Primary Instrument: Guitar
Art Hodges is an American guitarist, composer, arranger, and teacher currently residing near Tokyo, Japan. For over 25 years, he has studied, mastered, performed, and taught a variety of guitar styles and musical genres (including jazz, rock, blues, and classical).
At Virginia Commonwealth University's School of the Arts, he avidly studied both jazz and classical guitar disciplines, as well as composition and arranging. He was also a student of guitar guru Tim Reynolds, and attended master classes with world renown artists John Scofield, Jimmy Bruno, Manuel Barrueco, and Eliot Fisk, to name a few.
Since the early 90's, Art has been an eclectic voice in the central Virginia music scene. He has collaborated, performed and recorded with everything from jam bands to classical ensembles. Art may hold the unique distinction of being the only guitarist in history to both memorize the Bach Chaccone in D minor, and portray “Slash” in a Guns-N-Roses parody/tribute band.
For over a decade, Art has been teaching students of all ages and levels to play guitar and appreciate all genres of music. In 2008, Art bid a fond “Sayonara” to his friends, fans and students in Virginia and moved to Japan, where he recorded his debut solo guitar CD, entitled “Easy Living” (available at arthodges.com).
“Easy Living” is a collection of solo guitar arrangements of classic jazz standards. Art's arrangements are rich and polyphonic, often sounding more like solo piano (or guitar duet) than solo guitar. He plays “fingerstyle” (without a pick), in the tradition of jazz guitar greats like Joe Pass, Charlie Byrd, Lenny Breau, and Martin Taylor.
Art's playing seamlessly blends elements of fingerstyle, jazz, and classical guitar. The result is tasteful, fresh, and eminently “listenable”. Check out samples of Art's amazing solo guitar playing and his new CD, “Easy Living” at arthodges.com.
"Easy Living"
Origin of Music
2009
Tracks: 1. Autumn Leaves; 2.Georgia on My Mind; 3.Misty; 4.They Can't Take That Away; 5.Makin' Whoopee; 6.God Bless the Child; 7.Easy Living; 8.Stardust; 9.Blue Moon; 10.Summertime; 11.Moonlight in Vermont; 12.Art's Blues.
Personnel: Art Hodges: Solo Guitar.
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Primary Instrument:
Guitar
Willing to teach:
Intermediate to advanced students
Credentials/Background:
Over ten years experience teaching private lessons and group classes. Lessons
currently available for students living near Tokyo, Japan. Contact Art's Email for
more information.
