Jason Becker

Overview

Jason Becker (born July 22, 1970) is a neo-classical metal guitarist who achieved fame at age 16 as a technical virtuoso and guitar prodigy. As part of the Mike Varney-produced duo Cacophony with Marty Friedman, he released two albums with Cacophony, Speed Metal Symphony (1987) and Go Off! (1988). He also released a solo album titled Perpetual Burn in 1988. At 20, he was asked to join David Lee Roth's band and while gearing up for a 1990 tour, he began to feel weakness in his hands and legs. He was soon diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS - aka Lou Gehrig's Disease) and had to depart from the tour. The album he featured on, 1991's A Little Ain't Enough, went gold and is thought of as one of Roth's best solo albums. Several years later Becker released Raspberry Jams (1999) and Blackberry Jams (2003), the first containing various unreleased demo-tracks and the latter being demo-tracks, that were later reworked and published in other albums.

Like many neo-classical guitarists, he studied the works of prodigy violinist Nicolo Paganini, and performed a rendition of Paganini's 5th Caprice. Becker was known for his ablity to play fast, however he is often credited with focusing strongly on constructing melodies as opposed to showcasing his technical ability. Jason grew musically with Marty Friedman, with whom he co-wrote many songs and by whose sense of melody he was influenced while spurring him to greater heights of guitar technique. Their harmonisation-by-ear of melody lines remains even today their trademark.

"Serrana", a challenging guitar arpeggio piece, is a good example of his skills in the technique of sweep picking.

After feeling the ravages of ALS, Becker embraced spirituality, which has helped him deal with his disease. Although ALS quickly robbed him of his ability to play guitar, to walk, and even speak, he still remains mentally sharp and through the aid of a computer, continues composing music through the help of other musicians; in this way he has released Perspective (1996). He accomplishes this with a combination of a computer or a system of using his eyes to sign letters and notes. Now in his 30s, his medical condition has remained stable since 1997, which is rare for ALS.

Two tribute albums have come out for Jason Becker, featuring many guitarists playing his songs. The albums profits were sent to Jason to help him with his disease.

Future Prospects

Jason and his friend, actor Matt Schulze are planning a movie about his life, tentatively titled Mr. Tambourine Man. According to Jason's official website, Fender and Charvel are going to make guitars for the movie and are planning to release a number of them to the public.

Shrapnel records will be releasing a "Best of Jason Becker" album. The album will feature a new song composed by Jason & featuring Greg Howe & Steve Hunter on guitar, aswell as older, never-heard songs.

Discography

Solo

Cacophony

Speed Metal Symphony (1987)
Go Off! (1988)

David Lee Roth

A Little Ain't Enough (1991)

Others

Volume 2 (1991) — rare compilation CD featuring numerous established guitarists

External links

Guitarists | People with Motor Neuron Disease | 1970 births | Living people

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Overview

Future Prospects

Discography

External links