Take Five With Peter Knoll

Meet Peter Knoll:
I am a German-American experimental guitarist living in New York City. The band members of my trio are Mark Peterson on bass and Andy O'Neill on drums. I also co-lead the improvisation Quartet "Conundrum" in Europe. I teach guitar in New York. My most famous students were both children of "The Edge" (U2), and In November, 2007, I was voted Guitar Player of the Week by GuitarPlayerZen.com. My debut album, Certainty Is, is available online.

Instrument(s):
Guitar.

Teachers and/or influences?
Influenced by Terje Rypdal, David Torn, Jimi Hendrix, Angus /Malcolm Young, Mike Stern, John Scofield, Robben Ford.

Teachers: Brett Wilmott, Mark White, Gunnar Geisse, Abi von Reininghaus

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...
I was 25, pretty late!

Your sound and approach to music:
I see myself as a painter of music.

Your teaching approach:
I keep an open mind about the students goals and needs and tailor the lessons accordingly.

Your dream band:
David Bowie.

Road story: Your best or worst experience:
Had a gig a many years ago in my hometown were my grandmum came next to my whole family. Very touching!

Favorite venue:
Living Room.

Your favorite recording in your discography and why?
Spirit Of Eden, by Talk Talk. A true masterpiece in terms of vision, sound and music.

The first Jazz album I bought was:
Mike Stern, Time In Place.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?
Emotions.

Did you know...
I was the guitar teacher of the Edge's (U2) children for two years.

CDs you are listening to now:
Talk Talk, Spirit Of Eden;

Spooky Ghost, Light Machine.

Desert Island picks:
Talk Talk, Spirit Of Eden;

Spooky Ghost, Light Machine;

David Torn, What Means A Solid Traveler;
AC/DC, Back In Black.

How would you describe the state of jazz today?
Jazz has become a wider field with more facets to it.

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?
Keep it fresh and interesting.

What is in the near future?
Planning a tour in Europe with Mark Peterson on bass.

By Day:
Teaching guitar.

If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:
Rock Star!


Photo Credit
Courtesy of Peter Knoll

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