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John Bruce Wallace

John Bruce Wallace is a free jazz solo performer interested in freely improvised music with a focus on generating extended sound statements within the options afforded through solo performance. An acknowledged, accomplished guitar virtuoso working to create a new voice for the electric guitar, creating a new approach to the instrument, John Bruce Wallace is an incredibly challenging improviser, master of tonal dimension, expander of compositional style. Incorporating an aggressive, extremely individual wailing guitar sound that one has never heard before he invented a new technique of playing while continuously changing the pitch of his electric guitar. Utilizing sizzling electric distortion, thick and saturated tone, in free improvisation, he revamped the modern guitar tradition and, using the technical possibilities of his instrument, transferred it into an individual sound language tapping the human interior's post pro-harmonic feedback. The music is clearly developed, powerful, and expressive, takes advantage of strange techniques, weaving very diverse textures into incredible legendary sounds. He has extended the boundaries of improvisation and presentation, breaking new ground for younger and inquisitive musicians.

John embodies the mastery of emotions in his playing. Several people familiar with his Sound Improvisions have likened them to a “Sound Track to Life”. One noting that while he was watching events unfold in his urban neighborhood it struck him that the music was a perfect audio backing to the developing street situations. After a performance in Arkhangel’sk Russia, a veteran of the USSR’s Afghanistan war told John that the music experience was a catharsis relieving the pain he endured on the loss of several friends during engagements in that conflict. The emotive quality of the improvisation released those emotions, freeing him to move on in his life. The strength of emotive expression crossed cultural and language boundaries in a universal expression.

He has shared performance billings with: Tim Hodgkinson, Ken Hyder, Evan Ziporyn, John King, Vladimir Tarasov, ZGA, Enver Izmaylov, Burhan Ocal, and Jazz Band Arkhangel'sk as well as many others. Tours have included festivals in Russia and Lithuania, where he was awarded fourth place at the Vilnius Jazz Festival. His music was invited for performance consideration at the American Pavilion during the 1991 São Paulo Art Biennial, in São Paulo, Brazil. Unique Performances have included a performance at a New York City Institute for the Mentally Disabled, as well as street performances.

He has recorded and release thirty-two albums of extended sound statements, through either Throne of Bael Records or Waving Bye Records available via various sites on the Internet.

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WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

[I]ncredibly interesting guitar improvisation, [i]f you are into guitar you will be into this from John Bruce Wallace. Incredibly talented. Susie Mudd, MARYLAND MUSICIAN, Baltimore, MD

Wallace is one of those rare exceptions. Charles S. Russell, EAR MAGAZINE, New York, NY

Sinuous solo guitar improvisations...rippling, resonant sound. Mark Jenkins, WASHINGTON CITY PAPER, Washington, DC

An aggressive, wailing guitar sound—astonishing and extremely individual—that one has never heard before. Grigory Valov, TIF, Arkhangel'sk, Russia

[S]izzling electric distortion...thick and saturated tone...tapping the human interior's post pro-harmonic feedback. LaDonna Smith, the improvisor, Birmingham, AL

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Grail

Waving Bye Records
2023

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Grail

Waving Bye Records
2023

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Under Armor of...

Throne Of Bael
2019

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Zarathustra's Retreat...

Original Label: throne Of Bael. Current Label: Waving Bye Records
2019

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Energized Exchange

Waving Bye Records
2018

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Taming The Day

Throne of Bael
2018

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Memories

From: Energized Exchange
By John Bruce Wallace

Videos

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