Adam Rafferty

Adam Rafferty's guitar style is deeply rooted in the bebop tradition, reflecting years of study with Mike Longo, Dizzy Gillespie's longtime pianist. He is also steeped in the organ trio style of players such as Wes Montgomery, George Benson, and Pat Martino, in which rhythmic feel and bluesy finesse count every bit as much as technique and theoretical knowledge. After getting his start with rock and funk bands, Rafferty worked toward a B.F.A. at the State University of New York in Purchase, studying classical guitar. However, his private studies with Longo pushed him deeper in...