Quotes
“Peter is amazing. I have known him for years and have always thought of him as one of the best. A great musician who also happens to be a great guitar player. With Peter I always hear the music first. His amazing touch on the instrument is always present whether on electric or acoustic. The level of precision and discipline he brings to his music is something that he makes seem easy, but is in fact one of the most difficult things a guitarist can be asked to do. He is absolutely masterful at it.”
Pat Metheny
San Diego Troubadour, 2019
“The (2015) duo album Peter and Leonard made, ‘Dream Walkin’,” is staggering!” Metheny said in a Union-Tribune interview last year (2021). “It’s on a level of musicianship that is in the top .00001 percent of what it is to be a musician.”
Pat Metheny
San Diego Union Tribune, 2022
“Peter is an amazingly creative artist with a beautiful humanistic viewpoint and lifestyle. He’s definitely a brother on our tacit mission to up lift our environment and spread the joy of creating.”
Chick Corea
San Diego Troubadour, 2019
“Everyone who knows Peter knows him as a truly wonderful person. He brings his San Diego-ness to each note and is maybe the best musical ambassador the area could ever have. Peter is a surfer and brings the wisdom that I can only assume comes from a life spent out on the waves to his improvising somehow you can hear all that in there.”
Pat Metheny
San Diego Troubadour, 2019
“For years I watched Peter like a hawk — mesmerized by the acuity in which ideas flowed from his brain into his incredibly graceful fingers. To this day, I have never seen any other guitarist whose digital choreography is more inspiring — and I’ve seen all of the world’s greatest guitarists at least once.”
Robert Bush
San Diego Troubadour, 2019
“Even though his gift is to make it all look so effortless, I can attest from my time as a student of Peter’s that  tons of effort are required to even get within miles of that degree of virtuosity. His practice routine is legendary. When he was spending a lot of time stuck in L.A. traffic, he kept a guitar in the car to work on technical exercises while he waited.”
Robert Bush
San Diego Troubadour, 2019
“I have known Peter Sprague all of my adult life. One of the things that continues to amaze me is his relentlessly positive attitude, which he has demonstrated from the very beginning. It’s genuine and singular to the man himself.”
Robert Bush
San Diego Troubadour, 2019
“To peg Peter Sprague a pure jazz guitarist is understatement, even though he was outed as such by the jazz critic Leonard Feather in 1984. Sprague’s fluent in a vivid assembly of classical-folk-Latin fluid interpretations that date back to the days when he started the Dance of the Universe Orchestra in 1978. He is by now possibly his own genre.”
Dave Good
SD Reader
October, 2016
Oct. 5, 2016″Sprague is simply one of the best guitarists on the planet, playing with everyone from Dianne Reeves to Chick Corea.”
Bart Mendoza
SD News. Com
“Sprague reaches for and grabs elusive chords from outer space as easily as most guitarists grab single-note blues riffs. As any of you who have heard Sprague would easily guess, he is, indeed, up to the task. While the playing here is certainly dazzling, the genius and beauty in his approach is that of always letting the guitar playing serve the music, not the other way around.”
Craig Yerkes
San Diego Troubadour
April, 2008
Reviewing Peter Sprague Plays Solo recording
“It’s always fun to hear Sprague backing others, because his playing tends, as mentioned, toward a Brazilian groove when he’s leading – here, he’s in full-on bop mode, and it’s a pure delight to hear him tearing through a gorgeous solo on “My Romance.”
Jim Trageser
North County Times
December, 2007
Reviewing Kelly Jocoy’s “Verities” recording
“Peter is the epitome of versatility. Last week he was playing for Bob Magnusson’s CD release party. Last night he did a Stevie Wonder tribute gig.”
John Lawrence
Will Blog For Food
May, 2006
“I’ve never heard Peter sound better on guitar. His solo work was full-bodied and powerful. I could clearly hear every note, and every note certainly deserved to be heard.”
John Lawrence
Will Blog For Food
May, 2006
“From whichever angle you analyze Sprague and his music, a staggering number of diverse, dynamic, and complex elements all come together somehow to form a balanced, logical, soulful, and satisfying end result.”
