Rock n' roll legend Waddy Wachtel has been a fixture in the guitar universe since since the ‘70’s with his seminal work for artists like Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, Karla Bonoff and countless others (does the name Bob Dylan ring a bell? How about Bob Seger or Don Henley or Carole King or well...you get the idea). By the ‘80’s and 90’s, while still hugely in demand as a session guitarist, (with Kim Carnes, The Pointer Sisters, Bon Jovi, Randy Newman, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, or how about with The Rolling Stones on Bridges to Babylon? Again, enough already. Go to his website for the complete list) he was touring and recording with Keith Richards and the X-Pensive Winos, and producing records for Keith, Warren, Bryan Ferry and tons of others. In a career that shows no sign of slowing down, lately he’s also turned his talents to film composing and has provided the scores for Joe Dirt, Benchwarmers, The House Bunny, Strange Wilderness, Paul Blart, Mall Cop, and many new features still in production. WaddyWachtelInfo.com

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Phil Palmer (born 1952 in London, England) is a notorious veteran session guitarist in both jazz and rock with a truly extensive resumé. Having come to the limelight as a part of Paul Brady's band, he has gone on to work with many of the world's foremost artists and groups, including Lucio Battisti, Pet Shop Boys, Wishbone Ash, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Dire Straits, Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Pete Townshend, Paola e Chiara, Chris de Burgh, Bryan Adams, Eros Ramazzotti, George Michael, Alejandro Sanz, Robbie Williams and Melanie C.   Phil Palmer discography

Les Dudek was born in a Naval air station hospital on the coast of Quonset Point, just north of Wickford, Rhode Island. By the age of 14 Les was already playing in bands all over Florida. Bands like The Steppin' Stones, The United Sounds, Blue Truth and Power. With the latter two, he went to Nashville, Tennessee and Richmond, Virginia to record demos with hopes of a record deal. Then, on October 29th, 1971, the unthinkable occurred - a fellow Florida musician, Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident. A few weeks after returning to Florida, Les was called back to Georgia. As a result, Les was invited to record with The Allman Brothers Band. That's Les you hear playing guitar harmonies with Dickey Betts on "Ramblin' Man" and the intro acoustic guitar on "Jessica", their two biggest hits from the Brothers and Sisters album. The news spread quickly about this young guitar talent. Dudek was offered a guitar spot with Boz Scaggs. He accepted. At the end of this tour, Steve Miller invited Les up to Seattle, Washington to record some tunes that turned into classic hits on his Fly Like An Eagle and Book Of Dreams from which Les co-wrote "Sacrifice". Miller invited Les to join his band, so Les moved to California. At the same time, a manager called Les about joining a group to be called Journey. The same day Les was invited to the first Journey rehearsal, he was offered a solo recording deal from Columbia Records. Les decided to be a solo artist. During the next six years Les released four critically acclaimed solo albums, (Les Dudek debut, Say No More, Ghost Town Parade and Gypsy Ride) scoring two FM radio hits - "City Magic" and "Old Judge Jones". He then collaborated with two other Columbia artists, Mike Finnigan, who played organ on "Rainy Day", a song from Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland album and Jim Krueger, who wrote "We Just Disagree" for Dave Mason. DFK (Dudek, Finnigan & Krueger) released one album on Columbia Records and toured most of 1978 with Kansas. Since then Les has gone on to work with various artists including Cher and Stevie Nicks, as well as writing music for various major Hollywood movies. Throughout the '90's Dudek toured the U.S. and Europe. Les also released a rock 'n blues album titled Deeper Shades Of Blues and Freestyle 2002. Additionally, Les wrote and performed instrumental library music for television. This music can be heard on NBC, ABC, ESPN, FOX SPORTS and E channel. These instrumentals are featured on such programs as Friends, Extra, Wild On, Search Party, and Access Hollywood.   LesDudek.com

