Allan Holdsworth, an innovative and influential electric guitarist who helped shape everything from progressive rock to jazz over the past half century, died Sunday at his home in north San Diego County. Literally, Jaw Dropping.”And former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy tweeted: “RIP Allan Holdsworth... One of the all-time greats and innovators...no Holdsworth = no Eddie Van Halen #UK #OneOfAKind”Whether playing a conventional electric guitar or a guitar synthesizer, Holdsworth soared. Holdsworth greatly impressed jazz guitar giant George Benson at a 1975 New York club date. His signature Holdsworth H2 semi-hollow electric guitar model has been a bestseller since Carvin Guitars of Escondido first began marketing it in 1996. Holdsworth is survived by his daughters, Emily and Louise; a son, Sam; and a granddaughterGeorge Varga writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune

Source: Los Angeles Times April 17, 2017 18:33 UTC