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Pete McCann
Jazz guitarist Pete McCann
About Me
Pete McCann is undoubtedly one of the most respected and industrious electric
guitarists on the New York and international scene - a popular sideman in
innumerable jazz and jazz/rock line-ups over the past 25 years, as well as a recording
artist in his own right with six solo albums released to date (see 'press' and
'discography' sections).
McCann's prowess has led him to perform with many of the jazz greats, including
Kenny Wheeler, Dave Liebman, Lee Konitz, and Brian Blade, and the breadth of his
experience - incorporating jazz, rock, Latin, fusion and contemporary classical - has
prompted his appearance on over 80 album recordings. Working with the likes of Patti
Austin, Grace Kelly and Curtis Stigers, as well as the Mahavishnu Project, he has
progressively forged an enviable reputation for both exactitude and exhilarating
musicality, influenced by seminal guitarists including Wes Montgomery, John Scofield,
Allan Holdsworth and Mike Stern.
Born into a hard-working and supportive Wisconsin family in the mid-1960s, a young
Pete McCann (the third of four children) had his ears opened to the thrill and love for
music in a bustling, non-working farm household which resounded to homegrown
music-making, as well as eclectic radio and LP listening that included country,
rock'n'roll and heavy metal. Eight year-old Pete's desire to take up the guitar almost
faltered when the local music store refused to teach him until he reached ten. But it
was his mom's persuasiveness - vowing to sit in on all of his lessons and ensure he
practiced in-between - that became the early catalyst for the creative talent that
would soon flourish.
In 7th grade, the young guitarist was introduced to jazz and improvisation by teacher
Steve Sturzl, who suggested to Pete a summer camp - Shell Lake Jazz Camp - which
was to prove a major influence in those formative years, offering the daily opportunity
to soak up masterclasses and become immersed in improv and wide-ranging
ensemble sessions. Pete's enthusiasm was further nurtured in high school by
established guitar teacher Russ Moss, especially through their swinging, Django
Reinhardt-style duets; and his first year at college saw him reunite with Shell Lake
teacher Mike Irish, who encouraged his successful audition to attend the University of
North Texas. Pete's time at UNT was filled with the excitement of playing alongside
visiting guests such as James Moody and Jon Faddis, as well as being coached by
walking jazz guitar encyclopedia Jack Petersen; and a summer period at the famed
Banff Center for the Arts, in Canada, provided the invaluable opportunity to study with
Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland and a host of other big names.
After graduating with a BA in Jazz Performance in 1989, and via a 14-week stint as
guitarist on an Alaskan cruise ship, McCann arrived in New York City, ready to make his
mark. Initially a bass player in club bands, his determination to succeed gradually
brought him guitar gigs which stylistically raised both his skills and profile, including
the East Down Septet (led by drummer Rich Rosenzweig) and Horse (Bobby Previte's
large ensemble which focused on Miles Davis' Bitches Brew period and other jazz
fusion artists of that era). He became a member of Lindsey Horner's Splendid Splinter
and also subbed for Ben Monder in the Maria Schneider Orchestra; and, in 1995, he
joined influential saxophonist Erwin Vann's Worlds project, Kenny Wheeler featuring
as soloist.
1998 saw the release of debut album Parable, with the help of drummer and good
friend Matt Wilson; and in the following year, he recorded with the Palmetto Allstars
(featuring Wilson), winning a SESAC award for radio play of the album. Pete also
joined Gregg Bendian's Mahavishnu Project who authentically recreated the original
'70s excitement of John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra, and which was endorsed
by the great man himself.
Since then, McCann has been a constant first-call for a profusion of projects,
including several led by singers such as Melissa Stylianou and Alison Wedding, as well
as long-time collaborations with the groups of Chris Tarry, Ohad Talmor, Pete Mills,
Dan Willis, Dave Pietro, Tom Varner and Asuka Kakitani; and the guitarist has more
recently joined the personnel of bands headed-up by Aaron Irwin, Jacob Varmus and
Ben Kono.
Pete McCann is unequivocally a versatile leader (with his own quintet and trio),
sideman, composer, recording artist and educator; and he continues to relish his
popular appearances at Greenwich Village's celebrated 55 Bar. Now much sought after
for his intelligently-crafted musicianship, his fifth solo album, Range (released on
Whirlwind Recordings in September 2015) demonstrates all of the impassioned
progressive jazz/rock verve with which his name is increasingly becoming
synonymous.