John Knowles
I sip my first sip of coffee the same way my dad does. I answer the phone with the same hello. And I catch myself telling the same bad jokes. Likewise, when I listen to him play the guitar, his phrasing and chord voicings feel obvious and natural to me...like listening to myself.That's why I was so blown away when I first heard these recordings. They were my dad, but with so many unexpected twists and turns and with a truth and urgency that brought to mind the records I used to 'borrow' from him -- Glen Gould, Bill Evans, George Harrison. I swear I don't need to borrow the car. But I think my dad somehow got cool. -- Jay KnowlesJohn Knowles grew up listening to and learning from Chet Atkins recordings. He and Atkins met in 1973 while John was teaching guitar at Eastfield Community College in Mesquite, Texas. After an early collaboration won a Grammy award, Knowles moved to Nashville where he and Atkins produced a number of educational books and videos. Knowles and Atkins recorded with Liona Boyd and John Pell as The First Nashville Guitar Quartet. In 1996, Atkins awarded Knowles the first Honorary CGP (Certified Guitar Player) degree.