It was by listening to Goodman's band, that I began to notice the guitarist Charlie Christian, who was one of the first musicians to play solos in a big band set-up.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Charlie Christian played amplified guitar with Benny Goodman's quartet. He was the greatest guitar player that ever was. But he never looked up from the guitar. But I put a little dance to it. They appreciate seein' something along with hearin' something.
Benny Goodman was one of the big influences as a clarinet player. That's why I wanted the clarinet.
Marc Bolan had inspired so many people to pick up a guitar and join a band.
I grew up around a lot of church musicians.
The first time we all played as a band, I think it was in January 1998, in Jonny's bedroom.
Paul persuaded me to join the band. I would never have had the courage otherwise. It was fun at the beginning. We were playing just for fun, with Paul's group.
The first piece of music that captured my imagination was probably Ray Charles Live At Newport.
We started with Denny Cordell, and he was a great record producer. He knew exactly how to take a band that knew absolutely nothing, and guide you without trying to tell you what to do.
I was a big fan of Jim Hall as well. I liked his comping style, his accompanying. And that he played, generally, four note chords, the top four strings of the guitar.
First concert I ever went to was a group called The Yardbirds. Eric Clapton is the lead guitarist.