Craig Yerkes
San Diego Troubadour
May, 2006
“In listening to Taking It All In I was struck by the fact that the quality of the writing and the performances stand up to anything you would hear anywhere—this is jazz at it’s finest.
”
Craig Yerkes
San Diego Troubadour
May, 2006
“Sprague is a musical heavy hitter of absolutely world-class stature.
”
Craig Yerkes
San Diego Troubadour
May, 2006
“This new album released in late 2005 reaffirms Sprague’s place as one of the best guitarists/composers on the scene today.”
Dan Adler
Jazz Improv Magazine
May, 2006
“Sprague’s numerous albums as a leader from the early 80’s have elevated him to legendary status among Jazz Guitar fans all over the world.
”
Dan Adler
Jazz Improv Magazine
May, 2006
“His solo on his Cotrane influenced composition “Avenues” remains a marvel of inventiveness and technical mastery that has set the high mark for any guitarist who follows.”
Dan Adler
Jazz Improv Magazine
May, 2006
“As a jazz lover, I have sat front row to see greats such as Joe Pass, Joe Diorio, Anthony Wilson, and Pat Metheny. For those of you who don’t realize this already, Peter Sprague has a place right up there with great jazz guitarists of our time. More than just his instrumental and improvisational prowess, Sprague is a writer-composer of positively world-class abilities. Taking It All In, his latest release, is a wonderful and inspiring snapshot of the essence of Peter Sprague, the composer, musician, and human being.”
Craig Yerkes
San Diego Troubadour
November, 2005
“Right from the start, you get a sense that Sprague likes to give his tunes that extra level of effort in composition. All of the tracks on this recording (Taking It All In) manage to avoid the dreaded jazz pitfall where the melody seems almost an afterthought to be rushed over in a mad dash to get to the solos.”
Craig Yerkes
San Diego Troubadour
November, 2005
Taking It All In
CD Review earns an A rating
“Throughout the nine originals and one cover, the band has the kind of loose interplay coupled to solid groove that only comes with longtime familiarity. Tripp’s flute provides a gorgeous counterpart to Peter’s guitar, while Magnusson and Moore create a fluid backdrop for them. All and all, another wonderful outing from Sprague and Co.
”
Jim Trageser
North County Times
September, 2005
“The 11 compositions (from On The Road Again / Road Work Ahead) prove a diversity of styles and intentions, and survey a myriad of tones and intimacies. These guys are serious about their music. It should probably be listed as one of the top ten jazz albums of the year. It’s that good.”
Mike Andreen
Surf City Times
June, 2004
“Even in as vibrant a music scene as San Diego’s, Jazz guitarist Peter Sprague stands out. One of the linchpins of the local musical community over the past three decades, Sprague has emerged as not only a gifted guitarist but also a noted producer, with his own studio, dubbed Spragueland. Through his work there, he has influenced a generation of performers.”
F. Chester
The La Jolla Light
November 13, 2003
“Sprague out did himself with a straight up jazz departure from his Latin-inspired sessions. The song “(Farmer’s Trust”) was the highlight of an evening that was possibly North County’s concert of the season.”
Steve Schwartz
Surf City Times
April, 2004
On The Road Again
A+ CD Review Rating
“The result is a collection of seven new songs by the band members and four covers that show off both their remarkable virtuosity and the kind of empathetic interplay that only comes with time. Sprague’s playing is always pleasant and this new CD shows a side to his playing we do not always get to hear. The new songs are gorgeous and complex enough to challenge the musicians and also hold the listener’s interest.”
Jim Trageser
North County Times
May, 2004
Friends For Life
A- CD Review Rating
“Sprague and Benedetti are both top-notch guitarists, and the various incarnations of their bands (along with that of Villas-Boas) feature some fantastic players who improvise solos that are imaginative and virtuosic.”
Jim Trageser
North County Times
May, 2004
“The Sprague touch is always in play—a sort of backyard philosophical clarity about appropriate values in a much-too-jangled contemporary society.”
