Grammy-nominated guitar virtuoso CARL BURNETT (www.carlburnett.com) has always excelled at improvisation and his critically-acclaimed CDs have exemplified this. Now, the "Upper Room with Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault" is giving its listeners who are musicians the opportunity to perform with Burnett in a free-form concert live on-air at WVOF 88.5 FM in Fairfield, Connecticut USA. The show date is Monday February 26th from 4pm-8pm (NYC Time). Carl will choose a select group of musicians and they will jam live on-air . Specifically, Carl is looking for a bassist, drummer and saxophonist. Musicians can send their web site links to joeradio@optonline.net so Carl can listen to your music. Contest deadline is Feb. 16th and winners will be notified shortly thereafter. Winners are responsible for their own transportation and lodging. WVOF is a non-profit station and winners will receive no money for their appearance.

Carl Burnett is the unsung hero of the guitar industry. A masterful and inspired player, his guitar playing is the sweet nectar, which has accompanied some of today's great musicians. Burnett's soulful guitar has backed Robben Ford, Branford Marsalis, David Sanborn, Lizz Wright, George Howard and Bill Withers. The launch of his new CD, "Life Before MIDI: Naked," which is available at the Internet retailers www.cdbaby.com and www.guitar9.com serves as a jaw dropping testimony to the artistry of his playing. The premise of the CD title harkens back to a time before musicians had the ability to synchronize musical instruments and performances with computers via the technology known as MIDI. The live jam session that unfolds on this CD, without a rehearsal or a click track, is a raw and sublime stirring of the senses like a fresh pot of funky stew.

The CD features Reggie Hamilton and Les King on bass, Pete Maloney,Dave Raven, Tony Moore and Gary Novak on drums, and Bill Steinway and Jeff Babko on keys. The essence of friends playing together infuses "Life Before MIDI," with spirit. The CD invokes the illuminated musical energy that can spill forth when music plays from the heart without being confined by an agenda. The CD is a grab bag assortment of fine chocolates whose collective ingredients transport the listener into another realm. From the greasy, funky renderings of the track "Funk in G," to the plaintive musings of "Lift Every Voice
and Sing," the musicians accompanying Burnett wield an achingly breathtaking synthesis of styles.

"Life Before MIDI," has already garnered rave listener reviews on the Internet sites www.cdbaby.com and www.guitar9.com. Listeners note the CD is "funky and full of tasty playing," and point to Burnett's refreshing quality of "speaking volumes without wasting a note".Burnett's quiet confidence and pared down musical mastery give thisCD a solo effort designed for the listener and not for the artist's ego. "Life Before MIDI," readily reflects why Carl can play with the greats and hold his own on a CD. His love for music, rather than the vanity of being a great guitar player, propels his creative endeavors. Listeners experience the palpable heartbeat of sharing rather than the noise that comes from the ego needing approval.

The Washington D.C. born player whose journey has taken him from sun drenched Los Angeles to a new home in New York is currently working on a new CD. The year has already brought two Grammy nominations. Burnett provided both the title track and single from Larry Carlton's "Deep Into It" and the single "Morning Magic." The composer/guitarist earned another Grammy nomination for the song "This is the Life," on Boney James' album "Ride." Burnett's transcendent appreciation for his instrument will continue inspiring players and audiences alike. The unsung hero now stands bathed in the spotlight exposing his gifts to a wider audience.

Log on to www.carlburnett.com for more information.

The "Upper Room with Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault" has been on the air since 1982 and is widely-known for its in-house concert series, interviews, and creative music. The show is co-hosted by GI DUSSAULT. Besides the WVOF show, the "Upper Room with Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault" has a 24/7 broadcast at www.upperroomwithjoekelley.com. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer PRINCE featured the "Upper Room" on his official web site. The "Upper Room" was the first radio show to have ever received that honor.
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