Greetings and welcome to year eight of the most unusual, forward-thinking, open-minded guitar camp on the planet.

We have another round of extraordinary teachers this summer joining us in the glorious 100-acre wilderness retreat that Music Masters has cultivated over the past two decades.

Back again are two of our core teachers, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Gilad Hekselman, two of the finest and most inventive improvising guitarists in the world. Also returning is Wolfgang Muthspiel. Wolfgang was a great inspiration to many students last year with his unparalleled mastery of the nylon string guitar, his composing, and his beautiful electric work as well. And our hero and inspiration John Scofield will be on hand.

And… we’re excited to introduce some wonderful new teachers.

For the first time, Kevin Eubanks will join us. Kevin is quite simply one of the finest improvisers of the past 40 years. His playing in Dave Holland’s Quartet is a high water mark for everyone. Of course, he also led the Tonight Show band for many years. He’s an innovator, a wonderful teacher, someone with wide- ranging abilities and tastes who will bring new perspectives to our enterprise.

The great Mary Halvorson will be with us. Mary is one of the most celebrated younger guitarists of our time. Two-time winner of the Downbeat critics award, she brings a bracing, deeply original approach.

And then we have Vernon Reid, whose band Living Color is one of the world’s most acclaimed rock bands. Vernon has a distinguished history playing all kinds of music, avant jazz with Bill Frisell, Jamaladeen Tacuma, and Ronald Shannon Jackson, studio and live performances with artists as diverse as Janet Jackson, Santana, Public Enemy, and Jack Bruce.

Also, one of my long time, colleagues and allies will be on hand, Anthony Pirog. Anthony is best known these days for his work with his group the Messthetics. However, he has been at the forefront of creative work in a number of capacities for at least a decade, including a collaboration with his partner, Janel.

But wait, that’s not all. One of the great voices in modern jazz will visit us, basis, Steve Swallow. Steve is one of the most storied performers in all of jazz history. Let me make it simple and say he’s played with more legends than I can count. Also, on our John Scofield night, we will be graced with John’s own rhythm section, Bill Stewart on drums and Larry Grenadier on bass.

Once again Harvey Sorgen and Jerome Harris will be our “house” rhythm section. Like last year we’ll have four different spaces for after-hours jamming. And I’ll be there, too, of course, teaching and producing, and answering any questions you may have. We’ll be starting a monthly zoom meeting in January for any attendees who wish to not only meet each other, but begin to talk about the camp and its profuse learning opportunities. See you soon.

Joel Harrison
Founder and Artistic Director of Alternative Guitar Summit