West Coast Guitar Masters: Best Guitar Music Collection 1946-1956 | Vintage American Guitarists | Perfect for Jazz Lovers & Music History Enthusiasts

This set spotlights post war electric guitar on the West Coast from 1946-1956--prime years for T-Bone Walker inspired guitarists and others who built on Walker's playing, but played in a more stripped down, leaner style. Fans of this regions and era of guitarists will recognize names like Pete Lewis, Lafayette Thomas, Pee Wee Crayton, Jimmy Nolen, and Gene Phillips, among other players. But the majority of performances are by these players with a few other more obscure players for added depth. There's a cross section of tracks that feature small combos and larger bands with a horn or two. But all the tunes have that West Coast sound--most were recorded in L.A. with some in S.F. and Oakland, Ca.--all three hot beds for this style of playing.The sound varies as you would expect from across so many years and record labels/studios, but for fans the performances outstrip any recording problems. As usual the outer box is flimsy cardboard, individual jewel cases for each disc, but good recording information for each track along with an essay on the music.Fans of this style of guitar playing will recognize some of the tunes here. But having so much good music of this type in one collection makes this worthwhile for fans (like me) of post war West Coast electric guitar playing. In keeping with the era not everything is blues, with some tracks having more of a jazz feel. Listen to Jimmy Nolen's "Strollin' With Nolen", Pete Lewis' "Midnight In The Barellhouse", Gene Phillips' "Big Fat Mama" (played at breakneck speed), Pee Wee Crayton's "Texas Hop", Lafayette Thomas' "Lost Mind", Jimmy McKracklin's "Blues Blaster Shuffle", and you'll understand what this music is all about. But there's a lot more where these tunes came from. A good overview of some of the better guitarists working on the West Coast during this ten year period.