Melodic rock guitarist Mike Tyler — who has been featured multiple times in “Guitar Player” and who is one of the legendary guitarists with the progressive rock/acid jazz fusion, blues twisted with a mix of Afro Cuban and Celtic band, the Bartron Tyler Group — said this Saturday night’s gig at Pacifica Performances titled “Three Great Guitarists” (which features Mike Tyler, Jim Nichols and Chris Cobb), is all John Hall’s fault.
Fingerstyle guitarist Jim Nichols, who has played at such venues as Carnegie Hall and the Tonight Show and recorded or played with artists who include Kenny Rankin, Chet Atkins, Hubert Laws, Buddy Montgomery, Van Morrison and Toots Thielemans — also said that John Hall was responsible for what happens Saturday night.
Blues guitarist Chris Cobb, who has toured and recorded with such folks as “Sista” Monica Parker, E.C. Scott and Mitch Woods and who is also co-owner of Real Guitar, San Francisco’s oldest vintage guitar shop, a world celebrated guitar shop which welcomes such customers as Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, the Black Crowes, Alanis Morissette, Neil Young, The Killers and Tracy Chapman — admits his finger is pointed at John Hall as well.
Who is this guy, John Hall?
John Hall, a Pacifican like the other guitarists, plays guitar, harmonica and sings with the classic rock, old school rhythm and blues band, Brother Buzz. He’s also a member of the acoustic folk and pop band, Tonal Recall. Coastsiders additionally know him from when he sits in from time to time with the classic and alternative country band, the Montara Mountain Boys. And as it turns out, Hall has played with each and every member of Saturday night’s newly formed trio. Hall will serve as host.
“All three guys are phenomenal guitarists but very different,” Hall said. “And all three have amazing chops but they are not ‘chops’ guys. They use their knowledge of the guitar to make good music — not to show off.”
Nichols has been playing guitar for a living since he was a teen. “I got to play guitar or electric bass in big bands, jazz piano and organ combos, rock and blues bands, and country groups,” Nichols said. “I also did a lot of studio work and even learned some classical and Celtic pieces. To use an old joke, I’m one of the best guitarists in my price range!”
“Jim is usually described as a ‘fingerstyle jazz guitarist’ in the style of guitar legend Chet Atkins,” Tyler weighed in. “He is a master at this style which is easy for me to appreciate because I play nothing like that. I just say, ‘Dang! I can’t do that!’ As to Chris, he is a super expressive blues-based player with a modern approach which is what I like to hear. I think I first saw him perform back in the ’80s with ‘Wild Kingdom.'” Hall decided the three players, who have not played together before, should play together — I read an article about players that inspire other players and I thought, ‘well geez, I’ve got three guys right here in my hometown that inspire me!’ Then I thought ‘how cool it would be to have them in a show together.'”
“It took two tries,” Hall laughed. “It did not work out two years ago and here we are. I can now report that getting three stellar guitarists together to do a show is like herding cats!”
“I’ve known both Jim and Chris for a long time but we’ve never gigged together like this,” Tyler said. “It’s going to be interesting for all of us to try and play outside our comfort zones.”
What’s on their set menus?
“The song list is still being fine tuned,” Nichols said. “But I plan to play a few old standards plus a few Chet Atkins arrangements. The three guitars together will definitely play a blues or two and probably ‘Sleep Walk.’ The evening will cover quite a range of styles from Steely Dan, the Allman Brothers, jazz, blues, R&B, and fingerpicking.”
“I’ve got some old tunes that have never been performed before,” Tyler said. “And some new ones, plus a favorite Bartron Tyler Group selection and some surprises.”
“There should be something for everyone,” Nichols said.
All three guitarists said that even though John Hall is hosting the event, they expect he will sit down with them for at least a song or two. Other featured players will be Paul Olguin on bass and John Hanes on drums. Lee Parvin will sit in for a few numbers with Mike Tyler and Chris Cobb’s son Jesse will join him for one song.
“The concert will be fun for me because I get to play with great musicians and play tunes I like in a great setting — the Mildred Owen Concert Hall,” Nichols said. “Pacifica really has a wealth of talent and Pacifica Performances does a great job of presenting it.”
Tyler, who will also play slide guitar, “any chance he gets,” added, “this show has the possibility of having the most musical variety of any show in recent memory. We’re all looking forward to it.”
If you go:
Where: Pacifica Performances Mildred Owen Concert Hall, 1220 Linda Mar Blvd.
When: Saturday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 general. $17 seniors (62+) and students with current ID. $15 members. $12 senior/student members. Under 18 FREE. Available at door 30 minutes before show or in advance online at www.pacificaperformances.org by Friday, noon.
Reserved seats: Available by phone. Minimum purchase 6 tickets.
Contact: call 355-1882 or email info@pacificaperformances.org.
