Allan Holdsworth to perform; sponsored by University Events

October 8, 1987

Media Contact: Ruth Baily, University Events Office, 534-4090 or Alixandra Williams, Public Information Office, 534-3120

BRITISH JAZZ GUITARIST ALLAN HOLDSWORTH WILL PERFORM AT UCSD ON OCT. 21

Jazz guitarist Allan Holdsworth will perform at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the University of California, San Diego Mandeville Auditorium.

Known for his speed and complex, inventive technique, Holdsworth is often called the "guitarist's guitarist." An Orange County resident, Holdsworth started his career in his native England. He moved to the United States in 1981, after deciding that the jazz climate in the United States would be more receptive to his progressive guitar style.

Holdsworth, 38, cut his debut album in 1981 with the I.O.U. band, in England. The record sold 35,000 copies, although it was available only by mail. In 1982 he collaborated with Eddie Van Halen on the Warner album called "Road Games." The album was nominated for a Grammy as Best Rock Instrumental for 1983. In 1985 he earned critical acclaim for the album "Metal Fatigue," which he made for Enigma Records, after waiting out a two-year, two-record contractual agreement with Warner. A music critic for Guitar Player Magazine said, "Calling Holdsworth's playing 'groundbreaking' is an understatement: with each album he makes quantum leaps in the chord vocabulary, soloing technique and tonal state of the electric guitar."

His most recent release, "Atavachron," by Enigma, features Holdsworth playing on a guitar synthesizer called the "SynthAxe."

Allan Holdsworth and the I.O.U.'s are brought to San Diego by the University Events Office. Tickets are: $11, general admission; $9, seniors; $7, students, and may be purchased at the UCSD Box Office (534-4559) or from Ticket Master outlets.

(October 8, 1987)