Biography
Gary Lee - Guitarist, Music Production
I received both my B.A. (Commercial Guitar Performance/Music Business) and M.A. (Guitar Performance) from Azusa Pacific University. For the past 12 years I've worked as a professional guitarist and in music production. I've performed and worked behind the scenes with the top names in jazz, popular music, T.V., and film. I've also taught Music Theory courses at Azusa Pacific University.
2005 - 2011 | In 2005 worked as an intern for guitar great, Lee Ritenour, transcribing charts. The following year, I was hired by Lee to transcribe and prepare all the charts for his album, Smoke 'N Mirrors. Lee then hired me as his production manager in 2007. At age 22 I began a “sink-or-swim” crash-course in music business, album production, and concert production. Overnight, I was working alongside the greatest studio musicians in the world and responsible for managing and coordinating Lee's many projects:
- I organized all international and domestic touring
- I handled all day-to-day incoming correspondence, budgets, and calendar.
- I coordinated all aspects of Lee's recording projects.
- I provided studio support such as music editing, take-downs, guitar tech, recording, audio troubleshooting
One year later, in 2008, I was given more responsibility as Lee hired me to be his tour manager. I traveled with Lee and his band on international and domestic tours handling:
- all pre-production work
- logistics
- stage managing
- contracts/financials
- merchandise sales
- and guitar tech duties.
In 2010 Lee hired me to play guitar in his band on several concerts and master classes including the Catalina Jazz Festival and the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles.
2011 - 2013 | I left my position with Lee Ritenour and pursued my Master's degree in Guitar Performance at Azusa Pacific University. During this time I continued working as a freelance guitarist and in music production. In addition I taught 4 semesters of Music Theory at Azusa Pacific University as part of my work/study Master's program.
In 2012, I worked on the singing competition TV show, Duets (ABC) featuring: Kelly Clarkson, Robin Thicke, Jennifer Nettles, and John Legend. In 2013 I worked on the ABC show Sing Your Face Off. On both shows I was the Assistant Music Director, a guitarist, and also an orchestrator for the music department.
2014 - Present | After earning my Master's degree I've continued my freelance work as a guitarist, producer, and music copyist for recording artists and other music projects. Additionally, I teach guitar at California Baptist University in Riverside, CA and also am the Production Manager for Grammy-winning guitarist, Lee Ritenour. Below are some of the notable projects I've had the privilege to be involved with.
Education
Bachelor of Arts | Azusa Pacific University
2002 - 2006 B.A. in Commercial Music (Guitar Performance, Music Business)
Master of Arts | Azusa Pacific University
2011 - 2013 M.A. in Guitar Performance
Skills
“Gary Lee is a multifaceted musician/guitarist that is the embodiment of the modern musician today. Not only extremely talented and versatile on acoustic and electric guitars, his production, arranging, coordinating, music editing, transcribing and music tech chops are evenly distributed from this outstanding musician."
~Lee Ritenour
(Grammy award-winning guitarist and producer)
Performance
Music performance, musicianship, and education.
- Studio guitar recording
- Versatility in commercial styles (classical, jazz, pop, Brazilian, funk, acoustic, country, blues, and gospel)
- Specialization in acoustic finger-style guitar
- Sight reading
- Bass guitar (secondary instrument)
- Music theory teaching
- Private guitar lessons
- Live performance
Music Production
Pre-production and post-production sides of music creation.
- Transcriptions/Takedowns
- Expert knowledge of Logic Pro
- Expert knowledge of Sibelius
- Music Copying (formatting charts)
- Orchestration
- Arranging for band
- Arranging for solo guitar
- Composing
- Composing to film
- Music editing
- Music mixing
- Music theory
Organizational
Logistical, clerical, and organizational side of pre-production.
- Budget Management
- Spreadsheets
- Coordinating backline
- Coordinating rider requirements
- Clear communication
- Phone calls/emails
- Negotiation
- Problem solving
- Handling high pressure situations
- High level organization
- Google docs
- File sharing tools (dropbox, google drive, etc)
TV Shows
Little Big Shots (NBC)
Guitarist
Performed guitar with featured 9 year old drummer, Milana, and legendary drummer, Sheila E.
The Voice T.V. Show (NBC)
Guitarist
Performed guitar with the popular pop-country duo, Florida Georgia Line.
