(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The annual Light of Day shows take over Asbury Park this week. In addition to the artists who regularly perform at LOD, there are several unique shows as well. One such show brings Guitar Army featuring John Jorgenson, Lee Roy Parnell, Joe Robinson to The Saint on Saturday, January 13 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $25.
Guitar Army is comprised of three world-class musicians: John Jorgenson, Lee Roy Parnell, and Joe Robinson. The three distinct guitarists, singers and songwriters, along with their band, join forces to perform each Guitar Army show in enthralling five-piece supergroup fashion. This is truly a full-on, captivating display of guitar prowess — at times potent and powerful, and at other times, tasteful and graceful — but it runs much deeper than that. It’s a magical combination of virtuosos rarely seen on one stage — a triple-threat of triple-threats, featuring compelling songs, soulful singing, and of course, blistering guitar playing.
Known for his sizzling guitar licks and mastery of a broad musical palette, GRAMMY® Awardwinner John Jorgenson has earned a reputation as a world-class musician and guitarist who has collaborated with the likes of Elton John, Sting, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Joel, and Bob Dylan. In addition to his guitar work, he is also regularly featured on the saxophone, clarinet, bouzouki, pedal steel, mandolin, and vocals. He tours worldwide with his John Jorgenson Quintet, J2B2 (John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band), and John Jorgenson Electric Band. First coming to national attention as co-founder of The Desert Rose Band, Jorgenson later gave audiences a chance to experience his fretboard fireworks in unrestrained fashion with the Hellecasters. The trio’s three original albums remain favorites of guitarists everywhere. Having been a fan of the Desert Rose Band, Elton John invited Jorgenson to join his band in the mid-90’s for an 18-month run that stretched into nearly a seven-year stint of touring, recording and TV appearances with the British superstar. Jorgenson’s latest release — an ambitious limited edition 3-CD box set titled Divertuoso — features three new albums from his Quintet, J2B2, and a solo album of electric guitar work that has received widespread critical acclaim.
Lee Roy Parnell is a walking, talking embodiment of southern soul. After honing his skills over more than a decade of playing clubs in Austin, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and New York, Parnell laid a new foundation in Nashville. After earning a publishing contract and a regular spot at the famed Bluebird Café, Parnell launched his solo career, which boasted many country hits, including seven Top 10’s, such as “Tender Moment” and “What Kind Of Fool Do You Think I Am.” He has earned two GRAMMY® Award nominations for his instrumental tracks, “Cat Walk” and “Mama Screw Your Wig On Tight.” Gibson has honored Parnell with the creation and production of the Lee Roy Parnell Signature ’57 Les Paul Goldtop guitar, modeled after the only guitar Parnell owned from the time he was 15 years old until he was well into his 30’s. In 2011, Parnell was presented with his most cherished honor: being inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Rodney Crowell, JD Souther, Willie Nelson, Guy Clark, and many other talented composers. Having returned to his Delta Rhythm & Blues roots, he is currently hard at work on a new highly anticipated album.
Rounding out Guitar Army is Australian prodigy Joe Robinson. Robinson started playing shows with acoustic virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel at the age of 11, won the Australian National Songwriting Competition at 13 years old, and won Australia’s Got Talent just after turning 17-years-old. The Washington Post has noted Robinson’s gifted playing, saying “it’s not hard to imagine him rivaling the popularity of, say, John Mayer in coming years.” Premier Guitar observed “once in a while a young guitarist captures the attention of music lovers early in his career and manages to sustain this interest as he matures creatively and sheds the ‘prodigy’ label…Joe Robinson is one of those rare talents.” After almost a decade of global acclaim, including being voted “Best New Talent” in the Guitar Player Magazine Readers’ Poll, Robinson has refined his performance. Having typically performed in an acoustic or trio setting, he has developed a unique solo electric guitar-centric set that highlights his truly rare ability. The new soundscape allows Robinson to highlight not only his technical prowess, but also his increased focus on singing and songwriting. His many talents are all on full display with his latest EP release, Gemini Vol. 2. In addition to his solo performances and tour dates with Guitar Army, Robinson also tours with Tommy Emmanuel and Rodney Crowell.
The funds raised are donated to help the fight against Parkinson's Disease and related illnesses by funding research into better treatments, cures and support for patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease and related illnesses. All proceeds to benefit Light Of Day Foundation.
The Saint is located at 601 Main Street in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
