Friday, October 24 — Rising guitarist, composer, and educator Bill Hart brings his world-renowned International Jazz Fusion Band to The Velvet Note for an electrifying night of rhythm, rock, and sophisticated improvisation.
The Maestro of Modern Fusion
Bill Hart is far more than a guitarist; he is a musical polymath whose career spans composition, education, and international touring. Born and raised in Canada but a longtime cornerstone of the Atlanta music community, Hart is celebrated for his sophisticated instrumental music that refuses to be constrained by a single genre.
His style is a thrilling journey through jazz-rock fusion, blending the intricate harmonies of jazz with the raw energy and strong backbeat of rock and funk. Critics and fans often detect influences from guitar heroes like Jeff Beck and Pat Metheny, filtered through the highly technical precision gained from studying with masters such as Mike Stern and Scott Henderson.
A Legacy of Education and Innovation
For decades, Bill Hart served as the head of the guitar program at the prestigious Atlanta Institute of Music & Media (AIMM), where he mentored thousands of aspiring musicians. This teaching pedigree infuses his performances with a deep understanding of harmony, structure, and improvisation, making every solo a masterclass in guitar technique.
- Essential Reading: He is the author of the respected educational text, Solo Jazz Guitar: The Complete Chord Melody Method, hailed by guitarist Mike Stern as “a must-have for every serious guitarist.”
- A World-Class Ensemble: The Bill Hart Band is a collective of exceptional players—often including members from diverse international backgrounds—whose musical camaraderie creates an electrifying, intuitive sound that critics have compared to the intricate stylings of Weather Report.
Experience the Thrill of a Live Six-Piece Band
While his studio work is acclaimed (with six critically praised instrumental albums to his name), the true power of the Bill Hart Band is best experienced live. In the intimate “acoustic living room” of The Velvet Note, you will be close enough to witness the band’s seamless interplay, the stunning clarity of Hart’s custom guitar rig, and the fearless spontaneity that makes jazz fusion so exciting.
Join us for a rare opportunity to see one of the Atlanta area’s most beloved and technically proficient musicians—a night guaranteed to thrill serious guitar enthusiasts and fans of progressive, genre-bending music.
Event Details:
- Artist: The Bill Hart Band
- Date: Friday, October 24th
- Time: 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM