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
12 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Five O'clock Bells / Mo' Breau
Jazz - Released by Genes on 16/07/1987
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Swingin' On A Seven-String
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 21/06/2005
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Velvet Touch of Lenny Breau - Live! (Live)
Jazz - Released by RCA - Legacy on 1/04/2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Live On Bourbon Street
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 7/02/2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Hallmark Sessions
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 1/05/2003
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Last Sessions
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 11/11/1988
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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LA Bootleg 1984
Jazz - Released by Linus Entertainment on 30/09/2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Lenny Breau - Last Sessions
Jazz - Released by Genes on 1/01/1988
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo