOc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4Dn02bR4pg&feature=related

Jeff Loomis (Nevermore)

Name: Jeff Loomis
Born: 14th September, 1971 (Appleton, Wisconsin, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician and guitarist, most notably known as the lead guitarist for the Seattle progressive metal band, "Nevermore".

History: Loomis started making music with drums, but soon he was bored and he started playing guitar. He got his first instrument at 9 or 10 years old, but did not start practicing seriously until around the age of 15. As a teenager in he played in a handful of cover bands and three death metal bands before joining more established bands. At the age of 16, Loomis won Wisconsin's 'Guitar Wars' contest.

After he won the contest, he auditioned for "Megadeth", after their lead guitarist Jeff Young left. After they played a few songs together, Dave Mustaine, the band's frontman, thanked Loomis and told him that one day he would become a great guitar player, but because of his age he was not right for the position.

Not long after the audition, Loomis join the band "Sanctuary" after guitarist Sean Blosl had left, however, because of a dispute caused by guitarist Lenny Rutledge wanting to make grunge oriented music, "Sanctuary" broke up 4 months afterwards. After the break-up, Loomis and former "Sanctuary" members vocalist Warrel Dane and bassist Jim Sheppard made plans to form "Nevermore", and in late 1994, Loomis became the lead guitarist of "Nevermore" after the brief period being in "Sanctuary".

Now, he is the main songwriter of the band, adding to the unique sound that fans are familiar with. Currently, Loomis plays an important role in portraying the sound that "Nevermore" has today, using a 7 string guitars and techniques such as sweep-picking. One of his more important musical showcases is in the critically acclaimed album 'Dead Heart in a Dead World', in which he wrote most of the songs before forming "Nevermore".

In 2005, Loomis reported that he would take some time as a break and then begin recording a solo album. In 2008, he announced that the album will be called 'Zero Order Phase', and was released on September via Century Media Records.

Influences: Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony MacAlpine, Jason Becker and Marty Friedman

Axology: Schecter seven string guitars - Jeff Loomis C7 FR signature model, Schecter C-7 Hellraiser, Ibanez guitars, Gibson guitars, Jackson guitars, ESP guitars - Horizon 7 and Warmoth guitars, Peavey amplifiers and Krank amplifiers

Signature song(s): Timothy Leary - Nevermore (Nevermore, 1994) and Omega's Influence - Jeff Loomis (Zero Order Phase, 2008)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvfg0iLnzsw

Michael Amott (Carcass/Arch Enemy)

Name: Michael Amott
Born: 28th July, 1970 (London, England)

Profile: He is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter, founding member of the bands "Arch Enemy", "Spiritual Beggars", and "Carnage", as well as a member of the death metal band "Carcass". He is the older brother of Christopher Amott.

History: Amott began playing guitar as a young teenager, learning to play by copying Punk/Hardcore and Thrash/Speed Metal out of his record collection. he soon went to a new level with his playing. He has stated in guitar magazines that he has a preference for pentatonics scales, and his soloing style is frequently compared to that of Michael Schenker.

In 1988, Amott co-formed the death metal band "Carnage" with singer Johan Liiva, and released two widely traded cassette demos, gaining instant underground interest. Plagued by constant lineup changes, "Carnage" would eventually record their only album 'Dark Recollections'. In 1990, Amott was recruited by "Carcass", and released the album 'Necroticism - Descanting the Insalubrious' a year later, followed by, 'Heartwork', the album which help to define what is now known as melodic death metal.

In 1993, he left "Carcass" and decided to form a classic rock influenced band, "Spiritual Beggars". The band released their debut album a year later, which led to an European record deal with Music for Nations.

Still heavily into extreme metal, Amott formed a new melodic death metal project in the same vein as "Carcass", and he contacted original "Carnage" vocalist Johan Liiva, as well as his younger brother Christopher Amott and put together "Arch Enemy". The band's first album 'Black Earth' was originally intended to be a one-off project, but in 1997, the album's first single, 'Bury Me An Angel' received unexpected airplay on Japan's MTV Rocks! program.

In 2003, "Arch Enemy" released 'Anthems of Rebellion', and for the first time, their received US MTV airplay with the video for 'We Will Rise'. The band would reach new heights in popularity worldwide, and toured constantly until the release of 2005's 'Doomsday Machine'. Amott returned once again to "Spiritual Beggars" in 2005, releasing the album 'Demons'. He also recently performed a guest guitar solo on "The Haunted" and "Kreator".

Today, Amott is busy touring the world and recording with "Arch Enemy" and the re-formed "Carcass", and he does not rule out a return to "Spiritual Beggars" in the future.

Influences: Michael Schenker, Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Frank Marino and Uli Jon Roth

Axology: Dean guitar Micheal Amott Signature Tyrant Bloodstorm, ESP guitars, Ibanez RG 550 Road Flare Red, Fernandes guitars and Marshall amplifiers

Signature song(s): Heartwork - Carcass (Heartwork, 1993) and Bury Me An Angel - Arch Enemy (Black Earth, 1997)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf9UVqaBQI8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77NK4aPayIU

Mayzan

Name: Mak Hwa San
Born: 12th April, 1974 (Pematang Siantar, Sumatera, Indonesia)

Profile: He is an Indonesian multi-talented musician and a webhoster, and famously known for his work with former "Megadeth" guitarist Marty Friedman's official website.

History: Started to play guitar as a hobby since he was 14, in SMA with his guitar buddy Kinwie. The both of them was influenced by 80's rock music, such as; "Cacophony", "Duran Duran" and "Firehouse", to name a few. Mayzan first electric guitar was a Prince. Marty Friedman (Cacophony/Megadeth) is Mayzan favorite guitarist since 1988 and was a big influence for him until now, and this is the reason why he took guitar and music as a career.

In 1992, Mayzan moved from Sumatera to Jakarta, and seriously learned the 'art of electric guitar', he even bought his first Ibanez guitar an 'RG550'. Late that year, he and his friend, Wiwik Wibowo, formed a heavy metal band which covered songs such as "Megadeth", "Extreme", "Dream Theater", Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker and Vinnie Moore.

In 1994, Mayzan started to play 7-strings guitar for the band. The next year, he started to take violin lesson and bought a ZETA electric violin (influenced by the violinist Vanessa Mae). In late 1997, he met with Della Abdullah who taught Mayzan all about the internet, and after being with the band for almost 5 years, he made a decision to quit the band and concentrate on doing business. With this business, he did what he love most which was music and webhosting.

He then bought the name domain for VanessaMae.com, MartyFriedman.com and YngwieMalmsteen.com. At first, his intention was to make it as a fansite, but later on he change his mind and created an unofficial website for Vanessa Mae in 1997 and Marty Friedman in 1999 (though he never meet with his idols at that time) - but in 2002, Friedman contacted him, and wanted Mayzan to do an official website for Friedman.

Around 2001, Mayzan found out that it was very difficult to look for any information regarding Indonesian guitarist in the web. He then got the idea to create a guitarist community website; www.DewaGitar.com in 2001 (later change to www.Gitaris.com). In 2002, Mayzan got his first Jackson guitar from Marty Friedman as a present by doing his official website.

Starting 2004, Mayzan was very busy because; he had collaborated with "Fahrenheit's" guitarist Javier Bassino to create his official website and his band official website fehrenheit.com. He also released his album, titled; 'Gitar Klinik 2', which received good reviews from the internet as well as in Indonesia. Marty Friedman was also featured in this album as a guest guitarist. Other artists who had Mayzan's touch in creating their website was; heavy metal band "MNEMIC" in 2005, Dino Cazares & Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory), Michael Amott (Arch Enemy) and Gus-G (Dream Evil) in 2006.

Influences: Mozart, Marty Friedman, Uli Jon Roth, Jason Becker, Jeff Loomis, Blues Saraceno, Steve Stevens, Michael Thompson, Kiko Loureiro, Michael Schenker (UFO), Brian May (Queen), John Patrucci (Dream Theater), Herman Li & Sam Totman (DragonForce), Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde (BLS), Kirk Hammet (Metallica) and Eet Sjahranie (EdanE)

Axology: Ibanez guitars, Jackson guitars, Fender Stratocaster 1971 & 1966, Fender Telecaster 1967, Marshall JMP50 1972 amplifiers, Mesa Boogie amplifiers and DigiTech effects

Signature song(s): Innerfire Symphony - Mayzan (Gitar Klinik 2, 2004)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us30vHRRU5o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl8VmUzRu4w

Hardee (The Seeds)

Name: Mohammad Shuhardi Mat Salleh
Born: 8th May, 1978 (Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei)

Profile: He is a Bruneian musician, composer, a talented guitarist and the co-author of 'Master Class Fingers - Guitar Finger Workouts' book. He is a self taught guitarist, notably known for his acoustic guitar works in the famous duo-group "The Seeds". A person who appreciates all genres of music from classical songs, folk songs, Jazz and his love in arts. He is also a fan of collecting action-figures and love animals (mainly reptiles).

History: His love in music aroused after the influence of his cousins, which made his interest bloom in guitar but he did not take it seriously due to lack of instruments and guidance. At the age of 14, his grandfather bought him a used Vision electric guitar with a Marshall amplifier; it was his first electric guitar. He got bored with the electric guitar and stop playing for 12 months. After that period of time, he bought his first acoustic guitar (an Aria Pro) with his own earnings.

In 1996, after watching live stage performance in high school, he was determined to take guitar seriously, and learned the art of finger style, slapping, tapping and percussion just at the age of 18. In 2004, he met a fellow Filipino musician named Ronee Miclat aka Rosli (he was a former music teacher at Yamaha Music School in Philippines), Ronee was responsible in guiding Hardee's path in his music career.

While under Ronee's music guidance, Hardee was given an assignment to form his own band and ended meeting with a local songwriter Eswandee Salim, who later told him, that vocalist Dillah Othman was vacant and also looking to form a new band. At that time, there was an upcoming songwriting contest for '2006 Father's Day'. With chemistry for the both of them (Hardee and Dillah) they formed "Dil & Hardee" and entered the contest with the song 'Mahkota Hati', composed by Eswandee.

In 2006, they changed their name to "The Seeds" and released their EP album 'Rahsia Hati' which made them famous in the local music scene and East Malaysia. Another song from the album 'Kau Tetap Milikku' was fully arranged by Hardee. With these songs, "The Seeds" had received various of awards including 'Best Duo-group' and 'Song of the Year 2007'. In 2007, "The Seeds" was officially an ambassador for 'Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB)' and 'Kau Tetap Milikku' was the #1 song for Kristal FM 'Top 300 songs'.

In 2008, "The Seeds" decided to experiment with new sounds and new environment for the upcoming album, with the help of a new composer named I-Sam (who composed 'Cerita Aku dan Dia'), the single 'Cerita Aku dan Dia' burst to the charts at #1 for 11 weeks. In this album Hardee have started to composed a few songs. This album sold couple of thousand copies with high demands from local music stores and won them 'Best Duo-group' for the second time and was nominated for 'Best song of the Year 2008'.

Early in 2009, "The Seeds" went on hiatus, after Hardee went on to experiment more sounds and seeking a way to express himself with his own music, he managed to collaborate with a young and talented Chinese singer named Peipei, and formed a side-project band named "Hardee & Peipei" which released an English song 'Perfect' and a Malay song 'Cinta Kita' and went for a tour. Due to this commitments, Hardee was unable to attend any interviews and performances with vocalist Dillah for "The Seeds". In between those time, Hardee was also in the process of publishing his first guitar book entitle 'Master Class Fingers - Guitar Finger Workouts' with the help of his fellow friend Jun Cesar, the book took half a year to finish and was sold thousands of copies.

Recently, Hardee is compiling new materials and composing some new songs for their upcoming "The Seeds" new album, and he is looking forward to publish a new book - this upcoming book will focus mainly in guitar techniques and compilations of songs from local folk songs to international songs. He also hopes that one day, he could bring local music scene to an international success.

Influences: Brian McKnight, Tuck Andress, Metallica, MYMP, Bryan Adams, Tommy Emmanuel and Jason Mraz

Axology: Crafter CT125/n acoustic guitar, Ovation guitars (model Idea and 1778tx elite), Takamine egs-430sc, Taylor 314ce and Yamaha ntx700 acoustic guitar

Signature song(s): Biarlah Tetap Rahsia - The Seeds (Rahsia Hati, 2008) and Perfect - Hardee & Peipei (2009)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnJqfnWwGf4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQxkl1Cx05o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycEGoo9aHKE

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

Vicky Sianipar

Name: Vicky Sianipar
Born: Unknown (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Profile: He is a multi-talented musician, music arranger, composer and guitarist who plays music while preserving the ethnic culture of Indonesian music.

History: This Batak native started studying music when he was 6 years old and studied classical piano and guitar into his teen years. He played music professionally since high school, where he discovered his true love of new age and world of music.

In late 90's, he ditched his job in the family business and in 2001 began dedicating himself to music full time as a solo artist who played, arranged and produced his own album.

