General Info:
Pete Smyser is a virtuoso, 7-string guitarist with 20 years of pro experience providing live music for public & private events. He also teaches private guitar lessons from his home studio in Harleysville, PA. While most guitarists chose a single genre in which to specialize, Smyser's versatility and approach to the instrument simply defy categorical limitations. CONTEMPORARY POPULAR MUSIC... In his youth, Smyser's interest was in rock and popular music of the 60s, 70s and 80s. His attention was drawn towards classical and jazz studies when his musical pursuits intensified in preparation for a career in music. After many years, Pete is rediscovering and reinterpreting modern popular songs with an instrumental approach that incorporates the unique and varied skill set that he has acquired. JAZZ... Pete has a deep reverence for American Songbook standards and the traditions of jazz — particularly from the 1910s through the 1960s. His entertainingly informative concerts that center on iconic composers such as Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and Harry Warren have been highly praised and very well received by audiences. Pete's 2014 release of the song "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was voted #1 on WRTI’s Top 100 Jazz Countdown of 2014. His album titled "The Jerome Kern Concert ...LIVE!" peaked at #37 of the jazz radio charts nationally and stayed on the top 50 for several weeks in 2012. He has released 8 albums to date. Critics have likened Smyser's jazz recordings to such legendary guitarists as Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and Jim Hall. Smyser is an endorser for American Archtop Guitars, is listed among greats in the book - The Jazz Guitar, Its Evolution, Its Players and Personalities Since 1900 (Ashley Mark Publishing Co.) and was on the Artist Roster of the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour (PennPAT) from 1997-2004. He is in the Hall of Fame at Philadelphia’s premier jazz club – Chris’ Jazz Café. CLASSICAL... Classically trained, Smyser also performs, transcribes and arranges the works of Bach, Handel, Mozart, etc. He holds the highest regard for the traditions of Francisco Tárrega, Andres Segovia, etc. and cites them as a major influence in his musical development. Visit Pete's official webpage (www.smyser.com) for more information, sound samples, etc. Video samples are available on Pete's YouTube Channel.