A few days ago, my old friend Jimmy Bruno hipped me to the passing a
great Philly icon, Joe Sgro.
By far, one of the greatest plectrumists in the history of the
instrument, has passed away on July 15th in Philadelphia. Along with
fellow Philadelphians Eddie Lang, Joe Venuti (Joe's 2nd cousin) and
Dennis Sandole, Joe was a national treasure. He was especially dear to
me and, in my opinion, changed my life far for the better. He wasn't interested in world-wide recognition, more than likely due to the fact
that he was a devoutly religious man and extremely active within his religion, but the small lot of us, who knew him/studied under him, are forever indebted. He was a master's master of a teacher. Dennis
Sandole once said, "If I had to learn guitar all over again, I'd be a
student of Joe Sgro." Joe was originally a violinist who , when
switching to guitar, managed to transfer the science of bowing to the plectrum hand.
The technique is little known, but whenever it is witnessed by fellow players, eyes are noticeably mesmerized by it. It is often
misconstrued as mere "economy picking", probably coined by Tommy
Tedesco, but it is far more involved, because it involves a formidable training, which works in conjunction with whatever written or aural
music to be confronted. And not just what seems "logical" as mere
string traversing. It involves the overall architecture of the music
at hand in accordance with the physics involved in plectrumming.
Joe was a genius at this method. I might add that he was a true
teacher, because his intentions were always to foster the student
(many were already seasoned professionals) in such a way as to develop his/her mental faculties regarding the music and the instrument to the highest possible potential. In other words, he respected the student
and there would never be, "Well, this is how I do it...it took me
years to learn this, so you learn it on your own." This is a real
teacher and I consider that quite rare within a world of ever growing selfishness and self-importance.
An unknown historian wrote: "Joe Sgro, arranger,composer, conductor
and teacher is among the world's greatest guitarist. He started his
music career at the age of four playing the organ. Then he went on to
play the mandolin, banjo, violin and guitar. In 1939 Joe joined Victor
Hugo's band being featured on the guitar. He went on to work with
practically all the big names in show business, Jackie Gleason, Jan
Murray, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis to name a few, Joe has played with
most staff bands in Philadelphia radio and TV. He has worked with the
Paul Whiteman Orchestra for seven years. He has appeared on the Ed
McMahan show where Ed featured him as the world's greatest guitarist.
Joe has appeared with the Philadelphia under guest conductors, Percy
Faith, Andre Kostelanitz and Eugene Ormandy. Joe has recorded hundreds
of records with the top artists of the 50's,60's,and 70's."
I recall coming down to Philly early in the morning from NYC many
years ago. I'd always stop off at the corner diner (Moore Street) and
have a little breakfast before knocking on Joe's door. I'd always
bring him a bag of corn muffins. He was surprised the first time and
said, "This is like an apple for the teacher, thanks." I replied, "But
Joe, their corn muffins." He used to *laugh*...
RIP Maestro.
TD
www.tonydecaprio.com
A few days ago, my old friend Jimmy Bruno hipped me to the passing a
great Philly icon, Joe Sgro.
By far, one of the greatest plectrumists in the history of the
instrument, has passed away on July 15th in Philadelphia. Along with
fellow Philadelphians Eddie Lang, Joe Venuti (Joe's 2nd cousin) and
Dennis Sandole, Joe was a national treasure. He was especially dear to
me and, in my opinion, changed my life far for the better. He wasn't interested in world-wide recognition, more than likely due to the fact
that he was a devoutly religious man and extremely active within his religion, but the small lot of us, who knew him/studied under him, are forever indebted. He was a master's master of a teacher. Dennis
Sandole once said, "If I had to learn guitar all over again, I'd be a
student of Joe Sgro." Joe was originally a violinist who , when
switching to guitar, managed to transfer the science of bowing to the plectrum hand.
The technique is little known, but whenever it is witnessed by fellow players, eyes are noticeably mesmerized by it. It is often
misconstrued as mere "economy picking", probably coined by Tommy
Tedesco, but it is far more involved, because it involves a formidable training, which works in conjunction with whatever written or aural
music to be confronted. And not just what seems "logical" as mere
string traversing. It involves the overall architecture of the music
at hand in accordance with the physics involved in plectrumming.
Joe was a genius at this method. I might add that he was a true
teacher, because his intentions were always to foster the student
(many were already seasoned professionals) in such a way as to develop his/her mental faculties regarding the music and the instrument to the highest possible potential. In other words, he respected the student
and there would never be, "Well, this is how I do it...it took me
years to learn this, so you learn it on your own." This is a real
teacher and I consider that quite rare within a world of ever growing selfishness and self-importance.
An unknown historian wrote: "Joe Sgro, arranger,composer, conductor
and teacher is among the world's greatest guitarist. He started his
music career at the age of four playing the organ. Then he went on to
play the mandolin, banjo, violin and guitar. In 1939 Joe joined Victor
Hugo's band being featured on the guitar. He went on to work with
practically all the big names in show business, Jackie Gleason, Jan
Murray, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis to name a few, Joe has played with
most staff bands in Philadelphia radio and TV. He has worked with the
Paul Whiteman Orchestra for seven years. He has appeared on the Ed
McMahan show where Ed featured him as the world's greatest guitarist.
Joe has appeared with the Philadelphia under guest conductors, Percy
Faith, Andre Kostelanitz and Eugene Ormandy. Joe has recorded hundreds
of records with the top artists of the 50's,60's,and 70's."
I recall coming down to Philly early in the morning from NYC many
years ago. I'd always stop off at the corner diner (Moore Street) and
have a little breakfast before knocking on Joe's door. I'd always
bring him a bag of corn muffins. He was surprised the first time and
said, "This is like an apple for the teacher, thanks." I replied, "But
Joe, their corn muffins." He used to *laugh*...
RIP Maestro.
TD
I was very fortunate to have had Bass lessons with Joe . Both of my uncles we're bassist and friends with Joe that's how I managed to take lessons.
www.tonydecaprio.com
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