Lenny Breau
An outstanding jazz improviser who performed on both acoustic and electric guitars, Lenny Breau's right hand drew on classical, flamenco, and country (Travis/Atkins) finger-picking techniques. He was among the first guitarists to digest the impressionistic, post-bop chord voicings of pianist Bill Evans. Breau developed the ability to simultaneously comp chords and improvise single-string melodies, creating the illusion of two guitarists playing together. His facility with artificial harmonics remains the envy of many guitarists. Late in his career, Breau began using a seven-string guitar that extended the instrument's range in the upper register. Breau's early RCA recordings are eclectic and technically dazzling. His later work is less flashy, but communicates on a deeper level.
Born to Canadian country music singers, Lenny Breau started out playing country in a sophisticated manner. Chet Atkins himself helped Breau get an RCA recording contract in 1968. However, Breau's jazz-oriented style and remarkable technique quickly caused him to be uncategorizable. Problems with drugs made his career erratic and he is now considered an underground guitar legend. A new label (Guitararchives) was formed in 1995 specifically to release private tapes of his performances.
© Richard Lieberson & Scott Yanow /TiVo
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Discography
14 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Five O'clock Bells / Mo' Breau
Jazz - Released by Genes on 16 Jul 1987
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Guitar Sounds
Pop/Rock - Released by BMG Special Products on 17 Jun 2008
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Swingin' On A Seven-String
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 21 Jun 2005
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Velvet Touch of Lenny Breau - Live! (Live)
Jazz - Released by RCA - Legacy on 1 Apr 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Cabin Fever
Jazz - Released by True North Records on 13 Jun 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Live On Bourbon Street
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 7 Feb 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Hallmark Sessions
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 1 May 2003
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Last Sessions
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 11 Nov 1988
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Living Room Tapes, Vol. 1
Jazz - Released by Musical Heritage Society on 28 Jun 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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LA Bootleg 1984
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 30 Sep 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Boy Wonder
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 15 May 1998
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Lenny Breau - Last Sessions
Jazz - Released by Genes on 1 Jan 1988
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo