Brad Myers (born December 25, 1975) is an American jazz composer and guitarist.
Biography.
Myers started playing music at the age of 6. While first studying the piano, he switched to guitar at the age of 10. Then inspired by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Yes, Rush and the Allman Brothers, his interest switched to jazz. Later inspirations for Myers include Jim Hall, the Bill Evans Trio, Keith Jarrett, Metheny and John Scofield.
Until 1994, Myers lived in the Washington D.C. area. In 1994 he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to study jazz guitar with James E. Smith at the University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) on an Honors Scholarship. He returned to CCM in 2013 to pursue his formal studies; he received his master's degree in Jazz Studies in 2015.
Career.
In 1998, while studying at the CCM, Myers made his first recordings, as featured soloist on the album "Lady Bird" by the Two O'Clock Combo (directed by Pat Harbison) and the CCM Jazz Ensemble (directed by Rick VanMatre). In the same year, Myers joined Ray's Music Exchange, a Cincinnati-based funk jazz outfit known for long energetic improvisational grooves. Ray's Music Exchange was inspired by artists like Miles Davis’ electric bands, Frank Zappa, Medeski, Martin &amp; Wood, The Meters and John Zorn. Myers toured the US with Ray's Music Exchange from 1998 till 2006 and produced five full-length recordings with them. In 2010, when the group reunited, Myers produced their live DVD "A Live Rayunion".
During his career, Myers shared the stage with artists like John Scofield, Stanley Jordan, Victor Wooten, Béla Fleck, Brian Charette and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. He also is a member of several ensembles, either as a guitarist and/or co-director, including The Midwestern Swing, The David McDonnell Group, The Fraid Knots (with Jacklyn Chitwood), and Aja - Steely Dan Tribute. Since 2010, Myers is a member of Steve Schmidt's Organ Trio based in Cincinnati.
In April 2012, Myers played the role of Jim (vocals, guitar, mandolin) in "Pump Boys and Dinettes" at The Carnegie Theater. In the same year, Myers was a featured guest soloist playing the part of Cal Collins in Nancy James and Carmen DeLeone's "A Salute to Rosemary Clooney".
Myers debuted as a leader on the 2015 album "Prime Numbers". The album received positive reviews from critics, including a 4 star review from jazz magazine Down Beat.
In 2017, Myers released an album with bassist Michael Sharfe, "Sanguinaria (Hopefulsongs)".
References.
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