Earl Klugh - HandPicked

HANDPICKED IS GRAMMY-WINNING MASTER GUITARIST EARL KLUGH'S MOST PERSONAL AND PROFOUND RECORDING TO DATE

July 30, 2013 solo/duo release features special guests Vince Gill, Bill Frisell and Jake Shimabukuro

In 1976, the Detroit-born guitarist Earl Klugh -- a self-taught virtuoso whose broad influences included Bill Evans, Burt Bacharach, Laurindo Almeida and the great country guitarist Chet Atkins -- burst on the scene with his self-titled debut album, which easily crossed beyond the categories of jazz, country, classical, pop, R&B, and world music. Four decades and over thirty recordings later, the GRAMMY® Award-winner and 12-time nominee Earl Klugh has recorded with a number of master musicians -- from George Benson, Al Jarreau and Bob James to Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Jimmy Buffett, Chick Corea, Hubert Laws and Patrick Williams -- in a myriad of settings, from small combo to orchestra.

On July 30, 2013, Klugh releases his first CD on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group. HandPicked is a soulful, sixteen-track solo/duet recording featuring special guest guitarists Vince Gill and Bill Frisell and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro playing with Klugh on specially-selected tunes that include standards, and original Klugh-penned compositions, some of which have been recorded by Klugh on previous albums, are artfully revisited on this dynamic new disc.

Klugh isn't new to the solo guitar or collaborative scenes. In 1989, Klugh released his first solo-guitar album, titled simply Solo Guitar. Sixteen years later, his second solo recording (and 11th GRAMMY® nominated album) Naked Guitar, emerged. Both of those discs were not only popular, but they received high critical praise as well. His collaborations, One on One, Two of a Kind and Cool with Bob James, and Collaboration with George Benson featured backing bands. Whereas HandPicked is Klugh's first project containing duets stripped down to the purest sense of the word, his first largely solo record with multiple original solo guitar pieces -- and his most personal and profound recording to date.

For Klugh, HandPicked shows where he is, and where he's come from as a musician.

[loudangelo]

One of our generations greatest guitarist and collaborators- not to mention an incredibly wonderful human being.

[Crimsonbro]

I met and heard Earl Klugh at Blues Alley in DC. What a modest and talented musician. I bought his albums while in high school. "Finger painting" was my favorite. I have now heard and seen my three favorite guitarist in person: George Benson, Earl Klugh and Norman Brown.

[HMJohnsonGuitar]

I appreciate Earl Klugh's beautiful and tasteful playing. I bought his first few LPs. He seems like nice man.

[DanChicorel]

Can't wait to get it Earl. Sounds like another masterpiece is on its way!

[Bonniebear]

Love Earl Klugh Favorite CD Heartstring, will melt you heart and wipe your stress away

[alpheusfinlayson]

Looking forward to get it. Last saw Earl two years ago at the Blue Note. Fantastic.
Saw him seven times, more than any other artist.

[differentgroove]

Wow, I can't wait to buy this.... Mr. Klugh your the best !!!

[Gunnabee]

"throw you fate to the wind" is just mastery..

[MrPollito]

Fantastic. I will see you on the cruise.

[soareskatumbela]

After watching you with Al Turner and the guys, i cant wait for your gig in Botswana. Hopefully in September, bring plenty copies of Handpicked with you.

[LizKauai]

Nice. Love that you are working with Jake Shimabukuro! Next album- check out Sanjoy Das - world class picker from Mumbai!

[sonortubelug]

Perfect for house wives and your gran for Christmas

[kimulmer]

Klug.... Klug.... that's all one can say!

mschocbarbie/2013