Bruce Forman
"Bruce Forman is one of the great lights of our age." - Barney Kessel
"Bruce Forman is a wonderful guitarist; extremely versatile and very
musical...a first-rate accompanist and soloist." —Kenny Burrell
Bruce Forman's guitar style has been an important part of the
international jazz scene for more than two decades. He has been featured
as leader as well as sideman at many of the most prestigious festivals
and concert venues throughout the world. His numerous recording and
performing credits include the likes of Bobby Hutcherson, Ray Brown,
Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Barney Kessel, Richie Cole, and
countless others. Known for swinging bop-style phrasing and inventive
harmonizations, his ability to work in a variety of settings keeps him
in constant demand. His guitar work is featured throughout Clint
Eastwood's Academy Award winning film, Milion Dollar Baby.
His
devotion to sharing knowledge-particularly with children-has been a
constant throughout his career. Having taught since his late teens, he
is keenly aware of the needs of developing musicians and is personally
connected to all of his students, many of whom have moved on to
successful careers as recording and performing artists. He has served as
'artist in residence' at numerous music workshops worldwide, has
conducted seminars in conservatories and universities across four
continents, is a Resource Team member for the IAJE and a longstanding
member of the Monterey Jazz Festival Education Program.
In
January 2000, he founded JazzMasters Workshop, a music-mentoring program
that is free to student-age musicians. Beginning in 2001, JazzMasters
achieved non-profit 501(c)(3) status and has operated more than 1,500
workshops throughout the nation. Through JazzMasters Workshops'
auspices, many of the world's greatest touring and recording artists
have had the opportunity to inspire and interact with the upcoming
generation and to make a difference in the lives of children in their
communities. In June 2003, the Jazz Journalist's Association recognized
this work by bestowing an award for "Service To and Beyond Jazz." In
support of the workshops, Bruce participated in the 'Route 66
Challenge', securing per-mile pledges for the organization. Since the
first trip in 2004, there have been many such oddyseys. All daily
journals and pictures for the trips are archived at
www.wayoutwestmusic.com
Bruce Forman's music publications exemplify his passion for music and
educating. The Jazz Guitarists Handbook, (GSP Publications), is a critically
acclaimed method book that clarifies the concepts of jazz from a
performance-based point of view. Jazz Band Guitar, (Mel Bay Publications),
is a no-nonsense approach to the big band for guitarists of all levels. His
video, Jazz Guitar Soloing, (GSP), encompasses the important musical aspects
that make up an expressive and swinging solo.
In April 2003, his
first published fiction novel, Trust Me, was released by Lost Coast Press.
The story is a Faustian frolic, a guitarist's personal odyssey through jazz,
mysticism, and human folly. It has received rave reviews for its portrayal
of playing music and the jazz life.
He has thirteen recordings as a
leader, the most recent being a self-produced issue entitled Dedication,
Bootleg Vol. I, (re-released by BluJazz Records, September 2003) a selection
of compositions and arrangements that reveal his personal acknowledgement of
many of the musicians and experiences that shaped his music. Among his
numerous recordings as sideman, Bruce was prominently featured on Ray
Brown's Some of my best fiends are Guitarists CD, released in 2002.
September 2003 commemorated his 21st year at the Monterey Jazz
Festival-where he was honored for his contribution to jazz guitar-with a
trio performance with special guest Sherman Irby, and as a featured member
of an all-star tribute to the late Bill Berry.
In 2004, Cow Bop, a
jazz and western swing band featuring Bruce Forman won the Route 66
Challenge, traveling the length of the storied road, having departed Chicago
with a mere $100 and no scheduled gigs. The band's CD, Swingin' Out West
received wide acclaim and charted on radio charts in four different
catagories: Jazz, Americana, College and Adult Contemporary.
Contact
us regarding booking information about Bruce Forman.
