Brian Tarquin
Polished, guitar-driven fusion that bridges the gap between smooth jazz grooves and technical rock virtuosity. Warm analog tones for late-night urban energy.
Polished, guitar-driven fusion that bridges the gap between smooth jazz grooves and technical rock virtuosity. Warm analog tones for late-night urban energy.
Brian Tarquin’s sound is a masterclass in high-fidelity instrumental storytelling. It lives in the intersection of sophisticated smooth jazz and the technical prowess of 1970s fusion, all wrapped in the unmistakable warmth of classic analog recording gear. His guitar work is fluid and melodic, often serving as the primary 'voice' that carries the narrative through lush, urban-inspired arrangements.
What truly sets Tarquin apart is his dual identity as a virtuoso and a world-class engineer. Because he records through vintage Trident consoles and Ampex tape machines, his music possesses a physical weight and organic texture that digital-first jazz often lacks. His compositions feel like they belong in a high-stakes television drama or a sleek metropolitan lounge, balancing accessibility with deep musicality.
Start with 'High Life' for the quintessential 2000s acid-jazz-meets-fusion experience. If you prefer a more collaborative, rock-leaning sound, 'Brothers In Arms' showcases his ability to trade licks with legendary peers while maintaining his signature polished production style.
Brian Tarquin (born December 2, 1965) is an American jazz fusion guitarist, recording artist, sound engineer, record producer, and composer. He is best known as a guitar instrumentalist with several Top 10 radio hits in various genres as smooth jazz, NACC Loud Rock, jam band, Roots Music Report, Radio Contraband, and CMJ charts. He also is an established composer, having won Emmy awards for "Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series". He owns BHP Music-Guitar Trax Records and Jungle Room Studios which specializes in guitar instrumental music. He specializes in guitar instrumental music and smooth jazz. Throughout his career he has recorded with and produced projects with Larry Coryell, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Jean-Luc Ponty, Robben Ford, Gary Hoey, Hal Lindes, Chuck Loeb, Steve Morse, Billy Sheehan, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Leslie West, and Mike Stern.
Shares jazz fusion, smooth jazz, electric guitar, instrumental only (signature)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, electric guitar, analog warmth (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, serene (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, nu jazz, saxophone (subgenre)
Shares jazz fusion, smooth jazz, saxophone, instrumental only (signature)
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