Guitarist Howard Paul, President/CEO of Benedetto Guitars, will kickoff a tour of Midwestern college campuses with a stop at Capital University this week. Based in Savannah, Georgia, Benedetto was founded in 1968 by American luthier Robert Benedetto, and enjoys a reputation of one of the finest producers of jazz guitars in the world. Beyond an extremely successful business career, Paul is also an excellent guitarist who has played with legends including Ben Tucker, Bucky Pizzarelli, Joe Beck, and Bob James. He even recorded a 2014 organ trio album with Columbus’ own Tony Monaco and Jim Rupp entitled New Adventures. The schedule for Paul’s visit covers two days of performances and clinics, which will involve many of the best local and regional guitarists. On Thursday, March 17th, at 8pm, Howard Paul & The Benedetto Players will perform at Notes. Paul will be joined on stage by fellow guitarists Tim Cummiskey, Chris Buzzelli, and Doug Neel, and a stalwart rhythm section of Doug Richeson (bass) and Jim Rupp (drums). Tickets are $5 at the door. On Friday, March 18th, from 10am to 4pm, “Benedetto at Capital University” will bring performances and clinics to the university’s Huntington Recital Hall. Friday’s events are FREE and open to the public – Keep reading for schedule details and videos of Paul in action:
“Benedetto at Capital University” Schedule:
(All events held at Capital’s Huntington Recital Hall)
•10:00-10:50am – Opening performance with Howard Paul, Tim Cummiskey, Chris Buzzelli, and Doug Neel; Q&A to follow
•11:00-11:50am – Howard Paul clinic – “History & Development of The Archtop Guitar”
•12:00-12:50pm – Chris Buzzelli clinic – “Developing Chord/Melody Arranging & Soloing”
•1:00-2:00pm – Break
•2:00-2:50pm – Tim Cummiskey clinic – “Building Chops Through Rhythmic Flexibility”
•3:00-3:50pm – Doug Neel clinic – “Utilitarian Guitarist 101”