Peter Sprague says one of the hardest styles of guitar playing is performing solo on stage.
So, naturally, that’s what he’ll do Friday night at Church of the Pacific.
“In a way, you’re trying to do the whole orchestra,” he said. “It’s like being an athlete and you’ve got to be in really tip-top shape to be able to pull it off.”
“The neat thing is, over the years, I’ve grown to just love it,” Sprague added. “I always say happiness is playing the guitar.”
The 60-year-old jazz guitarist from San Diego will be playing original music and songs by the Beatles, Joni Mitchell and others in his first appearance on Kauai in several years.
Sprague is a man of many talents: Jazz guitarist, composer, music transcriber, producer and recording engineer. He has what is considered a melodic style with expressive elements of classic jazz, Brazilian, blues and Americana folk genres.
“I think it’s a neat blend of music,” he said.
He has performed numerous times at Jazz on Lincoln Center and is frequently on tour with legendary jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves and pianist composer Billy Childs. Sprague has produced or played on over 200 recordings. For several years, he was an instructor at the Musicians Institute Hollywood as well as California Institute of the Arts. In October 2015, he was awarded San Diego Music Awards’ “Lifetime Achievement Award.” He has published 11 music books and has toured with Chick Corea, Mark O’Connor and Hubert Laws.
Sprague grew up in a musical household. His father played jazz drums.
“That’s all I’ve done my whole life is just play music,” he said. “I’ve never had a real job and I’ve had a great time doing it.”
He has spent a lifetime mastering the guitar — and isn’t done.
“I’ve always felt there’s so much to learn,” he said.
While touring is demanding, Sprague still loves traveling and performing.
“That moment when you step on stage and you’re sharing your vision of the music with other people, that’s what it’s all about. That’s why we do it,” he said.
He will be joined on stage by singer, songwriter and guitarist Emily Elbert.
Elbert weaves together a rhythmic funk-folk blend that is equal parts introspection and celebration. She has played over 1,000 independent shows from Peru to Palestine. She has independently released four albums.
“These experiences are reflected in her music, touching on the personal, the divine, and the universality that lies in between — a tribute to the timeless, fused with progressive perspective,” according to a press release.
Sprague produced and recorded a solo jazz recording with Edwards in the late 90s that garnered her the Hawaii Music Award for best jazz album.
Smart is a local favorite and recently opened Hanalei Strings music store. He is a talented and versatile jazz and blues artist and also proficient on Hawaiian Steel Guitar.
Friday’s concert begins at 7 p.m. Local jazz artists Kirk Smart and Michaelle Edwards will open for the show.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door night of the show.
Tickets are available at Harvest Market in Hanalei, Hanalei Strings and Things, Hanalei Surf Co., Magic Dragon Toys Princeville, Healthy Hut Kilauea, North Shore Pharmacy Kilauea, Kauai Music and Sound Kapaa, Kamoa Ukuleles Kapaa, Papayas Natural Foods Kapaa, and Scotty’s Music House Lihue.
Info: yogalignkauai@gmail.com or call Michaelle Edwards, 652-3823