Jim Merod
Jazz Now Magazine
May, 1994
“Hurry Home brings a distinctively different meaning to easy listening. It works well as background music at a social gathering for example, but also holds up to more concentrated ear. Stellar musicianship and an intriguing variety of standards and originals make it a highly enjoyable CD.”
La Jolla Village News
November, 2004
“Hall Sprague is in a sense the patriarch of San Diego’s jazz scene, for his sons Peter and Tripp are among the best known of the areas jazz musicians. Hurry Home is the sound of four friends having the time of their lives. Running through standards like “My Funny Valentine” (stunningly gorgeous acoustic intro by Peter followed by heartbreakingly beautiful solo by Tripp on tenor sax), it’s the sound of love—of life and of the music.
Jim Trageser
North County Times
December, 2004
“Nikki’s Rose is a beautiful, sun-drenched celebration of life. Sprague’s music has always had an innate optimism to it. Not only did he compose some of his most inspired songs for this project, but Sprague also gathered an all-star congregation of jazz musicians to give it voice.
”
Jim Trageser
American Reporter
November, 2001
“This (Pass The Drum) is a unique jazz disc, and I like it quite a bit. The recording is professional and sounds great. The Brazilian treatment of the Lennon and McCartney classic is worth the price of the disc alone. If you like your Brazilian jazz, this is the perfect disc for you.
”
Tim Hamm
Monthly Jazz Newsletter
2003
“Peter Sprague Pass the Drum CD review rating: 4 Stars on a scale of 1-4 stars
“
Peter Sprague boldly borrows Brazilian rhythms to revitalize a diverse collection of songs on his best album yet.
”
Beth Wood
San Diego Union Tribune
2003
“The jazz guitarist Peter Sprague calls his home recording studio SpragueLand, but sometimes it seems that the moniker better captures the way he has turned the entire southland into his own musical playground. Sprague is a highly versatile musician who draws on the wellsprings of jazz and Brazilian music as primary influences.”
Andrew Gilbert
San Diego Union Tribune
March, 2005
“Many an American jazz musician has been beguiled by the lush melodies and sumptuous rhythms of Brazilian music, but Peter Sprague has taken the romance a good deal further than most.
”
Andrew Gilbert
San Diego Union Tribune
December, 2003
“The album (Jaywalkin’ / Jennifer Lee) was co-produced by Peter Sprague and mostly recorded in his Encinitas studio. A brilliant San Diego guitarist, Sprague has worked extensively with Chick Corea, Charles McPherson and Hubert Laws.”
Andrew Gilbert
San Jose Mercury News
September, 2003
“Peter Sprague can just about do it all; his protean talents extend to exemplary jazz-guitar work that once had eminent critic Leonard Feather agog; composing and arranging for groups ranging from duos to combos to consorts to full symphony orchestras; producing a variety of artists in his Del Mar, California art-roost, SpragueLand Studios; and holding audiences of all sizes spellbound with live performances that stretch genres and always reveal something shiny and new and soulful, even in familiar material.”
John D’Agostino
Wood and Steel
Winter, 2002
“Peter Sprague – the award winning, highly acclaimed, world-renowned and, yes local jazz musician- recently finished one of his most moving and touching recordings to date: Nikki’s Rose.”
Paul Parks
Peninsula Beacon
December 27, 2001
“Even when the words occasionally convey the naïve images and primary-color takes on life and relationships that we expect from teenagers, Sprague’s music lifts them to the level of poignant prescience. At other times, such as on the glorious “Butterfly”, lyrics and music rise to the level of the best Stevie Wonder ballads. The music alternately cooks, grooves, and flows.”
John D’Agostino
Wood and Steel
Winter, 2002
“I am not ashamed to admit that I was more than a little thrilled last week to receive a call from nationally world-renowned jazz composer and performer, Peter Sprague. I have long been a fan of this local musician. The most fascinating aspect of Sprague is his self -effacing nature. He is ultra talented, yet I often see him generously offer the spotlight to a variety of special guests that rotate in and out from concert to concert.”
Ren Zenner
The Coast News
October 25, 2001
“It’s rare to find a “concept” album in any genre that rises above its concept to be enjoyed simply as a creative work. But Peter Sprague’s latest, Nikki’s Rose – his twelfth solo outing – does exactly that. Pure heart and soul pervade this work, whose rich Brazilian rhythms flow like water from a vine leaf.”
