The Richie Nick Band led by guitarist Richard Nicholson illustrates the evolution of the electric guitar with the sounds and unique stylings of its early pioneers and discusses the importance of African Americans in the development of the jazz guitar. Hear the hit composition “Topsy” by Eddie Durham; Charlie Christian’s “Seven Come Eleven," which was recorded with Benny Goodman, and “West Coast Blues” by Wes Montgomery. Enjoy George Benson’s “Breezin” from his 1976 album that topped the Billboard charts at #1, and Ernest Ranglin’s “Talking Blues.” This program is funded by New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr.