Staff
Wayne Goins first came to our attention through his award-winning book, A Biography of Charlie Christian: Jazz Guitar's King of Swing, the best Christian study we've seen. Then we heard his latest CD, Chronicles of Carmela, which reveals him to be a composer and guitarist of deep feeling, extraordinary chops, and exquisite taste. When we learned that he's also a skilled teacher, well, we knew he was perfect for Pure Guitar.
Wayne is, in fact, Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Kansas State University. He has performed with such greats as legendary guitarist Kenny Burrell, alto saxophonist Bobby Watson, tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, organist Jimmy McGriff, and many others. He completed his PhD at Florida State University, and has taught in Boston, Chicago, and Atlanta, where he conducted jazz ensembles and taught guitar at Morehouse College, Emory University, and Kennesaw State University.
In addition to the 2005 Charlie Christian biography, he's published two other books with the Edwin Mellen Press, The Jazz Band Director's Handbook: A Guide to Success (2003) and Emotional Response to Music: Pat Metheny's Secret Story (2001). In 2006 Goins finished his fourth book, The Wise Improvisor, a college textbook for all levels of jazz improvisation. His next book, Blues All Day Long: The Jimmy Rogers Story, is awaiting publication by the University of Illinois Press. He writes regularly for Jazz Ambassador and Jazz Improv magazines, and has bylined several entries in The Encyclopedia of the Blues and The Grove Dictionary of American Music.
In addition to the Chronicles of Carmela, Goins' independent jazz label, Little Apple Records, has issued his guitar-intensive West Coast Swing, Standard Fare, Smokin' at The Oak Bar, Bluesin' with the B3, and Home…Cookin! Goins has just produced his latest CD release for the Little Apple Records label, Last Call by Rick Smith, who serves as the second guitarist in Goins' della Voce Quartet.
Check out his CDs and books at waynegoins.com
Wayne Goins's Posts
From Charlie Christian to Mark Whitfield: Our resident jazz guitar guru recommends a wide range of styles and a few surprises.
Book Review: Ten transcriptions of elegant, sophisticated songs take guitarists into a world where composition mingles with creativity.
Video lesson: Expert jazz guitarist Wayne Goins shows how to play one of the sweetest guitar styles ever.
