Phil Upchurch
Chicago-born guitarist and bassist Phil Upchurch has been backing jazz, blues, and pop stars for over 50 years. What magic formula has allowed him to record and perform with everyone from Otis Rush and Donny Hathaway to George Benson and Michael Jackson? Aside from Upchurch’s immense talent and versatility, it also has to do with the fact that the guitarist is very detail oriented”particularly when it comes to rhythmic and melodic phrasing. Whether comping or soloing, Upchurch thinks like a drummer and always plays with and not on top of the band.
“If you listen to [drummer] Philly Joe Jones’ snare, you can get a lot of ideas for rhythmic comping on the guitar,” offers Upchurch, who also points to Miles Davis”with his masterful blend of sustained notes and silence”as essential listening for all aspiring jazzers. Upchurch says that, like Davis, a great soloist must practice mindful interaction with the band, knowing exactly when and when not to play.
Tags
Album Review
- Feeling Blue by David Rickert
- Tell The Truth! by AAJ Staff
- Tell the Truth! by Dave Hughes
- Tell the Truth! by Dave Hughes
- Tell The Truth! by AAJ Staff
Photos
Albums
Watch
Similar
Pat Martino
guitar
George Benson
guitar
Cannonball Adderley
saxophone
Al Jarreau
voice / vocals
Jimmy McGriff
organ, Hammond B3
Ramsey Lewis
piano
Jack McDuff
organ, Hammond B3
Dorothy Ashby
harp
Jazz Crusaders
band/orchestra
Gary Bartz
saxophone, alto
Cleo Laine
voice / vocals
Bobbi Humphrey
flute
Les McCann
piano
Idris Muhammad
drums
Lonnie Liston Smith
keyboards
