Maurice Summerfield: A Legacy of Guitar Excellence and Music Promotion
Maurice Summerfield has spent decades as a pivotal figure in the global guitar community. From his early days as a professional musician in the North East of England to his role as a renowned publisher and industry leader, Summerfield's career is defined by a lifelong commitment to the promotion of fretted instruments and the artists who master them.
Early Career and Business Ventures
Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK, Summerfield began his professional journey playing in dance bands and jazz groups during his late teens and early twenties. Seeking to refine his craft, he studied under Ivor Mairants in London in 1957, the same year he established his first connection with the legendary guitarist Barney Kessel.
In 1958, Summerfield joined his family business, which had been established in 1900. He eventually expanded the company's scope by importing and selling high-quality musical instruments and accessories from prestigious brands, including C. F. Martin & Company, Ibanez, Guild Guitar Company, CSL, Levin, Tama, D'Addario, Savarez, and La Bella.
Beyond distribution, Summerfield was instrumental in instrument design and reproduction. He instigated the creation of the CSL 'Gypsy' range—the first authentic reproductions of the 1930s Maccaferri/Selmer guitars used by Django Reinhardt—and collaborated with Ibanez to produce the Joe Pass JP20 guitar.
Publishing and Recording Contributions
Summerfield's influence extended deeply into music literature and recording. In 1978, he founded the Ashley Mark Publishing Company, a mail-order business specializing in guitar music and books. This passion for documentation led to the 1982 launch of Classical Guitar magazine, a publication he led until its sale to String Letter Media in 2014.
In 1981, he established Guitar Masters Records, providing a platform for exceptional artists such as David Russell, Jorge Morel, Jorge Cardoso, Maria Isabel Siewers, Neil Smith, and Krzysztof Pelech. His relationship with Argentinian guitarist Jorge Morel was particularly fruitful, resulting in three recordings and 15 volumes of solos and arrangements.
Summerfield also maintained a close professional bond with Barney Kessel. He not only presented Kessel in master classes and concerts but also published three volumes of his solos and authored Kessel's authorized biography.
Promoting the Art of the Guitar
Dedicated to bringing world-class music to the public, Summerfield co-founded the Guitar Appreciation Society of North East England in 1976 to showcase flamenco, jazz, and classical guitarists in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He further expanded his reach by promoting an annual classical guitar series at London's Wigmore Hall starting in 1984.
From 1991, in partnership with the Edward James Foundation, Summerfield helped organize the first twenty annual international classical guitar festivals at West Dean College in West Sussex, UK.
Industry Leadership and Honors
Summerfield's contributions to the music trade are marked by nearly four decades of service as a council member of the UK's Music Industries Association (MIA). His leadership was further recognized by the City of London, where he received the Freedom of the City of London in December 1997 and the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Musicians in July 1997. He later served on the Court of the Musicians Company and was installed as its Master in November 2009.
His global impact has been recognized through several prestigious accolades:
- Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (May 2010)
- Guitar Foundation of America Hall of Fame inductee (June 2013)
- NAMM Believe in Music Award (January 2021)
To ensure his legacy benefits future scholars, Summerfield donated a portion of his archives to the International Guitar Research Centre (IGRC) at the University of Surrey, now known as The Maurice J. Summerfield Collection.
Key Facts
- Founder: Established Classical Guitar magazine (1982) and Guitar Masters Records (1981).
- Instrument Innovation: Led the production of the CSL 'Gypsy' range and the Ibanez Joe Pass JP20.
- Biographer: Wrote the authorized biography of jazz guitarist Barney Kessel.
- Civic Honors: Served as Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians (2009).
- Academic Contribution: Donated archives to the University of Surrey's IGRC.
| Entity/Project | Year Founded/Started | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Mark Publishing | 1978 | Guitar books and music mail order |
| Guitar Masters Records | 1981 | Guitar recordings |
| Classical Guitar Magazine | 1982 | Classical guitar journalism |
| Wigmore Hall Series | 1984 | International classical guitar concerts |
| West Dean College Festivals | 1991 | International classical guitar festivals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments did Maurice Summerfield help bring to market?
Summerfield instigated the production of the CSL 'Gypsy' range, which reproduced 1930s Maccaferri/Selmer guitars, and the Joe Pass JP20 guitar for Ibanez.
Which magazine did Maurice Summerfield found?
He founded Classical Guitar magazine in September 1982, which he later sold to String Letter Media in 2014.
What is the Maurice J. Summerfield Collection?
It is a collection of archives donated by Summerfield to the International Guitar Research Centre (IGRC) at the University of Surrey in 2015.
How was Summerfield involved with Barney Kessel?
Summerfield developed a close relationship with Kessel, writing his authorized biography, publishing three volumes of his guitar solos, and presenting him in concerts and master classes.
What professional honors has Maurice Summerfield received?
His honors include the Freedom of the City of London, induction into the Guitar Foundation of America's Hall of Fame, the NAMM Believe in Music Award, and becoming an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.