Larry Carlton Guitar Tab Books, Instruction DVDs, Solos, Arrangements, Video Lessons

Larry Carlton - Soulful Jazz-Rock Fusion Guitarist
Compiled & Edited By Steven Herron

    Larry Carlton was born on March 2, 1948 in Torrance, California and started to play the guitar at the age of six. He soon exhibited a strong interest in jazz guitar and even at an early age was excited by jazz greats such as Barney Kessel, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, and John Coltrane. As he advanced into his teenage years Carlton became affected by a wide range of other guitar sounds and approaches. At the age of sixteen he ended up becoming turned on by the blues guitar techniques of B.B. King, Albert Collins, and Robben Ford.

    Larry Carlton started playing with numerous essential artists and groups, consisting of The Fifth Dimension and George Shearing, while studying at Long Beach State University in the late 1960s. In 1969 he became musical director for the NBC children's program. His direct exposure on this program made the Los Angeles studios familiar with Larry's talent and he quickly became one of the busiest studio guitar players in that regional area. At the same time he ended up becoming a member of The Jazz Crusaders and recorded thirteen CDs with them from 1971 to 1976. Carlton also played live throughout the USA and internationally with this popular group.

    As a sideman in the studios, Larry's guitar work can be heard on the recordings of a wide variety of famous stars consisting of Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, Diana Ross, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Linda Ronstadt, Art Garfunkel, and Glen Campbell. In 1976 Larry Carlton chose to invest less time in the studios and concentrate on establishing his own profession as a jazz rock guitar player and vocalist.

    Larry Carlton recorded solely for Warner Brothers from 1978 to 1983. In 1985 he signed a recording agreement with MCA records. This brand-new association offered him a broader audience outside of the jazz field. In 1988 Carlton was shot in the throat by would be burglars while sitting in his studio. Fortunately, with a lot of treatment and therapy he recovered within a year and had the ability to resume his career. Since then he has been a constant musical force, usually heard with his own group but also available to perform with artists that he personally likes.

    Larry was part of a Stanley Clarke all-star group in 1993, taped a collaboration album with Lee Ritenour in 1995, and was one of the members of Fourplay (where he replaced Ritenour) during 1997-2010. Although he did not choose a career in creative jazz, Larry Carlton certainly stays capable of playing dazzling guitar music whenever he wants!