Sing Your Face Off (ABC)
Assistant Music Director, Guitarist, Orchestrator
Coordinated all aspects of the music department including rehearsals, equipment, rehearsal recordings, lyric sheets, music edits, scheduling, song clearances and providing music related materials to other departments. Additionally I was an orchestrator, did takedowns, and filled in as a sub-guitarist as needed.
Duets (ABC)
Associate Music Director, Guitarist, Orchestrator
Coordinated all aspects of the music department including rehearsals, equipment, rehearsal recordings, lyric sheets, music edits, scheduling, song clearances and providing all music related materials to other departments. Additionally I was an orchestrator, did takedowns, and performed as a guitarist in the house band.
For Better or For Worse (TLC)
Guitarist
Featured on-camera classical guitarist for TLC's show, For Better OR For Worse.
We're Not Friends (Web Series)
Guitarist, Composer
Composer for all 8 episodes of We're Not Friends. Composed, recorded, and produced all music cues. Composed and produced theme song music and trailer music.
Star Trek - Lower Decks (Amazon Original)
Music Copyist
Solar Opposites (Hulu Original)
Music Copyist
Films
Producing
Projects I've produced or co-produced.
Touring & Concert Production
Ethan Bortnick (featuring Damian McGinty)
Guitarist, Bass Guitarist
U.S. Tour
John Beasley's Monk'estra
Production Assistant
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz
Guitar Tech
Lincoln Center
Lee Ritenour - U.S. and International Tours
Tour Manager
(Hollywood Bowl, Catalina Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, Blue Note Japan Tour Indonesia Java Jazz Festival)
Albums
Limitless (Giloh Morgan)
Guitarist
The Book of John (Tommy Walker)
Music Copyist
The Jen Oikawa Trio
Co-Producer
Teryn Ré Big Band
Guitarist
Monk 'estra vol. 1 (John Beasley)
Studio assistant
The Acoustic Album (Gary Lee)
Recording Artist, Producer, Guitarist
Genre: Music (Melvin Lee Davis) - Guitar
Guitarist
Lee Ritenour's 6 String Theory
Production Manager, Music Copyist, Assist. Recording Engineer
Touch (Annekei)
Production Manager, Recording Engineer, Music Copyist
Act Your Age (Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band)
Recording Engineer, Production Coordinator
Amparo (Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, James Taylor, Renee Fleming)
Music Copyist, Production Manager
Smoke 'N Mirrors (Lee Ritenour)
Music Copyist, Assist. Recording Engineer
Videos
Guitar Side-Man Reel
Guitarist
Ethan Presents PBS Special
Bass Guitarist, Guitarist
We're Not Friends - Trailer Music
Composition, Guitarist
Little Big Shots TV Show
Guitarist
We're Not Friends - Music Cue
Composition, Guitarist
Guaraná (by Gary Lee)
Composer, Guitarist
Skyline (by Gary Lee)
Composer, Guitarist
Ferris Wheel (by Gary Lee)
Composer, Guitarist
Five Four You (by Gary Lee)
Composer, Guitarist
A Felicidade (arr. by Gary Lee)
Guitarist
Water's Edge (arr. by Gary Lee)
Guitarist
Emily (arr. by Gary Lee)
Guitarist
Waltz for Debby (arr. by Gary Lee)
Guitarist
Be Thou My Vision (arr. by Gary Lee)
Guitarist
Man of La Mancha (w/Davis Gaines)
Guitarist
Audio
click on SoundCloud logo to hear all tracks
Pop Covers (Teryn Ré)
guitarist
As Long as Love Will Last (Andrea Hammond)
Guitarist
Hejira (Melvin Davis feat. Lia Booth)
Guitarist
"Glory" Live Performance (by Gary Lee)
composer, guitarist
Cemetery Charm (Neighbor Goliath)
Guitarist
Mighty Wind (Giloh Morgan feat. Lena Bryd Miles)
Guitarist
Jazz & Blues Demo Reel
guitarist
Brazilian Demo Reel
guitarist
Acoustic Demo Reel
guitarist
Classical Demo Reel
guitarist
Testimonials
John Beasley
Grammy-Nominated Pianist, Composer, Producer, & Music Director (Monk'estra, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, James Brown, Steely Dan, Lee Ritenour)
Gary Lee is a formidable and multi-talented musician. I've worked with him as a first rate guitarist on sessions and TV shows, as a personal aid, and as an Associate Music Director in numerous productions. When I need something extraordinary done, I know Gary will find the best way to execute a solution.
