![]() ![]() This sets up a cycling pattern of Am6 and E7 in 9-12, Ted’s interpretation of George Gershwin’s original changes. The cadence into Am is established with a very altered E7 in 8. Note the keyboard-inspired classical voice-leading and fingerstyle execution in these measures. ![]() His clever opening involves a series of modulations in which a theme is presented in Dm (the IV chord) in measures 1-2, imitated in Fm in 3-4, and enters the tonic Am (I chord) in bar 5. The intro is a cinematic moment in the tradition of great chord-melody arrangers. Greene’s take on “Summertime” reveals an integration of classical, jazz, film-score and show-tune elements. He was later tagged by Byrd to create three tab arrangements, renditions of Bix Beiderbecke’s piano music, for Ry Cooder’s 1977 album, Jazz. He also began exploring alternate tunings, started composing original music, and collaborated with his friend Joseph Byrd on The American Metaphysical Circus. Though he continued to use his other guitars – a ’59 Gibson ES-345, modified 355, and Les Paul goldtop with P-90s – into the early ’70s, the Tele became his preferred instrument. Inspired by Jay Lacy, he became infatuated with the Telecaster and in ’65 purchased his first – a used ’53. Later enrolling at California State Northridge as a business major, he also pursued common-practice classical harmony and theory in a hyper-focused course of self-study. By then an accomplished guitarist, he played in local R&B bands like Natural Selection and Bluesberry Jam, and also began teaching. to graduate from a high school that let him focus on math studies. The following year, Ted’s parents bought a new Corvette Stingray for the 17-year-old, so he could return to L.A. His primary interests were rock and roll, gospel, and R&B, and his early training involved learning sounds by ear from records and radio. Born a lefty, he mastered the guitar right-handed and was drawn to the music scene in New York City. In 1960, Greene was given a Gretsch 6120. ![]() He initially had difficulties with the instrument, but persevered thanks to his innate love of music and encouragement from his parents. After the family moved to White Plains, New York, his father bought him a guitar in 1957, and he began lessons with Sal Tardella, a local jazz guitarist who taught him to read music and guided him through the Mel Bay series. The label of “genius” is often applied to Greene, and it’s not hyperbole after demonstrating an aptitude for math in grade school, he was tested and rated with an IQ of 160. His mother, a pianist, stoked his love for Gershwin tunes by playing for hours as he sat beneath the instrument, absorbing the music. A legend who coaxed unimaginable sounds from a humble Telecaster and famously avoided the spotlight, he left an indelible mark on a spectrum of players ranging from Steve Vai, John McLaughlin, and Robert Fripp to George Van Eps, Jay Graydon, and Russell Malone.īorn in Los Angeles on September 26, 1946, Theodore Howell Greene’s family relocated to Cleveland in ’51. ![]() Few guitarists enjoy the adulation bestowed on Ted Greene. Ted Greene photo by Dale Zdenek Trust, courtesy of D. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |