The genius and beauty of Ted Greene is huge. I feel
blessed to have known him and spent time with him, albeit
briefly. What Ted did for me, and my family, is something
few individuals are capable of: he inspired thought,
hard work and passion. I’ll be forever grateful,
mostly, though, for Ted coming into the life of my husband
and re-igniting Lenny’s love of music. After a
earning a living playing guitar and honing his craft
with practice and lessons from a variety of older professionals,
Lenny diverted his musical career some years ago to
be available for our children and me. It wasn’t
until he started taking lessons from Ted that I saw
Lenny’s passion return and blossom. Each week,
on Wednesday, I would look forward to hearing about
the amazing exchange of information that had taken place,
listen to the spiritual and technical insights Ted had
imparted that Lenny diligently practiced. It was uplifting
for me as well as my husband. Once, my college-age,
trumpet-playing son went to Ted’s to keep the lesson
appointment when Lenny couldn’t make it. He felt
the magic. And I had the pleasure of talking with Ted
as well as watching him perform. As a teacher, I recognized
in Ted the expertise, intensity and love of his craft
that makes an amazing instructor as well as practioner.
But mostly, Ted was a valued friend to those who got
to know him. Ted Greene will be sorely missed but his
spirit will live on in the lessons he imparted, the
music he made and the people whose lives he touched.
Truly, Debbi Coltun
July 27, 2005 1:12 PM
—————
I got an email with Ted Greene in the subject line,
and I thought Ted Greene would be giving a master class
in the area. I'm saddned by his passing and give my
deepest condolences to his family and friends. I bought
his book Chord Chemistry long before I had any business
buying it and it is still a valuable resource. The masters
who come before us...we should cherish the time we have
with them and work as hard as we can to have something
to pass alone to the next generation, as Ted has for
all of us.
(No Name)
July 27, 2005 1:55 PM
—————
I first met Ted at Norm's Rare Guitars back in the
early 1990's. If my memory serves me well it was on
a Tuesday and I was just hanging out and Ted came in
(at the time I didn't know who he was). Dan Durhren,
who was Norm's partner at that time approached me and
did his Jimmy Stewart meets Mumbles voice and says to
me "Jim, Jim, just shut-up for a minute!"
I asked why, and Dan said if you will be quiet, he might
play (guitar) and he is the best there is. I heeded
Dan's advise and sure enough Ted grabbed a Telecaster
off the wall and plugged it into a Silver Face Twin
Reverb and played some of the most incredible music
I have ever heard. In less than 5 minutes Ted had coaxed
just about every imaginable tone possible and in several
genres of music.
After Ted left, I asked Dan who that was and he told
me that was Ted Greene.
The next time I met Ted was again at Norm's and I was
doodling away on a guitar trying to figure out a song
and doing a bad job of it. After about 10 minutes Ted
walked by me and casually said you have a good right
hand. I later learned that is what Ted is all about,
always had something kind to say.
One of my biggest regrets will be not getting a chance
to see Ted play more than I did or ever get to know
him more than just a couple of brief encounters at a
guitar store as he was a true gentleman as well as one
hell of guitarist!
E.J. "Big Jim" Mead said...
July 27, 2005 2:23 PM
—————
I lived for years in the same building that Ted lived
and taught. When he had a spare moment we would talk
about all genres of music. What I loved most about him
was his genuine kindness. I would like to attend along
with a friend who also knew Ted well. I will miss him
greatly. God bless Ted and his family.
Jason D. Kuhar
July 27, 2005 2:35 PM
—————
My friend Brian and I have just returned home to Ventura
after making a trip to Ted's apartment. When I heard
the news, about his passing, it seemed to be the only
thing that made any sense. I stood in front of that
familiar door, now sealed with an L.A. County Coroner
seal, and thought of all the musicial trips Ted had
taken me on during my lessons with him. The apt. manager
very generously invited us into her apt. to talk about
her friend Ted.
I wish I could come up with one 'Ted' story that would
say it all, but I can't right now; so here are a few
memories:
The time Ted insisted I borrow an early priceless 'Broadcaster'
to check out-"Bring it back when you feel like
it"
One time the student after me called and cancelled.
Ted invited me to stay and continued my lesson, playing
and talking, then thanked me for staying over!
Ted's genuine pain when he told me that he had to increase
his (really low) teaching fee. I told him it was cheap
at twice the price, but I know he was afraid that someone
could not afford a few more dollars.
One time Ted was playing through a little Yamaha practice
amp. Of course, he sounded great, and after a tender
ballad, I told him how good the amp sounded. He says
yeah and, after twisting a few knobs, blasts out some
rockin riffs. "gets a great Clapton tone"
he says with a big grin....
