Guitar virtuoso speaks about playing with Billy Cobham, Paquito D’Rivera

By David Sands
April 18, 2018

Chicago Blues. Classical. World Music. Jazz. Fareed Haque is a guitar master versed in many traditions. And this wide-ranging background has inspired in him both a respect for the past and a desire for reinterpretation and innovation. Currently a guitarist with Billy Cobham’s Crosswinds Ensemble, Haque has led a head-turning career that’s included stints with Cuban jazz master Paquito D’Rivera, Howard Levy’s latin-fusion group, Chevere, and a tour with Sting. In addition to an extensive catalog of solo material and membership in the jazz-rock-Indian fusion band Garaj Mahal, he’s also spent many years as a jazz and classical guitar teacher at Northern Illinois University.

FGPO’s Jon Liebman spoke with the eclectic Mr. Haque during a recent Billy Cobham performance at Music Hall in Detroit.

Watch our interview with Fareed!