Clark Novak
Slamm Magazine
December 12, 2001
“An effervescent soul who delights in all aspects of musical expression, Sprague has played and /or recorded with many notable artists, including Hubert Laws, David Benoit, Sergio Mendes, Mark O’Connor, and Chick Corea.”
Andy Robinson
Wood and Steel
Summer, 2002
“Sombra is more than just a musical mulligatawny. Instead it’s a tasteful blend of melodies and rhythms dished up by musician’s sharing the same interest in and enthusiasm for a program that opens with a samba, “Samba Assad”, and ending with the lilting “La Gente Feliz.”
Cam Miller
North County Times
December 19, 2002
“The best surfers in the area have been Rick Lasch, Jeff Baldwin, Morgan Wright and Peter Sprague. Peter put so much feeling into his turns; his surfing was like an artistic expression.”
Jim Lischer
Surfer Magazine
February, 2002
“Surfing with Peter, I witnessed his groove first-hand, which heightened my initial assessment of the musician. He may not be able to keep surfing out of his music, but if you dig to his roots, you’ll also see he can’t get the music out of his surfing.”
Ross Garrett
Surfer Magazine
February, 2002
“From these poems, Sprague composed an album of inspired guitar metaphors surrounded by an incredibly gifted group of vocalists and musicians. Those familiar with Sprague’s legendary status as one of San Diego’s most celebrated producers, guitarists, and performers will recognize the inspired musical vocabulary that is present in Nikki’s Rose.”
Dave Garcia
San Diego Troubadour
February, 2002
“Question: Which musicians (in San Diego) have impressed you? Reply: Well, guitarist Peter Sprague. We shared the stage playing with the San Diego Symphony last May. The symphony and the quality of the musicianship here is something you really don’t find much of except in the major centers like Los Angeles.”
Interview with Mark O’Connor
Best of 2003
San Diego Reader
January, 2003
“It used to amaze me that I could go to a little North Park coffee shop, Drowsy Maggie’s, and hear Peter Sprague performing quality jazz of the highest level compared to anyone I had heard.”
Phil Harmonic
San Diego Troubadour
January, 2003
“When I was growing up in Del Mar in the early ’70s, there was a group of high schoolers riding 6’3″ stringerless, single-fin, round boards. These guys – Peter Sprague, Tripp Sprague, Paul Rypinski, and Ted Ferris, were all just as smooth and powerful as Wayne Lynch. When these guys showed up, I got out of the water and watched in total amazement.”
Tom Brice
Surfer’s Journal
May, 2000
“Sprague’s music has always had an innate optimism to it, and Nikki’s poetry shares that upbeat philosophy. Built around the Brazilian rhythms and harmonies that have always fascinated and influenced Sprague, the songs and lyrics are drenched in a tropical feel. Listening to Nikki’s Rose transports you to a warm beach somewhere in the southern latitudes. Not only did he compose some of his most inspired songs for this project, but Sprague also gathered an all-star congregation of jazz musicians to give it a voice.”
Jim Trageser
The American Reporter
December, 2001
“In my opinion, Sprague and Caplinger are two of the finest musicians on the
entire planet. Their contribution is immense.”
Phil Harmonic
San Diego Troubadour
March, 2003
“Peter Sprague’s Pass The Drum is a musical exploration of the nuances of
romance. If you are an aficionado for Jazz, especially the Brazilian style, then
this CD is a necessary purchase.”
Chuck Diliberto
Awareness Magazine
September, 2003
“As great as the music these four gentlemen (Road Work Ahead) make individually, the interaction when they get together is something that should not be missed. More than a great group, these four musicians are an integral and vital part of our local jazz scene, and are arguably the glue that connects many aspects of the San Diego scene, as well as four of the most entertaining performers you’re likely to come across. Whether a fan of jazz or simply of virtuoso musicianship, this show should be as memorable as it is noteworthy.”
