"Bill Lancton Eclectic entrepreneur guitarist" Nuvo Sound - May 7, 2003 by Chuck Workman Indy's reputation for exceptional jazz guitarists is long and rich. Among the ranks of the current guitarist is Bill Lancton, who is single-handedly working to keep guitar is the forefront of the local jazz scene. Lancton, who also co-leads the popular group Dog Talk, has recreated guitar homages such as "Le Chats de Swing" with Cathy Morris, playing tribute to Django Reinhardt. Then he came up with a tribute performance to the Kenny Burrell and John Coltrane classic recordings. It's his latest jazz effort that is most challenging: He will assemble the best guitarists in town under the heading "Indy Guitar Summit" for a second performance at the jazz Kitchen on Saturday, may 10. Lancton feels he is on a mission for guitarists. "As a guitarist, I felt that we are home to the greatest jazz guitar player that ever lived: Wes Montgomery. I have taken it on as a personal crusade to highlight that and embrace the jazz guitar legacy." Lancton stressed to that the Indy Guitar Summit would not be a Wes tribute with all the guitarists playing octave chords ala Montgomery. "It's a celebration of jazz guitar in all its forms," Lancton said. Lancton admits that this will have the aura of the classic jazz-cutting sessions among the guitarist. "Without question we all respect each other. As much as you respect each other and support each other on stage, you certainly want to show the other guy something, too. That really brings out the best in everybody." This will not be just a free-blowing jam session, as all of the players have submitted tunes. According to Lancton, there will be various duets, but most of the tunes will have all four guitarists playing together. This edition of the Indy Guitar Summit has Bill Lancton, Charlie Smith, Steve Weakly, and Frank Steans on guitar, with the rhythm of Frank Smith on bass and Chris Pyle on drums. If you missed the first performance, don't pass or this night of guitar excitement at the Jazz Kitchen.