Allan Holdsworth (6 August 1946 – 15 April 2017) was a British guitarist and composer whose work has redefined the boundaries of rock, jazz, and fusion music. Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Holdsworth was a self-taught musician whose innovative approach to the electric guitar enthralled fellow musicians and listeners alike. With fluid legato phrasing and an extensive use of complex chord progressions and advanced scales, his style was distinctive and highly influential, particularly among guitarists seeking to break new ground in the instrument's potential.

Holdsworth's career spanned several decades, during which he played with some of the most prestigious names in progressive rock and jazz fusion, including Soft Machine, the Tony Williams Lifetime, Bruford, and U.K. He also pursued a distinguished solo career, producing a series of acclaimed studio albums. His live releases, such as "Jarasum Jazz Festival 2014 (Live)," "Leverkusen 2010 (Live)," and "Frankfurt '86 (Live)" captured the spontaneous energy and virtuosity of his in-person performances. Posthumous compilations like "The Man Who Changed Guitar Forever" have sought to encapsulate Holdsworth's prodigious legacy. Though he never gained widespread popularity in the mainstream, his work remains massively respected among guitarists and discerning listeners, and his influence permeates the realms of jazz, rock, and beyond.

Genres

Jazz Fusion

Jazz Guitar

Latest Release

Proto-Cosmos

Alan Pasqua•

Allan Holdsworth

Album - 9 Tracks - Released October 14, 2022