Master Mentor

of New Year’s Eve 2019, I and many others bid a sad farewell to the exceptionally talented and creative musical genius Victor E. Jurusz, Jr., better known in the overlapping worlds of jazz and guitar as Vic Juris. Vic’s impact as a player and improviser was felt deeply by all who were fortunate enough to experience and be inspired by his artistry. Legendary jazz guitarists such as Larry Coryell, Jimmy Bruno, Frank Vignola and Bireli Lagrene, all of whom performed and recorded with Vic, sung his praises. Throughout his professional career, Vic collaborated onstage and in the studio with many notable bandleaders, including Phil Woods, Mel Torme, Lee Konitz, Barry Miles and Richie Cole. But he is best known for his 23-year tenure working with legendary saxophonist Dave Liebman, a partnership that generated a collection of invigorating music through recordings and documented performances that will be listened to and dissected for many years to come. Vic was also very prolific as a recording artist in his own right, having released more than 20 albums with the Steeplechase and Muse record labels,