Play on Ted
Dennis Belt
July 27, 2005 3:49 PM
—————
I came to Los Angeles when I was 21. I had come from
a jazz-musical background, I was mainly a singer, and
had attended Berklee, where Ted's name floated around
the guitarists...that was 72-75. When I got here I waitressed
at Dante's, the main jazz club in LA at the time. Ted
was there one nite...happened to faint because the music
volume bothered him! (you guys know how Ted felt about
music volume!) We became friends and when he found out
I sang, he suggested getting together... We did, and
started rehearsing; we modulated every song at the bridge!
Then we were ready for a gig...I put up about 4 or 5
signs at some music stores. I convinced David Abhari
from the Sound Room in Studio City to let us play, we
were one of the first live bands to play there. I showed
up to my first gig in L.A. that nite...to a packed house...no
standing room left! We played that club once a week
for a year...
One time we were hired for a private party in the Hollywood
Hills. About 3/4 way through the party people stopped
partying and sat down and listened to the rest of the
gig.....That happened more than once!
Words are just words...what they signify is important.
To say that Ted was kind and full of humor brings to
my mind and body the warmth that Ted, the spirit, is.
Ted, the spirit, is not dead and will never die. He
has and continues to affect thousands of people because
of the quality of livingness that he put out into the
world. To not be able to hug him or see the whole package,
body and all, is so very sad. But I can visit Ted whenever
I want to. He has affected me. Beautifully. What more
in this lifetime could anyone want?
Love, Cathy Segal-Garcia
July 27, 2005 4:03 PM
—————
Jason D. Kuhar, thanks for everything you have done
for Ted.
~Dan Sawyer
July 27, 2005 5:25 PM
—————
OK, it's 1971 and I'm finally old enough to hit the
bars. My friend Mike Rogers (son of Shorty) says we
have to go see Ted play at some little joint on Van
Nuys Blvd. It's just a hole in the wall, but the band
is rockin' and Ted just SHINES!.
Many years later I get Ted a gig at a reception, having
talked the people into a solo guitarist. Ted shows up
with a little fender amp and Tele, plunks his but down
and just plays. A couple hours go by and everyone is
having dinner. I've arranged for Ted's meal and go up
to let him know he should take a break and sit and eat
with everyone.
"Ted, come on let's grab a bite."
"No thanks man." he says.
"Come on man,The food's really good here and you
haven't stopped playing for 2 1/2 hours."
He looks up at me and without missing a lick says, "I
don't need to eat. I don't need a break. I just want
to keep playing guitar."
Play on Ted.
I'll miss you.
Loni Specter
producer, LA Guitar Show, AMP SHOW
July 27, 2005 6:07 PM
—————
I became aware of Ted through another cult-like guitar
hero, Shawn Lane. In the liner notes of his 1999 CD
"The Tri-tone Fascination", Shawn wrote:
"and now please lets wish for another album by
the master Ted Greene." It wasn't until years later
that I finally heard his "Solo Guitar" on
CD. Ted was indeed a master, and it's nice to hear from
people here what a kind person he was as well. Shawn
died at the age of 40 in 2003, and maybe right now he
and Ted are chatting it up about music.
J. McAllister
July 27, 2005 6:32 PM
—————
I met Ted about twenty five years ago. He was a sports
card collector and used to come into my husband's store.
He'd also come to our house a few times that summer
and played for us as we sang along. I knew he taught
guitar but had no idea at the time, of the genius of
the man. So one summer when my daughter had a broken
leg and couldn't partake in much of anything, I thought
Ted could give her a few lessons to keep her busy for
the summer (what I didn't realize is that it was like
asking Einstein to teach Physics 1). He politely declined,
saying he was very busy, but gave me the name of a guitar
store where he said they gave lessons. I went to sign
her up for lessons and and was asked who recommended
them. I said, Oh, a friend of mine. His name's Ted Greene.
The response shocked me. "Ted Greene is your friend?!,"
and the employee called the others over to tell them
that. I remember asking, "Why the big deal?"
It was then that they showed my a copy of Chord Chemistry,
Ted's album, and the Ted Greene Guitar Strings that
they sold, informing me of Ted's genius. And he was
my friend. Wasn't I a lucky one............humble Ted,
gifted Ted, dear, dear Ted.
Paula Himmelstein
6:26 PM
July 27, 2005 6:52 PM
—————
I did the last major interview with Ted and would like
to share it with all of you. It was the culmination
of many hours of often fascinating conversation and
I hope it'll give you some insight into his brilliance.
It will also be in my upcoming book, "Conversations
With Great Jazz Guitarists" published by Mel Bay.
We've lost a true humanitarian and magnificient talent.
Just type this address into your browser: http://www.jimcarlton.com/Ted%20Green%20Interview.pdf
Jim Carlton
July 27, 2005 7:09 PM
—————
Jim's interview with Ted can also be reached simply
by going to the links section on the front page and
clicking on it. Thanks so much, Jim for posting this...If
anyone else has something they'd like to post, photos
or otherwise, please email myself or Dan.
