1. Steve Masakowski was born on September 2,1954 and is an American jazz guitarist, educator, and inventor.
21 Facts About Steve Masakowski
1. 2.
Steve Masakowski invented the guitar-based keytar and the switch pick, and has designed three custom-built seven-string guitars.
3.
Steve Masakowski developed an approach to playing the guitar by using his pick design, allowing him to switch from fingerpicking to flatpicking.
4.
Steve Masakowski has released solo albums and has worked with Johnny Adams, Mose Allison, Dave Liebman, Ellis Marsalis, Jr.
5.
Steve Masakowski has been voted Best Guitarist twice and included as a member of Astral Project in the Best Contemporary Jazz Group three times by Gambit and Offbeat magazines in their annual readers' poll.
6.
Steve Masakowski has been recognized by Down Beat magazine as Guitar Talent Deserving Wider Recognition.
7.
Steve Masakowski's teacher introduced him to the music of jazz guitarists Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, and Lenny Breau.
8.
Steve Masakowski went to the Berklee College of Music in 1974, studying music theory, arranging, and composition.
9.
Steve Masakowski founded the group Mars with Larry Sieberth, James Singleton, and James Black.
10.
In 1982, Steve Masakowski founded the Composers Recording Studio with harpist Patrice Fisher, guitarist Jimmy Robinson, and violinist Denise Villere.
11.
Steve Masakowski often acted as audio engineer and sometimes record producer.
12.
For three years, Steve Masakowski worked in a duet with pianist Ellis Marsalis, Jr.
13.
Steve Masakowski leads the band Nova NOLA, whose members include his son, double bassist Martin, and his daughter, vocalist Sasha Masakowski.
14.
Steve Masakowski released two albums for Blue Note Records: What It Was and Direct AXEcess.
15.
Steve Masakowski was hired by Marsalis to teach in the jazz program at the University of New Orleans.
16.
In 1978, Steve Masakowski invented the key-tar, a guitar-like instrument with seven rows of keys instead of strings, one key at each fret.
17.
Steve Masakowski's song "Stepping Stone" was composed on the keytar, which allowed for the cluster-type chord voicings.
18.
Steve Masakowski chose not to pursue a patent for the keytar, opting to concentrate on a revised prototype of the instrument that failed due to lack of funding.
19.
In 1987, Steve Masakowski invented the switch pick to help when switching from fingers to plectrum.
20.
Since 2007, the Steve Masakowski family has been playing in bands together, including the group Nova NOLA.
21.
Steve Masakowski co-wrote three songs based on the novel A Confederacy of Dunces.