GuitarFire (Guitars of Fire)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Music
Press
"Being a guitarist myself I was blown away by these two. With two Ovation Guitars and with what appeared to be twenty fingers apiece, they played some of the most inventive original compositions yet. Their blend of jazz, flamenco and a touch of world fusion created pure magic on this show. I swear to you that I saw smoke coming off their guitars!"
--Chicago Acoustic Underground
Jeff & Greg:
What a fun time! I can't wait to get your show posted. I absolutely love the energy that you guys send out. No wonder you call yourselves "Guitars of Fire"! I am going to actively work on finding you the right kind of venues where you can whip up the audience with your magic. -Michael Teach, Chicago Acoustic Underground
People round' here [the Orphanage] are stil trying to find body parts that were melted off during your last set, and we'd like to invite you back for our next "big" event.. We're looking forward to having you back to melt our faces off once more! -Bill [Orphanage Staff]
You guys are the BEST guitarists I’ve ever seen up-close! -Tony Truss [Oak Park Abbey]
Fantastic! You guys are better that MOST professionals. -Clive “Schroeder” Page
We loved the Abbey and you! Your group was wonderful beyond belief. So looking forward to the next time... Your newest fans, Tom & MiMi Manseau
I had a great time, I had no idea how good you guys are. You can really get down!
-Danny Rivera
My husband, daughter and I came to the Abbey last Saturday just to hear you. I read about the show on the Al Di Meola website. You were fantastic and we look forward to hearing you again sometime soon. You really enjoyed making music and it showed. -Sandra Heitzman
- guitarsoffire.com
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
02/06/2009 Posted by JazzCritic
New Discovery: jazz trio "Guitars of Fire" at Katerina's: I'm a regular on weekends at Katerina's and must say that, as a restaurant, it's first-rate. Katerina Carson is a gracious hostess and music connoisseur. Personal favorites on the menu are the tomato-scallion dip and pork medallions (Greek style). Katerina regularly features famous artists, some of whom I've reviewed elsewhere (e.g. Grazyna Auguscik, Goran Ivanovic). I was astonished to discover an amazing new talent this last Wednesday: Guitars of Fire. The band features duelling virtuosos Gregory Dobrov and Jeff Burns who are propelled by the percussive skills of Joe DeJohns. Their music is a collage of influences and original brilliance. Their sound is perhaps best described as "Friday Night in San Francisco" collides with European jazz. I was able to acquire a demo CD of their music but am told that the first formal release is forthcoming only this summer. Guitars of Fire play once a month (first Wed.) with the superb Rumba Flamenco ensemble "Guitarra Azul"--also a phenomenal musical experience.
Pros: Music and Food
Cons: Parking can be a bit tricky on weekends - Cityscape Chicago
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
02/06/2009 Posted by JazzCritic
New Discovery: jazz trio "Guitars of Fire" at Katerina's: I'm a regular on weekends at Katerina's and must say that, as a restaurant, it's first-rate. Katerina Carson is a gracious hostess and music connoisseur. Personal favorites on the menu are the tomato-scallion dip and pork medallions (Greek style). Katerina regularly features famous artists, some of whom I've reviewed elsewhere (e.g. Grazyna Auguscik, Goran Ivanovic). I was astonished to discover an amazing new talent this last Wednesday: Guitars of Fire. The band features duelling virtuosos Gregory Dobrov and Jeff Burns who are propelled by the percussive skills of Joe DeJohns. Their music is a collage of influences and original brilliance. Their sound is perhaps best described as "Friday Night in San Francisco" collides with European jazz. I was able to acquire a demo CD of their music but am told that the first formal release is forthcoming only this summer. Guitars of Fire play once a month (first Wed.) with the superb Rumba Flamenco ensemble "Guitarra Azul"--also a phenomenal musical experience.
Pros: Music and Food
Cons: Parking can be a bit tricky on weekends - Cityscape Chicago
I have been going to this cozy and sophisticated club on Irving for just about a year now. Katerina makes absolutely scintillating food (and a great Martini too!!). Lately she has been featuring vocalists and strings. I was pleasantly surprised on the first Wednesday of December by a new jazz-mediteranean trio called "Guitars of Fire": TOP NOTCH, technical and soulful. They sound like six musicians with tight arrangements, mesmerizing soloing and a fine polish to the music. Definitely a group to watch as they return every month to share the stage with Guitarra Azul (another phenomeon: The Steve Edwards Orchestra). I was able to buy their demo which will soon be replaced by a formal releaase. The leader of the group directed me to myspace (followed by guitarsoffire). Check it out.
I also adore the gypsy sound of Alfonso Ponticelli and have been out to see the exotic beauty of the Ivanonic-Kapsalis duo. Superb stringwork all around. - Centerstage Chicago
I have been going to this cozy and sophisticated club on Irving for just about a year now. Katerina makes absolutely scintillating food (and a great Martini too!!). Lately she has been featuring vocalists and strings. I was pleasantly surprised on the first Wednesday of December by a new jazz-mediteranean trio called "Guitars of Fire": TOP NOTCH, technical and soulful. They sound like six musicians with tight arrangements, mesmerizing soloing and a fine polish to the music. Definitely a group to watch as they return every month to share the stage with Guitarra Azul (another phenomeon: The Steve Edwards Orchestra). I was able to buy their demo which will soon be replaced by a formal releaase. The leader of the group directed me to myspace (followed by guitarsoffire). Check it out.
I also adore the gypsy sound of Alfonso Ponticelli and have been out to see the exotic beauty of the Ivanonic-Kapsalis duo. Superb stringwork all around. - Centerstage Chicago
Discography
Look for our new CD this fall (2013)!
Photos
Bio
GUITARFIRE is spreading throughout the Chicago area, gaining acclaim for smokin' hot, yet accessible acoustic music with a Mediterranean flavor. We cross over from jazz and Latin out to world music (Greek, Slavic). You'll hear originals influenced by virtuoso composers--Corea, Gismonti, Di Meola et al.--plus well-known pieces and standards. Experience the PASSION, GRACE and FIRE of breathtaking arrangements and inspired improvisation! Although our musical reach spans many decades you'll love the timelessness and pure acoustic beauty of our music, from brooding modal chants to Latin rave-ups spiced with pure Habanero! JERRY GOODMAN of Mahavishnu Orchestra and Dixie Dregs fame joins us on our new CD. Catch the footage of his tour with Billy Cobham's Specturm 40 Tour, winter 2013.
GREGORY DOBROV hails from the Bay Area, CA. Early McLaughlin, Martino, Towner & ECM artists are his influences. Greg studied with jazz guru (and Jim Hall disciple) David Bradley. In High School he met Stanley Jordan and converted to the All Fourths Tuning: E A D G C F. His bliss is composing and performing high-energy acoustic music that blends jazz and world traditions from Spain to Greece and Russia (his roots)! Greg is on the faculty at Loyola University Chicago.
JEFF BURNS is a Chicago native for whom Al Di Meola has been an enduring inspiration. Jeff has played in various bands throughout the area composing and performing original music. In 1992 Jeff's composition "Bozo's Waltz" earned an honorable mention in Guitar Player Magazine's (international) Sound Page Competition. In 2001 Jeff advanced through five stages of the National Guitar Center Competition to the Regional Finals with his piece "Burning Questions."
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