Baggett’s incredible guitar playing falls somewhere between Holdsworth and Alex Lifeson, yet with a sound of its own. - Guitar Player
Brian Baggett is one of the top guitar players in the Midwest. He played well over 100 gigs in 2007. Brian’s innovative sound and style make him stand out in any public performance. He is a skillful guitarist with the ability to play several styles of music on a professional level. Brian studied music theory with trumpeter Chuck Tumlinson at Washburn University and privately with guitar masters Reggie Wooten and Danny Embrey.
While appearing at major jazz festivals with his own groups, Brian has also played with artists like Bob Bowman, Kerry Strayer, Bobby Watson, and Todd Strait. He contributed to Bill McKemy’s two albums, Duende and OM Nidrah (Pitch Weekly’s Best Jazz Album 2003). In March of 2003 Brian was featured in Jazz Ambassador Magazine’s “Guitars Galore” issue. Brian received national exposure in March 2006 when he was featured in Guitar Player Magazine. Brian has also appeared with Ken Lovern’s OJT+B on the Kansas Public Radio show “The Jazz Scene.”
A guitar teacher since 1994, Brian has been teaching some of the area’s most promising jazz guitar players. He is in high demand as both a jazz guitarist and educator. He has been a guest artist/clinician at the University of Kansas, Washburn University, KCKCC and Truman State University. He is the guitar teacher on faculty for the KU Jazz Camp since 2006. He also presented two jazz improvisation workshops based on his method book at the Americana Music Academy.
In addition to playing jazz guitar, Brian led the fusion/rock band Einstein Electric. This critically-acclaimed group played major music festivals and also shared the bill with major acts like The Jerry Garcia Band and Galactic. In 2003, Brian released his first solo album The Web, a rock opera that he composed, performed and produced.
As well as working as a sideman in several groups Brian is currently performing in Ken Lovern’s O.J.T. and leading his own trio DOJO. OJT has released two studio records and play high profile concerts like the Kansas City Plaza Art Fair and New Year’s Eve at Jardine’s Jazz Club. The group is currently working with David Basse the “voice” of Kansas City. In July of 2006 DOJO performed at “A night of Pure Guitar,” featuring members of Steve Vai’s band and artists on his Favored Nations record label. DOJO has released two studio records and a live album.
Recent highlights for Brian include playing with Hammond organ legend Joey DeFrancesco and producing a video game soundtrack for Zach Parr (User Interface programmer for Neversoft by Activision – Guitar Hero). Brian has also produced music for television.
One of the most gifted and lyrical guitarists to claim a KC connection in recent years. - JAM Magazine
Brian Baggett gives you doses of Cream-Era Clapton intensity and then ups the ante by displaying lethal legato lines. - Abstract Logix
