Dave Lopez | Guitarist Composer; Jason Becker Benefit / Fundraiser

The Hot Jazz Network Podcast

Today on the Hot Jazz Network Podcast, Dave Lopez and George Cole announced an important benefit/fundraiser for the Jason Becker Creative Care Project. Jason Becker's story, if you haven't heard it, is one you'll never forget—a tale of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and ultimate triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the legendary rock guitar duo Cacophony (with his great friend Marty Friedman). After wowing audiences worldwide with his amazing guitar skills and deep compositions, Jason auditioned for—and secured—the coveted position with David Lee Roth, following in the footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded the DLR album "A Little Ain't Enough" and was poised to take over the rock guitar world when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, a debilitating and fatal condition with a life expectancy of approximately five years.

Jason did indeed lose the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. However, he never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team, who then input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and generate charts for session musicians. Through this remarkable process, Jason composes his profoundly beautiful music, rich in melody and counterpoint, brimming with emotion. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles, magazine cover stories, and an award-winning documentary, "Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet."

Not only is Jason still alive, but he's busier and more prolific than ever. His release, "Triumphant Hearts," showcases his gift for melody and deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. The album features Jason's signature, amazing guitar playing (recorded in the '80s and '90s) as well as performances by a who's-who of guitar virtuosos, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, and many others.

Jason Becker isn't just an extraordinary musician; he's also one of the most positive, upbeat, and inspiring individuals alive. "I really feel lucky," says Jason. "I am surrounded by loving people, and I can still make music."

DAVE LOPEZ Born in Chile, David Lopez's musical journey began when his brother introduced him to the world of guitar, rock, and Latin music. Growing up in Richmond, CA, Dave developed a passion for the diverse sounds of hip hop and heavy metal. Learning from the legendary musician and composer Jason Becker, Dave further honed his skills and later worked in studio management at the renowned Jackson St. Studios and Sound Wave Studios with artists ranging from 2Pac to Metallica. In 2003, he formed Flipsyde and toured worldwide with acts such as Snoop Dogg, Black Eyed Peas, and Busta Rhymes. Flipsyde's success included platinum and gold records, such as their 2005 debut album, "We the People" (Interscope). Their song "Someday" was chosen as a theme song by NBC for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games and appeared on the soundtrack for the 2008 film "Never Back Down."

Jason Becker Creative Care Project Launch Party Fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM Baltic Kiss, 135 Park Place, Point Richmond, CA 510-260-0571 https://www.baltickiss.com/ https://jasonbecker.com/