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Don Price

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About Me

D O N P R I C E is a music educator/composer/band leader and guitarist for J A Z Z G I T A N, a gypsy jazz ensemble based in Northern California. Don was first taught music by his mother who was a professional musician, performing with players in the 1940-50's including Hank Garland, Bob Wills, and a host of others. Having grown up on all styles of music, Don has played music ranging from rock, blues, country, swing and jazz, and everything in between. With a degree in music education he is on the recommended teacher's list for University of Southern California, and a faculty member of the Guitar Activity Institute in California. As a teacher/educator in Jazz Studies Don has worked with numerous artists including Larry Coryell, B.B. King, Frank Gambale, Bruce Foreman, Al Di Meola, and many in the gypsy jazz genre.

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My Jazz Story

I love jazz because it offers the best musical format for total improvisation and creativity. I was first exposed to jazz by my mother who was a musician herself by exposing me to artists such as Hank Garland, Les Paul, George Benson. I met Jazz Guitarist Larry Coryell in 1982 after a concert in San Francisco and went back stage where he asked me to jam with him. From then on I was a student. The first jazz record I bought was "Birds of Fire" by the Mahavishnu Orchestra, shortly followed by a John Coltrane album. My advice to new listeners is to open your ears and listen to the subtle mix of the instruments. Learn with patience. Or whatever else you have in mind.

My House Concert Story

The best show I ever attended was perhaps Friday Night in San Francisco [from the same name as the album] featuring John McLaughlin, Al Dimeola, and Paco DeLucia. I will always recall that event for two reasons. First, my place in the crowd is well established by setting directly behind the individual who yells out "McLaughlin" and can be clearly heard forever on the album. Second, I was able to meet Al DiMeola, learn a few things and latter on Interview him for a Music Magazine.