Prescott-based jazz guitarist, Bob Shimizu, brings a contemporary approach to the genre influenced by artists such as Wes Montgomery, Chuck Loeb, Chris Standring and Pat Metheny. His recordings have earned airtime on the JazzWeek charts and received favorable reviews, including a four-star rating from DownBeat magazine. Shimizu emphasizes a "melody-first" philosophy, blending traditional jazz elements with modern rhythms and arrangements that resonate with today's audiences. His albums feature nationally recognized musicians, including Eric Marienthal, Joey DeFrancesco, Lenny Castro and Dominic Farinacci, and were produced by Clarke Rigsby, Mike Florio and Todd Chuba. Known for his commitment to high production values, Shimizu carefully assembles and rehearses top-tier musicians to create polished, engaging performances. As he returns to ASU Kerr, he looks forward to the intimate artist-audience connection the venue provides, calling it an ideal setting for sharing his music.