Over the past several decades you would have heard Louie Shelton's signature guitar riffs and solos on more hit records than any other session guitarist in history. While there are too many to mention, some of his classics include, Boz Scaggs' "Low Down", Lionel Richie's "Hello", Neil Diamond's "Play Me", The Jackson Five's "I Want You Back", "ABC" and "I'll Be There, The Monkees' "Last Train To Clarksville" and "Valerie". Some of the other artists Louie recorded with include John Lennon, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Carpenters, Joe Cocker, Kenny Rodgers, The Mamas & Papas, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. As a recording artist himself, Louie has released five albums to date. Touch Me, Guitar, Hot & Spicy, Urban Culture and Nashville Guitars. While successfully working within all facets of the music industry in Los Angeles for many years, which includes session guitarist, recording artist, record production, and composing and playing on countless movie scores and television shows, Louie had the opportunity of working closely with the great composers Henry Mancini, Dave Grusin, Quincy Jones and Lalo Schifron. Some of his film/documentaries/T.V. credits include J.W. Coope, The World Around Us, The Changing World, Crocodile Man, Traveling South. Over the years Louie continued to produce several bands, including Southern Sons, Mother Hubbard, The Wolverines and Bleu Tongue, and was involved with such artists as Tommy Emmanuel, Rick Price and Human Nature. Louie also worked for several independent film companies scoring documentaries. He recently completed another CD for The Wolverines, is working on his new CD, playing gigs, and, as always, looking for talented Australians to develop and present to both the Australian and American music market. As he continues to have professional ties and commitments in the States, Louie will continue to commute back and forth for film work and productions.   LouieShelton.com

Marty Rifkin is a multi-instrumentalist and producer living in Southern California.  Playing guitar, pedal steel, dobro, bass, mandolin and numerous other instruments, Marty has recorded with such notable artists as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Jewel, Dwight Yoakam, Glen Campbell and Elton John, to name a few. As a producer, Marty owns and operates Rifkin Productions in Santa Monica.  A sampling of his many clients are Smokey Robinson, Rita Coolidge, Hal David and many new independent artists.   When he's not in the studio, you can find him on world tours with the likes of Springsteen, Glen Campbell and various other artists. MartyRifkin.com Marty Rifkin @ MySpace

Calling Chicago, IL his home, Ric Hall aka "Ric Jaz" currently tours and performs around the world with Blues legend Buddy Guy. Ric's 30 year plus resume includes a surreal list of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy Award winning artists (BB King, Albert King, Eric Clapton, John Mayer and many more). True to his versatile style, Ric has proudly served as the guitarist and rhythm section leader for The Dells (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, R&B inductee). Other R&B artists he has performed with regularly include:  Jerry ("Iceman") Butler (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), Bloodstone (R&B/Funk) and The Emotions (Soul, R&B and Disco).   Ric provides an impregnable rhythmic foundation and is eager to interject soulful "teeth gritting" guitar licks. His crossover style performs a melodic seance to the roots of Rhythm & Blues to a tasteful and current Rock shred. His distinguishing personality and showmanship has commanded the attention of audiences worldwide. He has had over a ten-year association with the Chicago Black Ensemble (BET) working in both local and road tour productions of Muddy Waters (the Hoochie Coochie Man), The Jackie Wilson Story, The Soul of Black Music and I Am Who I Am -The Teddy Pendergrass Story. Ric has made appearances on Late Night with Jay Leno, The Craig Ferguson Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Show With David Letterman, Nissan Live Sets: Yahoo! Music, Farm Aid, Austin City Limits, Crossroads Guitar Festival (available on DVD), Experience Hendrix Tour, satellite broadcast radio, international television, etc. RicJaz.net Ric Jaz Youtube Channel

Marnie Stern's bio coming soon.                                                                        Marnie Stern @ MySpace

Born in Savo, Eastern Finland, Timo Kämäräinen is one of the busiest guitar players on the Finnish music scene. Having spent his early years listening to music and banging his mother's piano, his first guitar was bought in 1988 and soon after that, guitar-playing became definitely the biggest part of Timo's life. He had gone through a wide variety of musical styles before going to the high school in 1995; Charlie Parker and Pat Metheny were important influences in those days. Since then, Timo has relocated to Helsinki and has been playing in many top Finnish groups, whose styles have varied from experimental rock (Ismo Alanko Säätiö) to free jazz (Pepa Päivinen Quartet) and modern classical music (RSO/UMO). After working as a freelancer for a couple of years, Timo wanted to aim his energy towards his own projects, and his solo album Unea and Beagon's debut Countryside were released in the spring of 2005. Beagon’s second album Traffic was released in August 2007. He also remains active with the groups of Pepa Päivinen, Lauri Porra, Tuomari Nurmio, and the Turga Trio. Beagon Timo Kämäräinen @ MySpace

Toronto-based session and independent artist Doron Zor has been creating a new sound and a new buzz in the smooth jazz scenes. With such unique originality in his playing and compositions, it is no wonder why Doron has been working with some of Canada's heaviest producers and players such as Terry Brown, Chris Hall, Paul DeLong, Anthony Panacii, Calvin Beale, Michael Fonfara and many more. During downtime from his own projects, Doron writes music for film productions, commercials and performs on sound clips for musical equipment companies around the world. DoronZor.com

