Guitarist Earl Klugh looking forward to perform at Jazz Fest

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Jamaica can expect a snapshot of Grammy-winning guitarist Earl Klugh's years of eclectic music at the upcoming Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival.

Klugh will be gracing the stage at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium on Saturday, January 28. He will be performing alongside acts such as Cee Lo Green, the Temptations, Heads of State and Destra Garcia. Speaking with The Gleaner recently, Klugh explained that although this will be his first time at the prestigious festival, he has performed in Jamaica before.

"This will be my first time at the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, but I played there (in Jamaica) some 12 years ago," he explained. "The last time I was there performing, I really enjoyed it. I enjoy the Caribbean. It's a lot of fun and a great place to be at this time of year."

Klugh is a noted American smooth jazz/crossover jazz/jazz fusion guitarist and composer. He has recorded over 30 albums over the span of his career so far, including 23 top-10 charting records. Five of these records went No. 1 on Billboard's Jazz Album chart. Klugh is both a Grammy winner and Edison Music Award winner among many accolades. He has also garnered 12 Grammy nominations throughout his career. His latest nomination was for the 2009-released popular album The Spice of Life.

Busy touring schedule

Klugh has maintained a regular international touring schedule over the past 35 years and also hosts and produces the annual 'Weekend of Jazz' events.

For the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Klugh disclosed that he would be giving fans a wide variety of music that spans his long-standing career. He said, "I'll be playing songs from all my years - right through from what I've done recently to a snapshot of my various styles. I always try to provide an entertaining show and to put as much variety in the show and putting sounds together. I'll also be incorporating music from your island as well."

The guitarist told The Gleaner that, sadly, he won't be able to spend much free time in the island, as he is busy touring and working on his latest album. His yet-to-be-titled album, according to Klugh, will be released in early summer.

"The album is gonna be full of original compositions that seem to work very well together," he said.