F. Chester
La Jolla Light
July, 2003
“The band (Pass The Drum) does a marvelous job of exploring the jungles of Brazilian solo time. Coral MacFarland Thuet is a real treat with her sultry and most convincing vocal takes. This chiaroscuro of Sprague’s musical menu also offers two tasty compositions of his own in the form of “Water Tai Chi” and “Six Circle.” These shine through as not only wonderful compositions in their own right but also in that they are unfamiliar and even more exotic in a breeze of familiar titles.”
Frederick Leonard
San Diego Troubadour
August, 2003
“Renaissance men have been in short supply since, well, the Renaissance, when it was possible for one individual to know or do everything. In contemporary music, however, Peter Sprague of Encinitas comes close to qualifying for that elite group. First and foremost Sprague is a musician, a jazz guitarist and an indefatigable performer. He is also a composer, an arranger, a record producer and a mentor to other musicians. He is, as well, a devoted husband and proud father.”
Bill Fark
North County Times
July, 2003
“Any band with guitarist Peter Sprague as a member has a step up to success.
And when Sprague heads a musical group, the chances of it being a hit are even greater. So it is with the recently formed ensemble Pass the Drum that just released its first self-titled CD. The result of all this multitasking is a real joy, a collection of numbers in a Latin jazz mode. Great variety, great music and great performances.”
Bill Fark
North County Times
July, 2003
“North County guitarist-producer Peter Sprague boldly borrows Brazilian rhythms to revitalize a diverse collection of songs on his best album yet.”
Marcia Manna
San Diego Union-Tribune
July, 2003
“Sprague is a delightful surprise. This 24 year old guitarist…has it all together; a strong sound, consistent ideas, and loyalty to the roots of pure jazz. The most promising new guitarist to come on the scene in a while.”
Leonard Feather
LOS ANGELES TIMES 1980
“Sprague exhibits in his playing…a finely tuned sense of discretion & restraint (and) comes very close to the ideal of the pure guitar craftsman- one who doesn’t get carried away with his own virtuosity.”
Steve Esmedina
SAN DIEGO READER
Peter’s band, Dance of the Universe, was voted the best local jazz group in the SAN DIEGO NEWSLINE 1984 Reader survey.
“I enjoyed the guitar player a lot. His technique was impeccable and his sound was a nice jazz guitar sound. A lot of good lines.”
Lee Ritenour
DOWNBEAT 1982
“I’ve had to temper my remarks regarding guitarist Peter Sprague…to avoid sounding like his press agent. I have seen him in concert and heard him on records, and always come away convinced that Sprague is an artist whose primary concern is producing the best music of which he is capable.”
John D’agostino
SAN DIEGO READER
“…fascinating guitar work of 25-year old San Diego whiz kid Peter Sprague…””…awesome talent.”
A. James Liska
LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
“Sprague, a guitarist of great technical skill, played with what can only be called an excess of good taste. His melodies were clearly and cleanly defined…”
Bob Laurence
SAN DIEGO UNION 1981
“Sprague plays with singing clarity, intelligence, enthusiasm, unrelenting inventiveness and plenty of harmonic savvy…”
Pete Welding
GUITAR WORLD 1981
“Sprague’s finesse and creativity are dazzling.”
Leonard Feather
LOS ANGELES TIMES
“Peter Sprague is another young jazz guitarist with the sound of genius about him…He plays as if he might reach the whole world.”
Jim Kelton
THE HERALD
“Peter Sprague is one of the most talented young guitarists around, as his second Concord release (Na Pali Coast) demonstrates.”
GUITAR PLAYER RECORD REVIEW
December 1985
“…Sprague is, at 28, an improvisor of the highest caliber and an immensely promising composer with well over a dozen nationally released albums to his credit.”
Chuck Rogers
SAN DIEGO READER
“An outstanding jazz expressionist…He has a buoyant swing, a mellowness and an obvious delight in playing that makes each selection a new experience and a memorable event…”
Phil Elwood
S. F. EXAMINER 1980
“He has a keen sense of beauty in his ballads; he may, someday, be better known as a composer than a guitarist, but I doubt it, since his instrumental work is brilliant and unbelievable.”