Lee Ritenour
Grammy award winning Jazz Guitarist/Recording Artist
“Gary Lee is a multifaceted musician/guitarist that is the embodiment of the modern musician today. Not only extremely talented and versatile on acoustic and electric guitars, his production, arranging, coordinating, music editing, transcribing and music tech chops are evenly distributed from this outstanding musician. Gary has worked and collaborated with me for years in all those capacities and then some!
E-Man Cervantes
Drummer (Andy Grammer, Gwen Stefani, Cody Simpson)
“I’m a drummer, and I think I have good time and feel, but Gary has always amazed me by his musicality and his feel and concept of what good time keeping is. Gary has better time than most drummers/musicians I know.”
Melvin Lee Davis
Bassist (Chaka Khan, Lee Ritenour, Robben Ford, George Duke)
“Gary's acoustic guitar technique…well, what can I say! His execution of melody, harmony and rhythm has that spiritual connection to the soul. I have had the pleasure of working with him on Lee Ritenour & Chaka Khan projects, as well my own recording endeavors. He also has given me the pleasure of recording for him on various projects that he has worked on as well. “I hold these truths to be self evident” to quote a great scholar! That Gary Lee is special in every way. The way he plays his guitar speaks to the way he lives his life….with honesty and integrity! The positive energy flows my friend.”
James Harrah
Guitarist (Huey Lewis and the News, Madonna, Herbie Hancock)
“I first met Gary working on the TV show “Duets” where we got to share guitar parts playing behind Jennifer Nettles, Robin Thicke, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend. This lead to giving, not really lessons to Gary but more a trading of ideas. Playing and talking about music and sharing my experiences with him. He is a terrific player and guy. Can play all the styles and writes and records his own wonderful compositions.”
Ashley Bornancin
TV/Film Actress (Spy Kids, Camp WWE, Broad City, Scandal)
“Gary has been composing our TV series this year and we couldn’t be more impressed by his work, his immediate understanding of what we were thinking (even when we couldn’t put it to words), and his incredible professionalism. He rises to the occasion and truly works to deliver outstanding work. I am so impressed by the way he approaches and attacks deadlines, his ear for composition, and his quick and speedy delivery. He is also just an amazingly kind person to work with. If you are looking for the best of the best in the music industry, this is your guy. Thank you Gary, for everything, we are so lucky to work with you!”
Will Kennedy
Drummer (The Yellow Jackets)
“Our wonderful, crazy world of music is a team sport and it’s a good idea to surround yourself with smart, capable people who are confident in the business of song willing to sacrifice, guide, and encourage through the ups & downs. I’m happy to have had Mr. Gary Lee on my team and proud to have experienced several victories with him.”
Bryan Taylor
Drummer (Eric Hutchinson, Tommy Walker, The Walking Dead AMC)
“Gary Lee is incredible! Whether he is sitting in the producer chair, arranger chair or the guitar chair, he makes you feel confident. His ability to blend professionalism, high-level musicianship and camaraderie is brilliant. I love working with Gary because you know you are going to get is full attention and heart on every project. His guitar skills match anyone in the industry, but it’s who Gary is that makes him irreplaceable on any session.”
Brandon Shaw
Bassist/Blogger (Startup Musician)
“Gary Lee is a great musician and hands down the best acoustic guitar player I know. He brings a delicate touch to the instrument and makes it sing! Also, he’s a pretty great individual to work with. Don’t be dumb, you should hire Gary.”
Ebiut Cervantes
Audio Engineer (Cirque du Soleil, Mylie Cyrus, Saturday Night Live)
“I have had the pleasure of working with Gary Lee on a few different projects. As a producer, he understands the multi-dimensional aspects of music production. He approaches projects with a wealth of musical knowledge, and a firm understanding of the technical needs”
Teryn Ré
Jazz Vocalist, Composer (Teryn Ré Big Band)
“Gary Lee is one of the most prolific guitarists I know and have the privilege of working with. His ability to interpret my music and his sensitivity to what is happening in the moment is unparalleled! He continues to impress with not only his multi-faceted playing, but also with his songwriting. As a vocalist it is rare to find such a musician that is selfless, humble and a joy to work with on a regular basis.”