Adam (Tyler)
July 27, 2005 7:55 PM
—————
Ted went with my mother in law and picked out my first
guitar. He restrung it for me and showed me my first
chords. (Playing them lefthanded) It was the best birthday
present I ever got. He always had such kind words, telling
me "I know your going to do it". The next
time I saw him I was so taken by his talent I couldn't
even play, but he still told me how much I'd improved.
That feeling of awe never changed, nor did his words
of encouragement. He said if you ever get down just
switch hands and it will show you how far you have come.
I feel so honored just to have known him. He will truly
be missed!
Dave Kerbeck
July 27, 2005 9:51 PM
—————
I first met Ted in the early '70s while shopping for
a tele at Betnun Music in Los Angeles. I remember hearing
what I thought were two guitarists playing in another
room. When I looked around the corner there was only
one player, and of course it was Ted. His gentleness
and artistry are the two traits I will remember the
most.
Our paths crossed many times over the years and every
time I felt I was in the presence of a great artist
and an exceptional human being.
Ted had a profound influence on guitarists everywhere
and it's difficult to imagine a world without him.
Thank you Ted for making our world a more beautiful
place. I'll never forget the beauty of your playing,
or the purity of your heart.
Jody Fisher
July 27, 2005 10:09 PM
—————
It fills me with great sadness to say goodbye to my
mentor and dear friend Ted Greene. The lessons and friendship
I had with Ted over period of a decade were truly special.
His generosity in other matters and support he gave
me in my life were also testament to his kindness. It
was an honor and a significant event in my life to meet
and get to know this brilliant master.
Dear Ted; thank you for sharing your incredible knowledge
and for the warmth of your friendship. I will miss you
my dear friend.
frank nazarian
July 28, 2005 1:57 AM
—————
Ted was probably the most inspiring man I have had
the priviledge of meeting. As an Australian resident,
I managed to organise a handful of lessons during my
infrequent visits to LA. It is no exaggeration to say
that these meetings had a profound and lasting effect
upon my life. On one occasion, I inquired as to why
he performed so infrequently. His response was that
it was no longer a priority. When pressing him as to
what WAS a priority, he replied simply: knowledge! How
many people in this day and age devote their entire
being to the pursuit of knowledge? He was truly a remarkable
being who's teaching extended far beyond the musical
arena.
Lucas Michailidis
July 28, 2005 2:04 AM
—————
I met Ted and began studying with him when I was 17
years old. I am now 36. Ted and I became friends from
the first phone call, there was a waiting list at that
time! Remember that?? Some of you out there will remember
the first apartment that had 2 chairs, a music stand
and an ashtray. Needless to say a tape recorder with
which he demanded that the lesson be taped. The lessons
and the man were serious then, really serious. (The
apartment clean to a fault) But, even as we have known
him in recent years, he was very kind, understanding
and selfless then as well.
At this time he became a surrogate father to me, many
times we wouldn't even pick up the guitars. We would
just talk for 2 hours. He helped me learn how to live
life. So many times he talked me through some really
rough experiences. He was more a father to me than my
father. Ted was not only a teacher of music for me but
he taught me SO MUCH ABOUT LIVING! I could talk to him
about anything. I do not know where I would be without
having him in my life. And now in 2005 he is still like
my father and dearest friend.
We shared quite a bit together. I am sure that there
are others out there, and you know who you are, who
got to share some special times and special conversations
with him. There were many sides to Ted. If you were
close to him, I need not say another word, you know
what I am talking about!! I will cherish the memories
of speaking to him so frankly on such a WIDE range of
subjects! And he suprising the hell out of me with his
vast knowledge and ideas about so many things. LOL!
I brought him a mess of my Roman and Greek coins one
day and the next week he had started up again with his
coin collection. They were all over the place!! THEY
STILL ARE! Quarters galore! He said that he LOVED the
quarters! I loved sharing with him my collections of
all thing ancient. He was shocked when I copied my whole
Danny Gatton bootleg collection for him ...and it was
an honor to hand it to him! I don't think he thought
I would really do it! The look on his face... Wow. He'd
give me things and remark about the look on my face
of total suprise, so he got me back plenty!! Ted I have
MORE Danny DVD's & CD's for ya!!! I think you might
be playing with him right now... So you might not need
them.
Ted, you know how much we will ALL miss you. You touched
so many lives. I'm not sure what I/we will do without
your direction, opinions, thoughts and guidance. I am
sad beyond words. The world and especially the world
of music and guitar is a diffarent place without you
here. But now Heaven is a diffarent place with YOU there!!!
I bet some serious music is happening right now up there!
I love you man!! We WILL meet again! - Your friend
always, -