Phil Elwood
S. F. EXAMINER 1980
“Sprague is a musician of undeniable breadth who is equally scintillating on either acoustic or electric guitar.”
John D’agostino
SAN DIEGO READER 1981
“Not only does Sprague obviously have chops galore, he also proves to be a most sensitive player and an interesting composer.”
HARTFORD COURANT 1980
“His playing is always flawless and ideas flow fluidly from his fingers…”
VICTORY MUSIC JAZZ REVIEW
“Sprague…is a performer possessed of a beautiful soul, which is never ignored or forfeited for pure technique. The Path is a presentation of music for just about every taste. It is at once restful, absorbing, inspiring in its congregation of so much talent…”
Frankie Nemko-Graham
THE MOVEMENT 1981
“…dazzling technique alone is not what makes this incredible musician so great. He knows how to use his chops…His delicate shadings and subtle voicings in both his accompaniment and his solos give him the maturity of style one normally finds in a seasoned veteran.”
Andy Frechtmna
ENTERTAINER INTERNATIONAL
“His music, so full of joy and creativity, is a ‘must hear’ for all guitarists…and is guaranteed to cure even the worst case of the blues.”
Bill Barton
VERMONT NEWS 1980
“While still in his 20’s, Peter possesses an uncanny command of the jazz line…He is little known despite having over five solo albums to his credit. Perhaps this exceptional LP (Bird Raga) will bring him a step closer to the recognition he deserves.”
GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE 1984
“Elsewhere,Chick Corea was in a good jazz groove, leading a rhythm section that included Pete Sprague, one of the emergent great guitarists.”
Leonard Feather
LOS ANGELES TIMES 1984
“Guitarist Peter Sprague, either at the helm of his six-piece Dance of the Universe Orchestra or on his own, is one of the hottest new talents to come out of San Diego. ‘I bet you his name will be popping up in Downbeat’s critics’ poll real soon. He’s San Diego’s premier guitarist, and he’s finally getting the national exposure he deserves.'”
Thomas K. Arnold
LOS ANGELES TIMES 1983
“Sprague knocked my socks off…” “…though only in his twenties, (Sprague) is a real pro.” “Seldom do I think an album is terrific on every cut, but this is one of those rarities, just outstanding jazz… sensitive and accomplished musicians, and it moves!”
Diane Beland
ART MOVES 1985
“Even in an age of exceptionally gifted young guitarists, Peter Sprague must be considered something of a phenomenon. He has a solid mastery in traditional jazz forms, and bebop in particular, as well as in thr newer idioms.”
Pete Welding
GUITAR WORLD 1981
“He brings a refreshing aura to jazz, and like some of the past masters, a few quirky touches as well.”
Bob Grossweiner
GUITAR WORLD 1983
“The clear-headed, joyous, magical, almost crystalline beauty of Sprague’s compositions and improvisations certainly live up to the lofty ideals (of Integral Yoga).”
Bill Barton
VERMONT NEWS 1980
“One of the best guitar records in some time. With The Path, Peter Sprague has arrived.”
Pete Welding
GUITAR WORLD 1981
“Sprague spans the spectrum of jazz styles…”
Grehn/Federico
WUWM FM 1981
“There’s a kid in San Diego I heard the other day, Peter Sprague, who’s an awful hot little comer.”
Tommy Tedesco
DOWNBEAT 1983
“To get an idea of the effective, thoughtful writing, hear…Sprague’s, The Poet, where clean-cut melodies and solos spring forth as a young writer faces his changes.”
Fred Bouchard
JAZZ TIMES 1985
“Sprague is a modern wonder who has been hiding in San Diego. His awesome talent, complemented so perfectly by Magnusson, is one the jazz world can look forward to hearing much more of in the future.”
A. James Liska
VALLEY NEWS
“Sprague can run (the)gamut from long fluent passages a la Joe Pass to wild, upward moving tremolos. Some of his unison runs with (pianist) Garson were amazing in their fluency and accuracy.”
Leonard Feather
LOS ANGELES TIMES 1985
“Since his early twenties the 30-year-old San Diego based phenomenon has been considered one of the hottest young talents in bebop, making his first major jazz label appearance in 1979, when he was only 24…his impeccable technique and liquid phrasing lend the kind of effortless quality to his music that many players strive for throughout their entire careers.”
