Tag Archive for: guitar

Powerhouse Singer-Songwriter, Lynn Frances Anderson is BACK – and better than ever! Anderson has been away from us for awhile, but, the transformation is profound. Anderson’s all new Songwriter Series brings together songwriters who are not typically sharing a stage because they each have their own projects. Anderson’s new band is like nothing she’s ever done before!

Lynn has recorded four albums since her music career began in the late 80s. Lynn’s first studio recording, was released in 1997, titled, “My Famous Friend”. This would prove to be a bit of a premonition. The musicians Anderson would come to work with are indeed, her “famous friends”. Anderson has performed with renowned and legendary musicians including Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson, Jeff Beck), Scarlet Rivera (Bob Dylan), Joe Craven (David Grisman, Gerry Garcia), Tony “TC” Coleman (BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, Jamey Johnson), All The King’s Men – the men who made up BB King’s band. Anderson’s latest album is “One Fine Day” and features Jennifer, TC, Scarlet Rivera and Portland’s beloved guitarist, Tim Ellis.

Anderson’s career began to soar in the early 2000s. Her appearances ranged from headlining large Pride festivals with her stellar band, to concert halls across the country. After her headlining appearance with the band at Atlanta Pride, Anderson performed solo for the Savannah, GA Folk Society in a beautiful concert hall packed with members. She also performed as an acoustic duo with guitarist, Mary Curtis, at the New York Museum of Modern Art. She had international airplay and is featured in Girls Rock!: Fifty Years of Women Making Music. An unexpected turn of events caused an unplanned hiatus, but, Anderson’s musical family encouraged her back to her life purpose. Her muse returning, Anderson is now in a very exciting resurgence. Her music has taken on a new vibration, she has a Tele-Style guitar in her hands alongside her master class acoustics. Lynn has transformed, as has her music.

With three projects in the works, you can find her performing solo and hosting the all new LFA Songwriter Series, launching a Pretenders Tribute concert series, and performing with her all new band featuring fresh arrangements of select covers. The new style is a twist on Anderson’s existing material, incorporating songs like “The River” and “Road to New Orleans” and adding both covers and new material in a Country-Americana-Roots Rock-Blues-style. (Think Eagles meeting Brad Paisley meets Lone Justice, meets Creedence meets CSNY meets Allison Krause meets Dinah Washington.)

Anderson was appointed as a Commissioner with the Beaverton Arts Commission in 2020, where a new 550-seat performing arts center is under construction.
Lynn and I share an empath wave, and we’ll share it with you on All Access Live: www.youtube.com/allaccesslivewithkevinrankin

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Mark Lettieri is a guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor based in Fort Worth, TX. Proficient in a multitude of styles, he records and performs in virtually every genre of popular music with both independent and major-label artists. He also composes and produces original instrumental music under his own name.

Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Lettieri came to Texas via Texas Christian University (TCU), studying advertising and public relations, and competing in track and field. A passionate guitarist since middle school, he began his music career in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area upon graduating from TCU.

Playing in the vibrant Metroplex gospel and R&B scene led Lettieri to join jazz/world group Snarky Puppy in 2008, where he contributes as guitarist, as well as arranger and composer. His work with group has resulted in four GRAMMY Awards: Best R&B Performance for “Something” feat. Lalah Hathaway in 2014, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album (Sylva in 2016, Culcha Vulcha in 2017, and Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2021). Snarky Puppy tours constantly, having performed on every continent except Antarctica.

Outside of Snarky Puppy, Lettieri has released five albums as a leader: Knows (2011), Futurefun (2013), Spark and Echo (2016, #2 on iTunes Jazz and #11 on Billboard Jazz) Deep: The Baritone Sessions in (2019, #21 on Billboard Jazz), and most recently, Things of That Nature (2019, #1 on iTunes Jazz). Due in large part to Lettieri’s vibrant social media presence, these records have created a sizable buzz among fans of instrumental music worldwide. He performs this music live with the Mark Lettieri Trio, featuring Wes Stephenson (Funky Knuckles) on bass and Jason “JT” Thomas (Snarky Puppy, Forq) on drums.

In 2018, Lettieri joined up with Vulpeck-produced group The Fearless Flyers, featuring Cory Wong and Joe Dart of Vulfpeck on guitar and bass respectively, and drummer Nate Smith (Chris Potter, Pat Metheny). The quartet has released two EPs, The Fearless Flyers in 2018, and The Fearless Flyers II in 2019.

As an in-demand session guitarist and touring sideman, Lettieri has logged miles with neo-soul icon Erykah Badu, gospel singer Anthony Evans, and American Idol: Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips. He’s also performed with a myriad of other artists, including Nelly, Anthony Evans, Chrisette Michele, Myron Butler, N’dambi, Bilal, and even comedians Dave Chappelle and Harry Shearer.

