One Long Tune: The Life And Music Of Lenny Breau [Paperback]

Chet Atkins called Lenny Breau (1941-1984) the greatest guitarist who ever walked the face of the earth. Breau's astonishing virtuosity influenced countless performers, but unfortunately it came at the expense of his personal relationships. Forbes-Roberts analyzes Breau and his recordings to reveal an enormously gifted man and the inner workings of his music. [A] thorough and fascinating biography, which includes a discography and analysis of Breau's recordings. -Toronto Globe and Mail Forbes-Roberts does a credible job of depicting the variables that fostered Breau's total devotion to his instrument and subsequent descent into heroin addiction. Where Forbes-Roberts does his best work though, is in his technical explanations of Breau's unique guitar system and his comprehensive critical analyses of the artist's recording sessions. -All About Jazz Forbes-Roberts walks the line between adulation and research, music nerd and general interest reporter, with aplomb, and most importantly delivers a very readable account of a personality most readers should find endearing (if heartbreaking), even if they'd never previously heard of Breau. -Boston Phoenix The author has delivered a comprehensive, well-written book that evokes both sympathy and admiration for [Breau], with painstaking documentation of his technical approach. -The Toronto Star About the Author: RON FORBES-ROBERTS is an award-winning journalist and a contributing editor to Acoustic Guitar Magazine. He is a career musician with a degree in classical guitar and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. GENE LEES's many important books on jazz include Cats of Any Color: Jazz Black and White.