GUITAR PLAYER
July 1986
“Many beboppers tend to be purists who are little interested in exploring other musical areas, but not so Peter Sprague. Over the years he has investigated East Indian music, Latin American rhythms, and classical concepts and sounds.”
GUITAR PLAYER
July 1986
“This spirited LP features bebop specialist Sprague backed by a swinging ensemble, including veterans Sam Most on flute, Bill Mays on keyboards, and Bob Magnusson on bass. While still in his 20s, Peter possesses an uncanny command of the jazz line.”
GUITAR PLAYER RECORD REVIEW
May 1984
“Sprague is a consummate musician whose major league chops combine with a gift for assembling sophisticated melodies and harmonies to produce music of uncommon breadth and beauty.”
John D’Agostino
SAN DIEGO READER
“Whatever his surroundings, Sprague’s superior musicianship, ringing sound and wide-open imagination make his outings quite appealing to a diverse listenership.”
LOS ANGELES WEEKLY
Feburary 1987
“Peter Sprague is 31 now and a brilliant guitarist who’s knocking at the door where the jazz greats dwell.”
Don Freeman
SAN DIEGO UNION 1987
“Sprague is young (twenty-five), has an obvious command of guitar technique, produces an elegant tone, composes with a precocious intuition, and can summon at will the most complimentary accompaniments.”
SAN DIEGO READER
“He definitely has the chops, but he keeps them under a thin veil, exercising a remarkable restraint that releases only as many notes as are absolutely suitable to the moment.”
SAN DIEGO READER
“His playing is always flawless and ideas flow fluidly from his fingers no matter what the instrument.”
VICTORY MUSIC JAZZ REVIEW
“He is quite the technician, going from ethereal kind of melodies to full tilt rockers…this tune (Marimba) described everything that is good about fusion; its variety of expressions, its compulsive energy and youthfulness.”
LOS ANGELES JAZZ SCENE
Feburary 1988
“That’s his music: laid-back intensity, lilting melodies that are beautiful without being Beautiful Music, light yet far from lightweight. It’s clear that he’s enjoying himself immensely, and the joy he radiates is infectious.”
KPBS ON AIR
July 1987
“His nearly flawless technique, lithe fluidity, quicksilver speed, and rich tone mark him as truly distinctive. He has a deep, learned knowledge of theory and a love for bebop, classical music, and Latin-flavored jazz at odds with most of his famous peers.”
SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE
July 1981
“When I heard the tape, Chick Corea came to mind as the only other jazz musician of late to juxtapose such stark, modern chamber arrangements and ensemble swinging without a loss of conceptual flow.This stuff is a delight.”
John D’Agostino
SAN DIEGO READER
“Sprague’s integrity stands in high contrast to the ethical and esthetical flexibility of some jazz musicians who have become rich and famous.”
John D’Agostino
SAN DIEGO READER
“THE PATH. Peter Sprague. Xanadu 183. You will search in vain for a dull or trite moment here. The Latin, African, jazz, vocaleese and other elements are perfectly wrought into a fascinating unity. Five Stars.”
LA TIMES CALENDAR SECTION
JAZZ ALBUM BRIEFS
May 1981
“This album is a full-fledged professional affair from beginning to end…thoroughly delightful, with a very charming, lighthearted air to it. With the acoustical guitar player being quite a rarity in today’s Jazz, this is a very gratifying debut album indeed. Strongly recommended.”
Per Husby
CADENCE
“Sprague, 24, who lives in Del Mar, is an engaging, Latin-oriented composer, and a prodigious exponent of classical guitar and steel string guitar, which he plays both acoustically and amplified. With so many guitarists defecting and diffusing, Sprague is a welcome new talent to watch out for.”
Leonard Feather
LOS ANGELES TIMES
“Sprague is one of those rare musicians who not only sounds fabulous but makes everything around him suddenly look better, too. Like Chick Corea, with whom the young guitarist recently toured, Sprague plays with pristine precision and speed, and backs it up with the street energy of real jazz…it’s clear that the guy standing up there playing the guitar is a jazz heavyweight. His ideas are fresh and melodic, his phrasing is aggressive and sophisticated, and his technique is immaculate.”
