Kirk Fletcher
Kirk Fletcher
Fab's Music Café Interview with Kirk Fletcher
Kirk Fletcher has a reputation as a bonafide can’t-miss performer. His soulful playing and singing never fails to elicit chills, and his unique approach to Rhythm & Blues music is both refreshingly modern and completely authentic.
Widely considered one of the best blues guitarists in the world, he has commanded the respect and acclaim of critics, peers and fans across the globe. He is a four-time Blues Music Award and a 2015 British Blues Award nominee and has played with a variety of popular artists, including Joe Bonamassa and a three-year role as lead guitarist of The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
He released three studio albums and a live album.
EARLY YEARS
Kirk first picked up a guitar at age eight, playing alongside his older brother Walter in their father’s church.
One day with his older brother, Kirk visited a small L.A. guitar shop, Music Works, which ultimately became his second home after meeting Jeff Rivera, Robben Ford’s guitar tech. “We started hanging out and I would help load gear, change strings and just be a fly on the wall to some of the most amazing music I’ve ever heard,” Kirk remembers.
KIRK’S BLUES
It was in the next few years that Kirk’s full introduction to traditional blues occurred. He started seeking out other musicians who shared this same understanding – enter Al Blake, lead singer and harp player for the Hollywood Fats Band. After hosting dinner every Sunday, Al would offer Kirk early 20th Century blues records as dessert. He also helped establish connections to other famous West Coast blues artists like Junior Watson and Richard “Lynwood Slim” Duran. So followed Kirk’s first gigs as a blues guitarist and eventually the recording of his first album I’m Here & I’m Gone for the JSP label out of England.
Al Blake would also introduce Kirk to Kim Wilson of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Wilson brought Fletcher further into the blues family from California to Texas and then out touring the world. One highlight during this time was at Antone’s Night Club 25th Anniversary Week in Austin, Texas, which gave Kirk the opportunity to perform with his blues heroes Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton and Hubert Sumlin. Wilson also tapped Kirk to play on his Grammy-nominated Smokin’ Joint live album. Shortly thereafter a call to collaborate came from blues legend Charlie Musselwhite, confirming that Kirk was becoming one of the most in-demand blues guitarists on the scene.
HIS TURN
So began three years on the road with the Thunderbirds. Kirk contributed to the Thunderbirds’ Paint It On album and time spent with many famous blues artists along the way, including a brief stint with the late Doyle Bramhall Sr. and a few guest appearances playing for Cindi Lauper, Michelle Branch and a world tour with Italian mega-star Eros Ramazzotti. Kirk more recently has been part of two projects with close friend Joe Bonamassa, Muddy Wolf at Redrocks and the Grammy nominated Live at the Greek Theatre.
Kirk Fletcher
LessonsKirk FletcherDavid Becker
Episode 4: Kirk Fletcher Show: Assessing the Jazz situation with David Becker
Kirk assesses the Jazz situation with Jazzer, David Becker. Jazz licks are a great way to spice up your Blues soloing and who better than David Becker to introduce you to some Be-Bop and modern Jazz tools.
Kirk Fletcher
Kirk Fletcher
The Kirk Fletcher Show Episode 3: Dave Melton
Kirk chats and jams with his great friend and fellow Blues guitar player from LA’s South Bay, Dave Melton.
Kirk Fletcher
LessonsKirk Fletcher
The Kirk Fletcher Show: Episode 2: 'assessing the soloing situation'
Kirk Fletcher is one of the best Blues players in the world today...Kirk's new show for ALL GUITAR NETWORK features Blues lessons, licks and tricks straight from Kirk's deep bag of Blues knowledge and experience. In this episode Kirk tells us about the importance of assessing the soloing situation....he also shows us some pretty cool licks.....!!
Kirk Fletcher
LessonsKirk Fletcher
The Kirk Fletcher Show: Episode 1: Assessing the rhythm situation
The Kirk Fletcher Show: Episode 1: Assessing the rhythm situation. Blues great Kirk Fletcher gives you tips, licks and so much more essential Blues info you just can't afford to miss....Epiosde 1 is all about assessing the rhythm situation. And, Kirk is playing his beautiful old Telecaster. It's a '52 body with a '56 neck....or, is it a '52 neck with a '56 body...either way, it's a killer Tele....!!