Larry Carlton is a revered American guitarist whose career in music spans several decades, marked by his adept technique, emotional expression, and versatility across genres. Born on March 2, 1948, in Torrance, California, Carlton grew accustomed to the strings of the guitar in his early years, eventually immersing himself into the world of jazz, rock, pop, and blues, and becoming a highly sought-after session musician. His melodic acuity and skillful integration of jazz-inflected blues phrasing have made him a hallmark figure in the industry, leading to his nickname 'Mr. 335' after his favored Gibson ES-335 guitar.

Carlton’s prolificacy is showcased in his extensive body of work, both as a solo artist and as a valuable collaborator. Over his illustrious career, he has contributed to scores of records, picking up four Grammy Awards along the way. Some of his most recent releases, including "The Trippy Priestesses" and "Lights On," demonstrate his undying passion for crafting sonic landscapes that are both innovative and grounded in his deep-rooted musicality. With "The Jazz King: The Musical Compositions of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej," Carlton paid homage to the late Thai monarch's musical work, displaying his cultural sensitivity and the global reach of his guitar prowess. "Four Hands & a Heart Christmas" and "Four Hands & A Heart Vol. 1" offer intimate arrangements that resonate with his signature sound, reinforcing Larry Carlton’s status as a true connoisseur of the six-stringed instrument and a living legend in the world of guitar music.

Genres

Jazz Fusion

Jazz Guitar

Smooth Jazz

Related Artists

George Benson

Pat Metheny

Lee Ritenour

Robben Ford

Al Di Meola

John Scofield

Steve Vai

Mike Stern

Steve Lukather

Chuck Loeb

Santana

Vince Gill

Latest Release

The Trippy Priestesses

Larry Carlton

Single - Released May 12, 2023