Larry Carlton

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Larry Carlton (born March 2, 1948, Torrance, California) picked up his first guitar when he was only six year sold. He was introduced to jazz in junior highschool. Larry then became interested in Bamey Kessel, Wes Montgornery and the legendary blues guitarist B.B. King.
In 1968 Larry recorded his first LP, "With A Little Help From My Friend". Before he transitioned completely to a solo career, Carlton became one of the most in-demand studio musicians of the past three decades. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Carlton was a session musician in Los Angeles, making up to five hundred recordings a year, including albums by Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, The Four Tops, Christopher Cross, Barbra Streisand. From 1971 to 1976 he played with the jazz-rock group The Crusaders. In 1977 he signed with Warner Bros. Records for a solo career.
His major label debut appeared in 1978. After releasing "Sleepwalk" (including its title track) Carlton was fully accepted as a solo artist in his own right. "Alone But Never Alone" found Carlton playing acoustic guitar and the record proved a critical and commercial success.
Carlton demonstrated a stronger rock influence producing a credible cover version of Eric Clapton’s ‘Layla’ and Steely Dan’s ‘Josie’. He was awarded a Grammy in 1981 and again in 1987 for his version of ‘Minute By Minute’.
Carlton joined the GRP Records stable in 1991 and found a home that perfectly suited his music. His duet with labelmate Lee Ritenour in 1995 was wholly satisfying.
During the late 90s Carlton replaced Ritenour in the smooth jazz group Fourplay. His 2001 live album with Steve Lukather was noteworthy.

Artist official website: www.larrycarlton.com

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