New York City guitarist Lou Volpe talks about his performances and recordings with the great Bette Midler, his first major tour, the lifestyle of rehearsing and playing in LA (Hollywood to be exact) and features guitar performances of music he wrote and played from that time. Also discussed is a technique he developed for solo guitar playing inspired by the legendary piano greats of jazz, like Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flannigan, Hank Jones and others. The acoustic guitar is used to demonstrate this style.

Lou shares some behind the scenes experiences and some funny scenarios while working as a theater or Broadway show musician playing in the orchestra pit. Movie and entertainer legend, Mickey Rooney was starring in a production Lou was playing in. Hear how Mickey got into the hearts of all the musicians in the orchestra.

Also covered is Lou's first "Guitar Seminar & Class". A 6 week course with the goal of getting 20 students with guitar skills ranging from total beginner to advanced guitarist, to feel and play the blues and perform George Harrison's "My Guitar Gently Weeps". A lofty challenge for sure. But, hear how these students rose to the occasion.

In this episode Lou talks about his first guitar teacher who had a very unusual teaching technique, his first meeting with Les Paul during his high school days, playing with Les at the Irridium in New York City a few years ago and learning to arrange for big band through lessons with guitarist, Sal Salvador. 

He also reflects on his gigs with Roberta Flack, some pre-show rituals of various groups and a tribute concert honoring George Harrison.... Along with some music associated with these wonderful artists. 

We talk about and listen to music and some stories behind the music while playing guitar accompanying the great soul singer, Chaka Khan, the always amazing Grammy winning pianist, Herbie Hancock and the legendary Freddie Hubbard on trumpet.

Hear Lou play his versions of songs he did with these great icons of Jazz, plus talk a little about Arif Mardin at Atlantic Records and the impromptu gig he played with the great Freddie Hubbard at Italy's Perugia Jazz Festival!

Thanks for joining us on our first podcast. In our first episode jazz guitar artist Lou Volpe from New York City talks about jazz music, technique, composition and shares some stories about preforming and recording with musical artists Herbie Mann and Peggy Lee.