Cornell Dupree
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Cornell Dupree is an influential R&B guitarist who has worked with Donny Hathaway and Steve Gadd, appeared on David Letterman, and written a book on soul and blues guitar: Rhythm and Blues Guitar ISBN 0634001493. He has recorded on - reputedly - over 2500 albums, many by major artists. He started off playing on the Atlantic Records studio band, recording on albums by Aretha Franklin (check out "live at the Fillmore") and King Curtis ("Memphis Soul Stew"). Later on he formed the band Stuff which featured fellow guitarist Eric Gale (who has a somewhat similar playing style); Richard Tee on Keyboards, Steve Gadd and Chris Parker on drums, and Gordon Edwards on bass. Especially with Richard Tee (IMHO) there is a special relationship, and they record together on many occasions. Albums to check out include the aforementioned Aretha and King Curtis records, but also: Joe Cocker's "stingray" and "luxury you can afford" and Cornell's solo albums "Can't Get Through"; "Coast To Coast"; "Uncle Funky"; and "Bop'n'Blues".
Dupree possesses a unique style that involves double stops and partial chording, and which is instantly recognizable. It is sometimes compared to the approach of Steve Cropper, in which he sounds as if he is playing rhythm and lead guitar simultaneously. Still active, Dupree uses a Fender "red-knob" Twin reverb and plays a Yamaha signature guitar called the Dupree Super Jam (it used to be a model similar to the SJ-550 HM, but now is closer to a 3 pickup Pacifica with a maple neck)