His first album called 'Toba Dream' claimed as the best selling World Music Album in Indonesia. The album was also awarded by 'Akedemi Musik Indonesia (AMI)' as the 'The Best World Music Artist'. His singles like 'Piso Surit' and 'Beta Hita' stays on MTV and local radio charts for weeks, also was known as the first ethnic new age music that was able to enter media's chart ever. He is, then, claimed as the youngest best selling Indonesian World Music artist that make him the icon of Indonesian World Musicians.

In his last four albums, Vicky has created music inspired by the music of north Sumatra (the birthplace of his ancestors). He is driven to learn and experiment with Batak music and instruments while updating their sound with modern keyboards and electronics. He continues to collaborate with musicians on other ethnics such as Javanese, Sundanese and Malay.

In 2006, he released 'Indonesian Beauty' an album where he experiment and produce all of his music in his state of the art studio complex in Jakarta called 'Vicky Sianipar Music Center', where he hopes to produce other groups dedicated to promoting and modernizing the traditional sounds of Indonesia.

Influences: North Sumatran music

Axology: Fender Startocaster

Signature song(s): Sesal Semu - Vicky Sianipar (Satu) and Sinanggar Tulo - Vicky Sianipar (Toba Dream III)

Link(s):

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chl2sAEyAk0

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

Andy Wahlberg

Name: Andy Wahlberg
Born: (Witchita Falls, Texas, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician, a singer who plays harp guitar, bongo, harmonica and trombone. He is a serious musician, classically trained, with a bent on jazz, traditional and blues music.

History: He was raised in Miami, Florida where he was first exposed to classical, pop and international music. He had his first gig at age 5 (where his first instrument was the bongos) with a Calypso Latin band that performed at his mother's restaurant in Miami every weekend.

Wahlberg struck out on his own at age 14, traveling across the country while teaching himself to play guitar. He became a full time professional performer at age 19, after completing two years of study at a college of the performing arts in Miami. During that time he honed his craft playing venues all over the United States. He started playing his trademark harp guitar which he found in a pawn shop in LA in the early 70's, and began a full time career as an entertainer.

He is the longest harp guitar player than anyone alive today and has been entertaining audiences this entire time with an endless supply of repertoire, from musical comedy to his own instrumental compositions, which, like his discovery of the Dyer harp guitar, have been ahead of their time.

Since then, Wahlberg's musical career has spanned over 25 years, more than 3000 concerts and performances nationwide, 4 albums and hundreds of television and radio appearances. He has performed on stage with groups such as "Chicago", "Spyra Gyra", "Firefall", "Hall and Oates", Don McLean and the "Spinners". In his own recording studio he has created soundtracks and scores for numerous television, radio and movie projects.

His most recent works include the soundtrack for the PBS Special Florida's Historic Lighthouses and the motion pictures 'Captiva' and 'Jericho'. He now performs in concerts and clubs where he resides in Southwest Florida in the US and abroad.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: custom double-neck harp guitar

Signature song(s): Johnny Cash tribute songs and 'TV Theme Medley'

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21O64fYApXQ

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLmy0Iq-B-c

"...a breath of fresh air. Listening to him perform is a guitarist's delight." - The Ithaca Times

Karl Logan (Manowar)

Name: Karl Logan
Born: Unknown

Profile: He is an American guitarist/keyboardist for the heavy metal band "Manowar". He also give online lesson, an avid builder of fine scale models and various tutorial articles of detailed weathering techniques, creating dioramas and customizing parts from scratch published in 'FineScale Modeler' magazine. He is a fan of dirt biking too, where he relates how he met bassist Joey DeMaio by almost running him over with his motorcycle, which is how the two hit it off.

History: Started to play guitar in an early age. In 1992, he joined "Manowar", after local band gigs in northeastern Pennsylvania with "Arc Angel" and "Fallen Angel".

His playing style is vastly different from previous "Manowar" guitarists, especially Ross the Boss. While Ross employed a lead/soloing style that was characterized by maturity, substance and an epic feeling with an obvious 70's heavy rock influence, Karl follows the more delicate neo-classical school of guitar playing, which many fans believe does not suit the band´s sound.

Although "Manowar" has never been a mainstream commercial success in the United States, they maintain a strong cult following there. In contrast, they are extremely popular in the heavy metal scene in Europe, Japan, Australia and South America. Dedicated fans are known and referred to by the band as "Manowarriors" or "Immortals", and collectively their fans are known as the "Army of Immortals".

