The CBA Presents:

Guitar Heroes in Portland

Stu Kinzel, Marco Savo, Robbie Laws, Jim Mesi, Terry Robb, Alan Hager

by Hal Hanalyn
and LynnAnn Hyde

What makes someone a hero? Is it their character? Is it the outstanding work they do for others? Is it their selfless devotion to bettering themselves and others, too? Is it the sacrifices they make, the unrecognized and unappreciated courage they show in the face of disaster? Is it in their heart, their soul, or their mind? Does it come from within, or do circumstances create our heroes?

When I think of Stu Kinzel, I think of him as a true guitar hero. Based on his character, he is more than qualified. His guitar playing is consistently good, his tone and ability to capture the essence of a song is always first-rate. I have never heard him play with anything less than 100% of his ability. I guess you could call that "character" as it applies to a guitarist. When it comes to playing with others, Stu always puts them first. He establishes a wonderful foundation for other musicians to build upon, and allows them to play at their full potential. He will often times play rhythm to a lesser player to allow that player to grow, stretch, and ultimately become a better musician. He will smile and compliment the most rudimentary playing style, even though the performance may have been painfully bad. Stu Kinzel listens to music continually, and plays guitar several hours each day. He has developed a shoulder problem which is very painful, yet he still plays each day to "keep my fingers RIGHT". Although he has achieved international recognition for his masterful slide playing and soulful singing, he downplays the impact and meaning of "international" and focuses on the job at hand. "Kinzel has turned down high-profile jobs because he had prior commitments, and he has performed many times with pickup bands just to keep his word to a venue. Stu Kinzel has held the hand of many struggling performers onstage, and backed them as though they were the best musicians in the world, only to be unappreciated on his own solo when those same musicians drop the ball. Stu puts the music first, and his own ego last when it comes to music and ensemble performances, and he passes that philosophy on to other players. Stu is also a guitar instructor in his spare time, and donates to Blues In Schools and other community programs.

Another hero of a different sort is Marco Savo. Marco also fulfills all of the prerequisites for guitar hero status, but in a more subdued fashion. He always gives his all to a musical piece and overall performance, and his dedication to Blues is legendary. Marco will take the time to talk to anyone who is sincere about music, and he will often look up some obscure recording or another to provide accurate information to a curious individual. Marco will back other players to the best of his outstanding abilities, even if the music isn't really his "cup of tea". Marco Savo is also a guitar teacher, and helps many aspiring musicians to become better players, both as soloists and accompaniment. Marco is a treasure trove of Blues and Jazz history, playing styles, vintage musical instruments, amplification devices and hard to get recordings. His unusual sense of humor and blunt honesty make him a lot of fun to be around, and he will always keep his word, whether it is playing a "bad" gig, or helping out at an event. Marco practices what he preaches, and his playing is always of the highest caliber.

Rob Laws is another fine example of a guitar hero. Rob is one of the hardest working guitarists, and undeniably one of our best. His pleasant demeanor and supportive attitude has seen hundreds of struggling players through more than one tense on-stage moment. Musicians and listeners alike honor Rob's abilities, as both soloist and backing player, and he will always take the time to share some "trick" or lick with other guitarists. He is an excellent teacher, and continually studies other guitar players' techniques in order to better teach. He will often ask one of his students to sit in at a gig, giving them a golden opportunity to perform under his watchful eye, and he will always make them sound as good as humanly possible. Rob's casual and friendly nature, his humor and his upstanding character, make him a joy to be around. Rob Laws is truly a humble person and always gives a word of encouragement and thanks to all of his students and his many fans, sometimes dismissing his own talent to do so. Rob has also donated to Blues In Schools! His gentle nature and sincere good-hearted intentions allow Rob to shine like the star he is. Rob Laws is a "natural", as a guitarist and as a human being.

A hero of another sort is Jim Mesi. Mesi's prowess on electric guitar doesn't stop him from being a kind and generous musician, or a really nice guy! He is both icon and teacher to many noted guitarists, and he is a radiant example of professionalism and showmanship. Jim's wit and personality shine both on and off stage, and his technical ability is respected and admired by everyone who has heard him. Jim Mesi has spent more years on-stage than most people spend at their full time job, and each of those years has been a learning experience for him. His willingness to share tips with other players, teach guitar and musical theory, and musically support and involve other players can't be diminished. His playing, tone and delivery are consistently world-class. Jim Mesi is a guitar hero's hero.

And then there's Terry Robb. In some ways, Terry Robb has transcended hero status into almost mythical proportion. Internationally famous, Terry will take the time to address groups of kids at Blues In Schools shows, host low cost clinics and workshops, teach from his notable school of guitar, and still play outstanding guitar nearly seven nights a week! Terry is a living encyclopedia of Blues, and is always willing to pass information on to others. His playing abilities have earned international acclaim, yet he is as friendly as the guy next door. Terry Robb is clever, charming, funny, and when pressed to blow his own horn, he will usually make a joke. Still, Terry tells it like it is, and will always kindly suggest to a struggling player to spend a few more hours practicing and studying their music and then come back. His optimism is contagious, and Terry Robb makes you believe in the music, and in your own ability to play it. Terry has technical ability and an understanding of music that qualifies him at genius level. He is most likely the finest acoustic guitarist in the West, but Terry is ever quick to point out the strengths of other players, like his friend and peer, Alan Hager.

Alan Hager is the consummate guitar hero. His playing, tone, phrasing, and dynamic are all excellent. Alan has a sense of musicality that infuses any ensemble he performs with in a most noticeable way. His proficiency at accompaniment can only be rivaled by his soloing ability, and his singing can only rival that. Yet, Alan is a gracious and accommodating guy, donating his skills to BIS and other community programs. an well as his numerous teaching duties. Alan is kind to the novice, and offers his support to anyone truly interested in playing music. Like his good pal, Terry Robb, Alan has the gift of making you believe in yourself. His easygoing stage presence. and his ultimate command of the guitar, allows any player to shine. Alan has musical interests that are so complex few could understand them, yet he can convey even the most difficult to understand concept to the many eager students and protégés who study from him.

When it comes to the Blues, each of these guys is a hero. They loom large because they deserve to. They command respect and attention because they have earned it. They give back to the community because it is the right thing to do. Each of the guitar heroes profiled will have ten other guys they think of as heroes and that is the mark of a true hero.