Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - with Earl Klugh!

Earl Klugh was playing piano at the age of three, but his world changed when he discovered guitar at 10.  And it altered dramatically when he saw Chet Atkins on The Perry Como Show at 13.  Smitten with the finger stylings of a master, Earl feverishly set out to learn the technique that captivated him.  Hours of listening to Chet's albums - then working in his neighborhood music store in Detroit - paved the way for Earl to find his own style.  Yusef Lateef noticed it and so did George Benson - who took a 17 year-old on the road with the band.  And got the ball rolling for Earl's debut album in 1976.

Here we are, three decades later and counting.  Dozens of works involving the respected name of Earl Klugh have garnered awards or nominations for them.  Film scores, symphonic works, composer credits on other major artists' projects - and lauded as one of the greatest acoustic Jazz guitarists on the planet - Earl has enjoyed a career full of accolades and giving back in utter gratitude for the amazing journey he has traveled.  

Chet once said about his attentive student (who later collaborated with him on more than one occasion) that he could play with with the best in the world - but Earl's focus was on conveying emotion...and that was his connection to fans - who have become intensely loyal.  And your radio host will second that.  This interview at one p.m. on Tuesday, the 9th of October, is personal.  Earl Klugh saved my sanity several times in the early 80's - I've got LPS to prove it, scratched beyond recognition.  Seeing him in West Palm Beach more than 15 years ago just sealed the lifetime deal.  His music is part of me - truly, it has been "The Spice of Life!"

Join us at the show's start, this Tuesday at 1 p.m. - we'll look back and forward.  And treasure the time that is now.