Recent recording work includes David Crosby, 50 Cent, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Tori Kelly, Ledisi, Tamela Mann, Eric Roberson, Lecrae, Lupe Fiasco, Keyshia Cole, Xzibit, as well as numerous radio and television jingles. Lettieri is also a member of SKP, a production collective led by GRAMMY Award-winning producer Symbolyc One (Kanye West, Beyonce).

He can also be seen on television, in the house band for the Marcus & Joni Show, a Christian morning talk/variety show broadcast in over 200 countries Daystar Television Network.

Lettieri teamed up with Paul Reed Smith Guitars to create his signature model electric guitar, the Fiore, released virtually during Winter NAMM 2021.

He resides with his wife, daughter, and two cats.

We’ve all seen guitar prodigies on YouTube, but having witnessed this phenom from pre-teen, Michael Hermes has lived one of my favorite real-life fairy tale stories. Rarely have I seen someone so creative explore the boundaries of the guitar, and NEVER at such a young age. You’ll know what I mean when we share music, his inspiration and a smile or 2 as Michael and I go live!

Michael Hermes Official Website YouTube Instagram Facebook

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Who HASN’T Rafael played with? “Hafe” is not only slinging guitars in Paul Stanley’s band, but has played with Pink, Christina Aguilera, Vasco Rossi, and was a standout house band member on “Rockstar Supernova” and “Rockstar INXS”. A Brazilian dynamo, he’s one of my favorite players on the planet. Check out his solo project “Magnetico”: it’ll blow your mind! So will our hang: you’ll be right there with us, “Backstage” with All Access Live!

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My favorite Portland band (my son Nolan’s, too) is fronted by a lovely husband and wife pairing, but don’t let that lovey-dovey story fool you… this band is ferocious! Nathan Trueb is known throughout the Northwest as a gifted guitarist, wise beyond his years and lyrically? The man’s got those chops, too. When he and Miri forged their union in “Tango Alpha Tango”, their songs became anthems for all of my road trips. Once you hear the songs the first time, you’re hooked. Those of you who know – you know! Join us as we talk about their new band “White Bike”, “TAT” and the adventures that got them to where they are today.

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Tango Alpha Tango Instagram White Bike Instagram Nathan Trueb Guitar Channel

A gifted songwriter, producer, engineer, and guitarist, this Renaissance Man is one of the most talented humans I’ve ever met. He’s got a gift in the studio, where he can craft a hit like no other, but is also a ridiculously great guitarist. Rob and I will catch up on his time in the industry, and rap about him joining and touring internationally with Dan Reed Network!

Rob on Facebook Rob on Instagram

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Do you think you know a lot of people in your community? Probably not in comparison to Kevin Hahn. Kev’s a jack-of-all-trades AND a master of most! His infectious smile and limitless talents make him one of the most enjoyable humans to know. We’ve toured together on SO MANY different gigs, and have hilarious stories to go along with ‘em. From singer to producer to engineer to guitarist to songwriter, ?it seems there’s nothing Kevin can’t do REALLY well in this business. The plan is to let the laughs take us where they will, but we can’t leave out stories of him producing tracks for Scorpions in his studio, and how to promote a “free rock show”.

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Rock/Country star/talent agent/business-builder, Chad Bourquin and I first met last year when he brought A Flock of Seagulls into Kansas City for a gig. We hit it off right away, first because of his killer eyeglasses, then because of his dynamic personality. He’s been a successful artist using phenomenal business skills, and is determined to share those chops with other bands wanting to make more money. We’ll rap about the “Play Music Make More” program, his Dream Big Series podcast, juggling music with a (delightful) family, and how to not only survive in a tough industry, but to thrive!

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One of my first arch-rivals, Jim and I were 2 Montanans aiming for the stars. Before I actually knew him, I wanted to crush his spirit. Then Facebook brought us together, and he’s one of my favorite humans on the planet. Sigh… teenagers! Now Jim’s a reputed schoolteacher in the Midlands in the United Kingdom, active in his community and continues to inspire kids musically and intellectually. We’re gonna geek out about the old days, and you can come make fun of us if you’d like to.

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One-third of the most dangerous band I ever played with, Jim has all the makings of a megastar: he’s witty, gifted and bald. His “Here Comes The Bloodman” album is in my all-time top 10, as are several gigs that I played with Jimmy in the past 20 years. One of the most interesting storytellers I know… this will be a fun conversation. Check out Jim’s music at http://www.jvamusic.com.

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