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Jerry Goodman

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Jerry Goodman is an American violinist, born in 1949 in Chicago. His parents both played in the strings of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He received a conservatoire training and began his career as a roadie for the group The Flock, in which he later played violin. In this way he grew into one of the best-known players of the electric violin in jazz rock.

Music and breakthrough

After his appearance on John McLaughlin's album My Goal's Beyond in 1971 he became a member of the original Mahavishnu Orchestra, until the group broke up in 1973. There he was regarded as a soloist of equal virtuosity to McLaughlin, keyboard player Jan Hammer and drummer Billy Cobham. In 1974 he made the fusion album Like Children with Hammer. From 1985 he recorded three solo records for Private Music, On the Future of Aviation, Ariel and the live album It's Alive, and also toured with Shadowfax and The Dixie Dregs.

Influence

In 1993 he joined The Dixie Dregs of guitarist Steve Morse and played on the studio album Full Circle. Later he toured with Gary Husband and played on Dream Theater's Black Clouds and Silver Linings. Goodman showed that the violin can play a role equal to the guitar in loud, electrically amplified music.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a track by the Mahavishnu Orchestra and notice how the violin and the guitar answer each other almost like two rock guitarists, in fast, sharp lines.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists