MAINSTAY - The John Jorgenson Quintet
John Jorgenson is recognized by many critics and fans as one of the greatest guitarists on the world stage today. Jorgenson first came to national attention as co-founder of successful country-rock act The Desert Rose Band, with Chris Hillman (formerly of the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers). During that time he won the Academy of Country Music’s “Guitarist of the Year” award for two consecutive years.
In 1994, Elton John invited Jorgenson to join his band for an 18-month tour that stretched into a six-year stint of touring, recording and TV appearances. He also collaborated with Sting and Billy Joel. His other notable affiliations were with Earl Scruggs, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan, as well as with Luciano Pavarotti and Barbra Streisand.
Early in his career Jorgenson discovered the work of the great gypsy French guitarist Django Reinhardt The John Jorgenson Quintet continues to honor the string-driven swing created by Django and violinist Stephane Grappelli in 1930s Paris, often lauded as the most popular European jazz figures of their time.
John Jorgenson’s date at the Mainstay comes exactly one week before his scheduled appearance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.