DESCRIPTION
Vintage original official concert merchandise from the actual gig in 1974 - over 49 years ago. The tour was promoted in Australia by Jazzart Concert Promotions and presented by Kym Bonython. 

This is a small souvenir program of 16 pages, measuring 20 cms x 12.5 cms. It contains info on Charlie Byrd, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis. It also features bios on Gene Byrd (bass) and Michael Lee Stephans (drums). The program is in excellent condition.

Actual images of item have been used and form part of the item condition/description.  

THE TOUR
Great Guitars was a supergroup formed by jazz guitarists Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis and Barney Kessel in 1973. Each of them had their unique styles and played a crucial role in shaping the history of jazz guitar. 

Charles Louis Byrd (1925-1999) was an American jazz guitarist who is best known for popularizing bossa nova music in the United States during the early 1960s. Byrd was an accomplished fingerstyle guitarist who incorporated classical guitar techniques into his jazz playing. He had a clean and melodic style that emphasized harmonically rich chord voicings.

Barney Kessel (1923-2004) was an American jazz guitarist known for his versatility, virtuosity, and impeccable technique. He was one of the most sought-after session guitarists in the 1950s and 1960s. Kessel played a key role in the West Coast jazz scene and was a member of the famous "Wrecking Crew," a group of top session musicians in Los Angeles. He was known for his warm and fluid guitar tone, and he excelled in various styles, including bebop, cool jazz, and mainstream jazz.

Herb Ellis (1921-2010) was another influential American jazz guitarist who had a long and successful career. He was known for his swinging, bluesy style and a bright, clean guitar tone.  Ellis gained fame as a member of the Oscar Peterson Trio during the 1950s, contributing to the group's renowned recordings. He was often associated with the "cool jazz" movement of the 1950s and played with other notable musicians, including Ella Fitzgerald and Jimmy Dorsey. Ellis' ability to blend bebop and blues elements into his playing made him a highly respected figure in the jazz guitar community.

The music they created together as the Great Guitars was a seamless blend of styles, a harmonious fusion of bluesy swing, fiery improvisation, and exotic rhythms.   This 1974 concert tour was a musical journey that left their audience moved and inspired, a memory to be cherished forever.

COLLECTABILITY
Tour programs are highly collectable and sought after for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a tangible memento of a specific concert or event, allowing fans to relive the experience and cherish the memories associated with it. Tour programs often feature exclusive content like behind-the-scenes photos, interviews, and detailed information about the artists and their performances. Additionally, they serve as a snapshot of a particular era in an artist's career, making them valuable to both music enthusiasts and historians.  Whether you're a dedicated fan or a passionate collector, owning these programs offers a tangible connection to the music world and serves as a treasured piece of memorabilia.

Programs can also be framed together with other items we have on our website such as vinyl records, official stage guitar picks, autographs, backstage passes, concert tickets, drumsticks and photos and you can create a truly one-of-a-kind unique piece of memorabilia.