Eddie Duran

One of the unsung guitar heroes of jazz is Eddie Duran. He was born to parents of Mexican heritage in 1925. He started playing the guitar when he was 8. Although he did take a year of lessons, Eddie considers himself to be an “ear player.” He was a professional at the age of 15, and in the heyday of the San Francisco bebop scene, he played and recorded with Vince Guaraldi, Red Norvo, and Cal Tjader, as well as with Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, George Shearing, Earl “Fatha” Hines and Benny Goodman. For many years Eddie was little known outside the San Fransisco area. His output as a leader is limited but check out his work as a sideman for Vince Guaraldi, Earl Hines and Benny Goodman.

Here are two clips from his 1956 album "Jazz Guitarist." His sound and approach are deeply rooted in the bebop tradition and he sounds a bit like Tal even. Or Tal like him :) I just love those woody 1950s guitar sounds ...

And here's a live clip from 1980 which clearly demonstrates his virtuosity. That's Benny Goodman on stage, with whom he was touring in Japan at the time.