Kevin Ryan puts the “Grand” in “Grand Concert”

Laurence Juber, Former guitarist for Paul McCartney and Wings

There is always a bit of magic clinging to Laurence Juber. The connection to Paul McCartney of course looks pretty good on a resume but naturally it is so much more than that. The immediate thing you realize is the sheer power of Juber’s melodies. Very memorable and catchy (sort of like a Beatles tune is catchy). I think his music is the most polished of anyone playing today. Whether it is some fun and jaunty ballad or some searing acoustic rock lead, his music is compelling and always creative.

One thing about Laurence is his amazing knowledge of the workings of a guitar, the way a luthier understands the instrument. His insight into tonewood combinations is incredible and he has certainly influenced my building philosophy. I have said somewhere that building multiple guitars for LJ has been a great challenge and a wonderful experience. Laurence demands so much from an instrument and it has allowed me the adventure of exploring new frontiers in acoustics. In fact, working with Laurence indirectly led me to develop my longer, fingerstyle scale that has now defined a new breed of instrument. I suppose that if I had not been stretched by Laurence in those early days, that discovery may have taken a different turn. So LJ has had a profound influence on my career. It is an honor beyond words to count him not only as a client but a good friend these many years.