Andrea Hammond
Vocalist, Songwriter, Recording Artist
“Gary speaks to and enhances the life of a song with his unique rhythmic disposition, tone, and innate naturalness of line and feel. He’s intricate and exact while his inherent musical choices have a natural, in the moment drive while encompassing a live producers perspective. I’ve had the privilege of sharing the studio and the stage with him and hope to for years to come.”
Dave Brunelle
Guitarist (JJ Lin, Kylan Road)
“Gary Lee is my personal favorite solo acoustic guitar player. His technique and timbre are near perfect, but those elements do not define his music. Gary reaches deep inside his person producing soulful, heartfelt and honest music.”
Lance Beckford
Drummer, Percussionist, Educator
“Gary is a versatile guitarist who takes each piece of music he plays seriously. That attention to detail helps him work in so many situations. I believe that his own teaching has contributed to his unique abilities as a performer.”
Missi Hale
Vocalist (Barbra Streisand, Glee, Amy Grant)
“I hired Gary for a gig that I would have been lost without his mad skills!! He was able to chart the music for everyone (30 songs I believe) with not a lot of time to do so, which was a step I was not able to do on my own!! Not only that, he was professional, on time, sounded amazing, and was nice, which was very important!! Especially in this business. I can’t wait to work with him again!!!”
Jun Nakagawa
Producer of Musician’s Creativity Lab (Yamaha Music Foundation)
"Gary is a tremendous guy to work with. He always goes above and beyond and gives more than what is expected. His preparation is detailed which helps us a lot with production. We will definitely ask to work with him again for future projects!"
Michael Kozubek
Associate Professor, Director of Guitar Studies at Azusa Pacific University
Gary Lee is one of the most astonishing guitarist/musicians on the music scene today. His rock solid technique and poise in public performance rivals that of any touring guitarist. Gary is, however, far more than just a player. His skill sets in music technology allow him to compose, arrange, transcribe, produce and edit music on a world class level. He is also an excellent teacher with a logical methodic approach that one finds only in the best pedagogy available for the guitar. It would be difficult to put Gary Lee in a musical situation where he would not excel. He has my most enthusiastic endorsement as a guitarist and musician.
Brittany Glenn
Recording Artist, Songwriter
Gary Lee is one of the most professional musicians I have ever worked with. I have been performing professionally now for a decade and have never met someone who has set the bar like Gary has. Without asking, he put together charts for my entire new set list the week before the album release when I was super busy. He was more than happy to assist the other musicians with any questions they had and ensured I felt comfortable before the show started. Highly recommend working with him and eager to work with him again soon! He is as good as they come.
Credits
An overview of the artists, musicians, companies, and organizations I've had the privilege of working with.
Artists/Musicians
- Kelly Clarkson
- Robin Thicke
- John Legend
- Jennifer Nettles
- Florida Georgia Line
- Giloh Morgan
- Debelah Morgan
- Lee Ritenour
- John Beasley/Monk’estra
- Alex Acuña
- Annekei
- Dave Grusin
- Don Grusin
- Melvin Lee Davis
- Harvey Mason
- Fourplay
- Justo Almario
- Chaka Khan
- George Benson
- Mike Stern
- Guthrie Govan
- Joe Bonamassa
- John Scofield
- Pat Martino
- Patrice Rushen
- Davis Gaines
- Ethan Bortnick
- Teryn Ré
- Jen Oikawa
- Lee Ritenour
- Dave Grusin
- James Taylor
- Steve Lukather
- Andy McKee
- Adam Hawley
- Ryan Skiles
- The Bombshells
- Tommy Walker
- John Beal
- Brittany Glenn
- Dave Sloniker
Companies & Education
- Thelonius Monk Institute
- Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation
- National Guitar Workshop
- Yamaha Music Foundation
- Monster Music
- Azusa Pacific University
- Berklee College of Music
- Concord Records
- Blue Note Japan
- Universal Music Group
- The 6 String Theory International Guitar Competition
- Yamaha Music Foundation
- Disney
- Reprise Music
T.V./Film
- Little Big Shots/Steve Harvey (NBC)
- We’re Not Friends (Web Series)
- The Voice (NBC)
- Sing Your Face Off (ABC)
- Duets (ABC)
- For Better Or For Worse (TLC)
- Star Trek - Lower Decks (Amazon)
- Solar Opposites (Hulu)
- A Man Called Otto
- Elemental (Pixar)
- Cheaper By The Dozen (Disney+)
- Night At The Museum (Disney+)
Contact
gary@
garyleemusic.com 760.608.1737