Harry Orlove started playing guitar at age 10 and did his first paying gig at age 11, where he made an astonishing $2.00. Needless to say, he was hooked. Having been on the road playing and recording since 17, soon Harry’s interest in the 5-string banjo and bluegrass music had become an obsession, and he worked in several ground breaking “new acoustic music” bands including Bottle Hill and The Monroe Doctrine. Moving to Los Angeles in 1979, Harry landed a job in the house band of the World Famous Palomino Club where he got to work with music legends such as James Burton, Jimmy Bryant, Thumbs Carlisle, “Sneaky Pete” Kleinow and Jay Dee Maness. In his 27 years on the West Coast, Harry has recorded with a wide range of artists like Lawrence Juber, Billy Swan, Lee Greenwood, Albert Lee, Paul Young, Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Felix Cavalieri (The Rascals), and has also done a great deal of commercial studio work including spots for Coca-Cola and Gateway Computers, as well as work on various major films and television series. After years of working as a sideman with countless front-row artists and musicians, Harry finally got around to producing an Indy released CD titled Back From The Dead, which is available at CD Baby. It should also be noted that Harry was named Time Magazine’s “Person Of The Year” in 2006.

Petteri Sariola is a 23-year-old virtuoso who's been playing since he was 7, and is a 5th generation pro. Now, with 500 gigs under his thumb at home in Finland and abroad, he's developed a fierce, intense and energetic presence that draws a crowd to any stage, large or small. He loves to play. Throw in some sweet soul and delta blues vocals, add a sprinkling of laidback humour, and you get a unique act that never fails to get people on the edge of their seats. He plays a very percussive style that he calls 'slam'. It's an explosive mix sourced from different music, instruments, tunings and techniques. His ten fingers make ten instruments. He sounds like two guitarists, a bass player and a percussionist - rolled into one. No tapes, no loops. Petteri was awarded the coveted Nokia Young Talent scholarship in 2005 - the youngest ever, and before he had even graduated from the conservatory. He also received the Honorary Price in the Funk Awards 2007. The debut LP SILENCE! came out 26th of September 2007 from Plastinka Records. PetteriSariola.fi Petteri Sariola @ MySpace Petteri Sariola @ YouTube

One of Finland's most well-known guitar virtuosos Costello Hautamäki (born September 11, 1963) is the fast-finger of the rock band Popeda. The Finnish equivalent to the Rolling Stones has topped the charts in both record sales and live success for an unbelievable 30 years. Costello's track record also includes bands such as Sleepy Sleepers, Neropatit and Sensuuri, and he toured the Japan and Europe with the internationally acclaimed rock legend Hanoi Rocks. Costello has released two solo albums; A Little Bit Crazy in 1988 and 13 Reasons to Rock in 2003. Alongside Popeda, he also plays solo gigs and composes music for television productions as well as for other artists. His recent creations are showcased in the 24th Popeda album, Täydelliset Miehet. Costello Hautamäki is the conductor of a musical based on the life work of the songwriter Vexi Salmi, featured in the repertoire of Hämeenlinna City Theatre's fall season 2008. Popeda

Given the name "Guitorganist" during a rehearsal when the organist failed to show, 25-year-old Vindell E.Smith has been gaining the reputation of the guitarist who knows the organ chords for the past eight years. Growing up in church and gaining the skills to play both the guitar and organ parts while playing alone with a drummer since the age of 17, Vindell knows when to step out or blend in like a seasoned veteran. Vindell has worked with artists like Cheryl "Coko" Clemons, Troy Taylor, James "JJ" Hairston & Youthful Praise and Doobie Powell among others, and appears on various records including Doobie Powell's 4 Zoe and Can't Be Stopped, Deon Kipping & The New Covenant's Real Life, Real Worship, and Rev. Timothy Wright & The NY Fellowship Mass Choir's Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Vindell is currently a part of Deon Kipping's Love & Life Entertainment production team, which involves production, songwriting and arranging; his own production company Soul Strum Society is currently preparing instructional materials for future guitorganists. Vindell recently played for Oprah Winfrey and is currently touring with grammy-nominated group Mary Mary.   Vindell E. Smith @ MySpace

David Carr is a 'near 40' guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and record producer from Melbourne Australia. His professional guitarist career began in 1987 as a member of JANZ, a band which went on to win the world final of Band Explosion '88 in Japan out of 18,000 unsigned bands world wide. This lead to worldwide recording deals and recognition as an outstanding musician. To date he has toured internationally with many Australian acts and has appeared as a session guitarist on countless albums. His 'indie' sound has always seen him appear on songs where a distinctive and tasteful guitar part was preferred over that of a clichéd session player. His love of classic, retro and bizarre equipment reinforces his reputation as one who can pull a great sound from virtually any equipment and in any situation. He chooses equipment based on tone, functionality, simplicity and beautiful design. As a producer, David's "big" guitar and drum sounds were first recognized in the post-grunge 90's scene. His production, sounds and mixes are now acknowledged as those that give an album an international sound, from intimate organic acoustic through to the hardest rock. He also loves cats. ANIM8 - a 'new-prog' instrumental duo Textapopeye - bizarre high energy guitars, electronic beats and chants David Carr homepage David Carr @ MySpace

Lasse Sakara is a Helsinki-based Finnish guitarist who among others plays in Samuli Edelmann's band and jazz drummer Olavi Louhivuori's group Oddarrang, the latter of which received the Finnish Jazz-Emma award for their album Music Illustrated in 2007. Lasse has also appeared on Finnish national television on many occasions, playing in the house band of Finnish Idols among many other programs. On record, his versatile playing is showcased on albums by the likes of Jippu, Mikko Leppilampi, Husky Rescue, Miami, Lasse Mårtenson Remix, Essi Wuorela and Sansa. Oddarrang @ MySpace Miami @ MySpace

Richard Lundmark is a 30-something guitar-equilibrist, heralding from the deep forests of Northern Sweden. His style ranges from rock to jazz, from metal to fusion and something in between. Richard has both released a critically acclaimed instrumental album (FretDance, 2003), and held popular guitar clinics in both Sweden and Japan. He is currently working on a full-length guitar instructional DVD entitled Electric Guitar Concepts. Fretdance Richard Lundmark @ MySpace

One of the guitarists of the American alternative/metal band No Scope, Bobby Ensminger was turned on to Flaxwood guitars by their ingenuity and ability to produce a fine clean tone while having a super articulate crunch for high gain. No Scope has released two albums; Evolution in 2006 and Hindsight 2012 in 2008, both of which are available on Itunes, Amazon.com, CD Baby and select Best Buy stores. The latter produced the single "Pale and Blue", which has received national airplay throughout the United States on the syndicated Lex and Terry Show, and even garnered a favorable slot on their website promoting their songs. They have also been played on other radio stations in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. No Scope plans to hit the studio again for their third album in August 2009, in which Bobby will utilize his Flaxwood Voima. No Scope @ MySpace

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, guitarist and driving force behind progressive/alternative rock band Sadhana, Paul Reid was instantly enamoured and impressed by Flaxwood guitars' unbelievable tone, ambitious style and their ground-breaking sound while recording the band's first EP Vicissitudes. Sadhana have been tremendously busy since coming together in late 2008. With their first EP Vicissitudes (available through iTunes and CD Baby) being recorded and released in February 2009, they have been gaining national recognition and playing to sold-out audiences and festivals around the country. Playing with some of biggest acts in the scene, getting national and international radio play, and having just finished recording their second EP release The Real (due for release soon), their future is looking extremely bright. Now using his Flaxwood Rautia for the band's new EP The Real and all live performances all around Australia and overseas, the Flaxwood Rautia will define the sound of Sadhana for years to come. Sadhana @ MySpace

 A WORD FROM OUR PLAYERS...

"Wow, this little Flaxwood guitar packs a big punch, I especially like it when I play slide. Look out big dogs, there's a new puppy on the block."
- Les Dudek

"These guitars are f***in' amazing in every way - the way they feel, the way they play, the way they sound and even the way they look." 
- Bugs Henderson

"It's great to have a guitar that plays so well and sounds fantastic.  All you have to think about when playing a Flaxwood is the music!"
- Marty Rifkin

"The Flaxwood Rautia is a great all-around axe, it has served perfectly in all the ever-changing band situations I've come across!"
- Petteri Sariola

"Call me old-fashioned but I love the tone, sustain and playability of my Flaxwood guitar."
- Louie Shelton

"My Rautia impressed me from the moment I held it. Imagine how I felt when I heard the clarity! Truly some of the cleanest humbuckers I've come across, quickly making it a studio favorite."
- Vindell E. Smith