Brad Myers (guitarist)


Brad Myers is an American jazz composer and guitarist. With his music he aims to give a positive message to the world.

Biography

Myers started playing music at the age of 6. While first studying the piano, he switched to guitar at the age of 10. Then inspired by The Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix, Yes, Rush and the Allman Brothers, his interest switched to jazz. Later inspirations for Myers include Jim Hall, the Bill Evans Trio, Keith Jarrett, Metheny and John Scofield.
Until 1994, Myers lived in the Washington D.C. area. In 1994 he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to study Jazz Guitar with James E. Smith at the University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music on an Honors Scholarship. He returned to CCM in 2013 to pursue his formal studies; he received his master's degree in Jazz Studies in 2015.

Career

In 1998, while studying at the CCM, Myers made his first recordings, as featured soloist on the album Lady Bird by the Two O'Clock Combo and the CCM Jazz Ensemble. In the same year, Myers joined Ray's Music Exchange, a Cincinnati-based funk jazz outfit known for long energetic improvisational grooves. Ray's Music Exchange was inspired by artists like Miles Davis’ electric bands, Frank Zappa, Medeski, Martin & Wood, The Meters and John Zorn. Myers toured the US with Ray's Music Exchange from 1998 till 2006 and produced five full-length recordings with them. In 2010, when the group reunited, Myers produced their live DVD A Live Rayunion.
During his career, Myers shared the stage with artists like John Scofield, Stanley Jordan, Victor Wooten, Béla Fleck, Brian Charette and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. He also is a member of several ensembles, either as a guitarist and/or co-director, including The Midwestern Swing, The David McDonnell Group, The Fraid Knots, and Aja - Steely Dan Tribute. Since 2010, Myers is a member of Steve Schmidt's Organ Trio based in Cincinnati.
In April 2012, Myers played the role of Jim in Pump Boys and Dinettes at The Carnegie Theater. In the same year, Myers was a featured guest soloist playing the part of Cal Collins in Nancy James and Carmen DeLeone's A Salute to Rosemary Clooney.
Myers debuted as a leader on the 2015 album Prime Numbers. The album received positive reviews from critics, including a 4 star review from jazz magazine Down Beat.
In 2017, Myers released an album with bassist Michael Sharfe, Sanguinaria .

Select discography

YearAlbumCredits / Notes
2017Sanguinaria Producer, composer, guitarist. With Michael Sharfe.
2016In Search of Garaj MahalGuitarist. Performed by CCM Jazz Orchestra with Fareed Haque.
2015Prime NumbersProducer, composer, guitarist. Arranged and performed by the Brad Myers Quintet.
2015I Come Into This WorldGuitarist. Written by David Kisor and Andrea Cefalo.
2014OH/KYGuitarist. Album by Jeremy Pinnell & the 55's.
2014DandelionGuitarist. Produced by David Kisor.
2013Straight Up Swingin’ Guitarist. Album by Trio Pi
2011A Live Rayunion Co-leader, guitarist, producer. Live concert video: Ray's Music Exchange performing at their first reunion show in 2010 at Play By Play Cafe in Cincinnati.
2010Live at the Blue WispGuitarist. Live album by Brian Batchelor-Glader's quartet.
2007How They Look To The SkiesCo-producer, engineer. Album by The Swarthy Band.
2004Blue in the faceProducer, composer, guitarist. Album by Ray's Music Exchange.
2003Ray’s Reels Vol. 2Producer, composer, guitarist. Live album by Ray's Music Exchange.
2002Ray’s Reels Vol. 1Producer, composer, guitarist. Live album by Ray's Music Exchange.
2001TurangaProducer, composer, guitarist. Album by Ray's Music Exchange.
1999AlivexchangeProducer, composer, guitarist. Live album by Ray's Music Exchange.
1998Lady BirdGuitarist. Album by CCM Jazz Ensemble and 2:00 Jazz Combo, produced by Rick VanMatre.