Larry Newcomb
Dr. Larry Newcomb delivers exceptionally well-played and well-produced solo and ensemble guitar jazz that relaxes, refreshes and restores. Larry’s mission is to comfort, inspire and entertain during these stressful and uncertain current times, and beyond. For example, Larry's “SATURDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ — Covid Comfort & Beyond” Concert Series, which streamed live on Facebook every Saturday afternoon at 2:30pm (EST) for 66 weeks during the pandemic attracted a growing legion of fans.
According to Bill Milkowski, jazz critic for Downbeat, Jazziz and Absolute Sound, Newcomb is “a seasoned jazz veteran with a warm, appealing tone and an expansive harmonic vocabulary.” Please see Mr. Milkowski’s Liner Notes for Larry’s newest CD release “LOVE, DAD” dedicated to his three sons. Newcomb’s June 5, 2017 release, “LIVING TRIBUTE”, continues to receive abundant national airplay and enthusiastic reviews. His album “LIVE Intentionally!” earned a four-star review in Downbeat and was voted One of the “Best New Albums of 2015”.
Newcomb enthusiastically teaches guitar students of all ages, experience levels, and stylistic preferences at The Larry Newcomb Jazz Guitar Method and Jazz Harmony Studies based in Gainesville, FL. The guitarist also presents jazz education Concert-Lectures including the very popular What Makes it Jazz! at schools, libraries and colleges and in New York and Florida.
Larry has contributed a wealth of electric & acoustic guitar stylings both as a soloist, and on gigs with Bucky Pizzarelli, Jack Wilkins, his own Larry Newcomb Duo/Trio/Quartet, with Ray Blue, Joe Vincent Tranchina, Joe Donato, Welson Tremura, Howard Wapner, Cathy DeWitt, Dave Marsh, Thomas Royal and his son Jake Newcomb. Newcomb has performed at many New York City venues including The Kitano, The Iridium, Small’s, Garage, 55 Bar, Fat Cat, Columbia University, The Flatotel, Cleopatra’s Needle, Our Lady of Pompeii School and Corpus Christi School. Florida venues include Leonardo’s 706, University of Florida, Alachua County Public Library District and Walt Disney World. Newcomb was lead guitarist in the touring bands of hitmakers including Peter Noone (Herman of the Hermits), Leslie Gore, Lou Christie, Billy J. Kramer, Tommy Cash, Darlene Austin, Tom Grant, and Jimmy Payne. Larry’s musical influences include: Bucky Pizzarelli, Jim Hall, Joe Pass, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, Lester Young, Stan Getz, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Albert King, B. B. King, Freddie King and Ian Anderson.
He has studied with jazz guitar masters Bucky Pizzarelli, Pat Martino, Jack Wilkins, Howard Roberts and Mark Elf. Larry studied classical guitar under Bruce Holzmann at Florida State University and composition with Dr. Budd Udell at the University of Florida. Newcomb studied jazz improvisation with saxophonist Bob Mover in New York City. Larry’s proficient performing and teaching styles are informed by Masters and PhD degrees in Music from the University of Florida and an accomplished master’s understanding of the jazz and blues idioms and their histories.
Inquiries for guitar studies can be made via the contact page.