Paul de Barros
SEATTLE TIMES 1986
“Sprague gives himself and the audience some breathing space, especially on acoustic guitar…he can be sweet without pandering and lean without veering into empty abstraction. His considerable technique isn’t on display for its own sake.”
Regina Hackett
SEATTLE POST 1986
“…one of America’s finest young guitarists playing at his peak, Peter Sprague is destined to become one of the most sought-after and acclaimed jazz guitarists of his era. Catch him in action here while you still can.”
George Varga
SAN DIEGO UNION 1985
“One of the most interesting and talented young musicians to hit the jazz scene lately is Peter Sprague… Sprague will have an impact on the music of the 80’s. In the words of fellow guitarist, Gene Bertoncini: “Peter Sprague will be a strong voice on the instrument.”
KLACTO JAZZ MAGAZINE 1981
“The most accomplished musician from coastal North County in recent years has to be Peter Sprague. Sprague’s yoga-inspired guitar work has put him on the map as a jazz stylist”
SEACOAST 1980
“One accomplished technician I can plug without a prefatory qualifier is Peter Sprague. I have long admired this supple young player’s facility…if one’s appreciation is for compulsively thorough, unsoiled guitarists on the order of Joe Pass and Barney Kesell, Sprague more than fits the requirements.”
SAN DIEGO READER
“No less impressive is the warmth, wit, and invention of Sprague’s music. Rather than fashion his compositions as mere launching pads for his own improvisations, he has forged a group sound that simultaneously soothes and sparks the imagination.”
Chuck Rogers
SAN DIEGO READER
“The group consists of four young men and a young lady vocalist who are versatile virtuoso musicians, provide exciting solo and ensemble work and require no apologies…Peter Sprague, who leads the group, plays electric guitar. He is as versatile in single string techniques as in chordal and rhythm work, and provides as much contentment as he appears to feel.”
Roger Bass
SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE
“His compositions exhibit Corea’s childlike playfulness while carrying the fury of McCoy Tyner’s spirited hands. But Sprague doesn’t just sound like a guitar player emulating someone else…although deeply inspired by bebop, his music is readily appreciated by listeners of broad musical persuasions, from classical to funk.”
Byron G. Cunningham
SAN DIEGO CHOICE 1986
“If Peter Sprague isn’t one of the more talented jazz guitarists in this country, then those more talented must be hiding out somewhere.”
David Ogul
THE CITIZEN
“‘Dance of the Universe’ performed a selection of their original compositions and demonstrated a mastery of their instruments which belie their youth.”
William Hamilton
DAILY GUARDIAN 1981
“Sprague is the most promising new guitarist on the scene today. He is loyal to the roots of pure jazz, and he has consistent ideas, a strong sound, and a joyful spirit.”
THE JAZZ DISPATCH 1984
“..the Charlie Haden Quartet, with Haden on bass and Mike Wofford on piano, and the gorgeous lyric imagination of Peter Sprague on guitar.”
JIm Merod
THE JAZZ LINK”
“Peter Sprague is not merely the most outstanding jazz guitarist in San Diego, but the Del Mar resident can be said to be the crowning jewel in the Beach Cities’ musical treasure chest. More than just a “local” talent, however, his reputation proceeds him throughout the world.”
Mark Gallo
THE BEACH NEWS 1989
“In each instance, the four musicians consistently delighted with their deft interplay and spirited soloing. Magnusson, always a marvel, surpassed himself, as did the ever-agile Plank and Sprague, whose guitar work has seldom been so incisive and fiery.”
George Varga
SAN DIEGO UNION 1988
“He is a great musician and a good friend…I’ve never found someone who knows my music and knows me well enough to help me.”
Chick Corea
THE ENTERTAINER 1988
“…an ear for spontaneous improvisation and the ability to use his technical skills to mirror his soul. He is a player of deep passion.”
Mark Gallo
THE BEACH NEWS 1988