John Pisano’s Guitar Night - The Book
A little over twenty-two years ago John Pisano called and invited me to be part of what would be the first Guitar Night at the Papashon Restaurant in Encino California. Little did I know how life changing that phone call would be?
I remember getting dressed to go to the first Guitar Night and as I was leaving, I looked at my dresser and there sitting on top was my camera and I was debating whether I should take it with me. I find it just amazing how the smallest of decisions can change your life in such a profound way.
For three years I sifted through boxes of proof sheets, negatives, and file after file of digital Guitar Night images. There were months of sorting, scanning, retouching, and researching then eventually the writing of the text and bios. Then with the help of guitarist Pat Kelley who did the editing, and guitarist/graphic designer Ted Mayer's contributions, it all came together. Needless to say my days have been busy and hopefully my audience will have found them fruitful.
Since September of 1997, John Pisano has presented 132 world-class guest guitarists along with twenty-five or so who have “sat in”, plus countless who have played at special Guitar Night events and celebrations. They were all supported by the finest sidemen available.
From that very first Guitar Night with the legendary seven-string guitarist, George van Eps, to the present day, I have photographed in seven different venues almost every Guitar Night, including the special events, anniversary’s, memorials, special guests, and just gaggles of guitarists “hanging” around each Guitar Night.
It has been my intention to not only chronicle, but to introduce you to a special group of artists who I have had the honor of photographing and getting to know. It is my hope that through my photos, you will get to know them as I have.
Bob Barry
All about the John Pisano's Guitar Night Book
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The book is 11"x11" and comes in a box sleeve containing 187 pages filled with over 360 images taken over a 20 year period, from the very first Guitar Night in September of 1997 to 2017 when it was published. This is a Special Edition printing of 250 books and box sleeves complete with vellum where each book is numbered, dated and signed.
Not only have I documented every guest guitarist that Guitar Night founder and host John Pisano had invited, but have also included almost all the side men, (bassists, drummers and guest instrumentalists), in several pages of collages created by Guitar Night's graphic designer and guitarist, Ted Mayer. Every author needs an editor, and I was most fortunate to have guitarist, composer, and educator Pat Kelley on our team.
While writing the text and bios for each guitarist, I tried to bring in as much of an insight into each of these unique and brilliant musicians as I could, revealing something about the nature of their character through anecdotal moments and humor.
Scroll down to check out several of the reviews for John Pisano's Guitar Night and how you can purchase your copy. BB
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to order your copy, contact bob at 323-856-0565
or EMAIL AT JAZZOGRAPHY@ROADRUNNER.COM
This book represents many magical nights and we are grateful to John Pisano for putting them all together and to Bob Barry for capturing and preserving those special moments. It is truly outstanding and a very important part of the history of jazz guitar.
Thank you Bob for this outstanding collection.
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Sincerely,
Kenny Burrell
Professor of Music and Ethnomusicology and Director of Jazz Studies at UCLA
“The photos are wonderful, the writing is insightful and informative, and the entire book is a work of love that guitar fans will treasure.”
Scott Yanow
Jazz journalist and author of 11 books including
The Great Jazz Guitarists, Trumpet Kings and Jazz
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“This book is a must for any jazz enthusiast’s library. It transcends both time and trend.”
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Jim Carlton
Author of Conversations With Great Jazz and Studio
Congratulations to John Pisano for this incredible run, and to Bob Barry for this great book of pictures that tell the story!
Your fan,
Lee Ritenour