Recently, Logan has released a line of custom designed guitars which are sold through "Manowar" website.

Influences: Nazareth, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest

Axology: MC Guitar Heretic model

Signature song(s): Outlaw - Manowar (Louder then Hell, 1996) and Die for Metal - Manowar (Gods of War, 2007)

Link(s):

http://www.manowar.com (Manowar official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lADGgW7IGKU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YFOwsFqfkU&feature=player_embedded

Wayan Balawan (Batuan Ethnic Fusion)

Name: I Wayan Balawan
Born: 9th September, 1973 (Bali, Indonesia)

Profile: He is a producer, versatile guitarist that play many styles of music and a great solo performer. He has developed the ability to play a special and difficult form of tapping which involves chord and bass work with the left hand and tapped melody with the right hand, which resembles piano playing. Balawan is now considered as one of famous favorite jazz guitarist in Indonesia.

History: Balawan grew up amongst Balinese "Gamelan" music. At the age of 8 he began to play guitar and started to shred his guitar neo-classical "Malmsteen" style since he was 10 years old. And formed his first band at the age of 14 called "Maxel" and followed with "Trisum".

In 1993, he went to study jazz at the Australian Institute Of Music in Sydney for two years. In 1997, he went back to Bali and formed "Batuan Ethnic Fusion" (A mix of Balinese Gamelan and Jazz) and released an album in 1999.

In early 2000's, Balawan was quite busy performing his love with Jazz in festivals and tours all around the world, such as "Open Strings Guitar Festival, Germany" (2000), "East Meet West Gitarren Festival, Germany" (2000), "Hell Blues Festival, Norway" (2001), Australian tour (2005), "Pop Asia Fukuoka, Japan" (2005), "Quebec City Summer Festival, Canada" (2006) and "National University of Singapore Art Festival, Singapore" (2006). In 2007, he performed in Javajazz with "Balawan Trio".

Influences: Allan Holdsworth, Paco Delucia, John McLaughin, Steve Morse, Charlie Parker, Ian Antono and Indra Lesmana

Axology: Blueberry double neck acoustic guitar, Stephallen 13 Strings guitar, Ibanez Rhoadstar 1986, Fender Stratocaster, Digitech GNX 3000 and VOX amplifiers

Signature song(s): Morning Alarm and "Semua Bisa Bilang"

Link(s):

http://wayanbalawan.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gtW8PhahZs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFQwqpnYz4o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtCHITga5nc

"He's amazing. He came to my studio only with a drummer and he plays 1 guitar with 3 amplifier" - Mayzan

Paul Gilbert (Racer X/Mr. Big)

Name: Paul Brandon Gilbert
Born: 6th November, 1966 (Carbondale, Illinois, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician, well known for his guitar work with "Racer X" and "Mr. Big", as well as many solo albums. He also joined Joe Satriani and John Petrucci on the 2007 G3 tour. He was also a guitar instructor in GIT.

History: He began playing music at the age 5 and by age 15 he was touring local clubs with his band "Tau Zero". In 1984, Gilbert relocated to LA to attend the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT), becoming an instructor there the following year; concurrently he formed the band "Electric Fence", which by 1986 evolved into "Racer X", they were heavily influenced by "Judas Priest" and Gilbert's playing was reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen, displaying fast-driven solos with extreme-level technique.

In 1988, Gilbert left "Racer X" and join Mr. Big, which in 1992 topped the pop charts with the ballad "To Be with You." In 1997, Gilbert left "Mr. Big"; and a year later Gilbert made his solo debut "King of Clubs".

In the late 90's, he reunited with his former band "Racer X" and recorded the album "Technical Difficulties", following "Superheroes" in 2000. In 2009, Gilbert reunited with the rest of the original "Mr. Big" band members for a reunion world tour.

Influences: Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony Iommi, Alex Lifeson, Jimmy Page, Robin Trower, Judas Priest, Akira Takasaki, Jimi Hendrix, Kiss, The Ramones, The Beach Boys and The Beatles and Jimi Kidd (his uncle).

Axology: Ibanez PGM signature series guitars, Ibanez RG750, Ibanez "Fireman" (a reversed-body Ibanez Iceman with single-coil pickups and an extra cutaway) guitars, ADA preamps and rack effects, Laney amplifiers.

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPGA3vjMLgE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVd6PeNAqUY