Larry's recording career began as a teenager when he recorded an album with his father, Dave Koonse.  His discography includes recording with:  Cleo Laine, Al Hirt, Billy Childs, Jimmy Rowles, Lee Konitz, Larry Goldings, Alan Broadbent, Ray Brown, Bill Perkins, Toots Thielemans, Rod Stewart, Clay Jenkins, Linda Ronstadt, David Friesen, Bob Sheppard, and Charlie Haden.   He has toured with Mel Torme, Terry Gibbs, Bob Brookmeyer, Billy Childs, John Patitucci, David Friesen, Karrin Allyson, Natalie Cole, and Warne Marsh.  He also chronicled the work of Hank Garland in the biographic film on his life "Crazy". See full recording history:

 

http://directory.calarts.edu/directory/larry-koonse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larry studied classical technique while acquiring a degree in studio jazz from USC.  In 2008 I made a Super Ace for Larry's mentor, Jimmy Wyble. 

 

Jimmy was a legend of the guitar for 40 years in LA. Starting with Bob Wills in the early 1940s, he toured with musical giants like Red Norvo, Benny Goodman and Sinatra into the 1960s.  He did TV shows like the Glenn Campbell Good Time hour as well.  Jimmy was asked to be on the original faculty at the GIT when Howard Roberts started the school in the 70s.  Jimmy was working at the Musician's Institute until 2009, teaching his legacy in music, "the art of two-line improvisation".  

 

Paying me in advance for the guitar he ordered, Jimmy instructed me to make sure Larry received the guitar should he not be around when I finished it.  I flew to LA to meet Jimmy with his guitar and within a month he gave it to Larry who was using it to record with international singing star Luzianna Souza.  

 

There had been a search for a few years prior to find a nylon string guitar that Jimmy felt would allow Larry to exploit his right hand skills. Jimmy chose the Super Ace as something he could leave behind for Larry to express those skills. It was a great honor to be part of his history. Jimmy was one of my favorite people.  The guitar featured here is the guitar I made Jimmy.  

 

 

 

 

Here are 4 recordings of the Super Ace with piano from

"Conversations"  by Larry Koonse and David Rothstein