Fitzhugh Jenkins is renowned in Sedona as one of the most well-rounded guitarists. Growing up in Hawaii, Fitzhugh played guitar in Don Ho's band and also performed as a soloist. He then lived in Los Angeles for 10 years working as a studio musician.
While in Los Angeles, Fitzhugh performed for the United States Olympic team at the 1984 summer games. He was then chosen to study in France under renowned fingerstyle guitarist Pierre Bensusan. Following his studies with Pierre, he toured and recorded extensively with the Shah of Iran's private court of musicians, dancers and singers from 1980 to 1988. He has performed on the Grammy nominated Narada CD entitled "Passion Music for Guitar" and played with Ann Owens on a country top 40 hit. Country music is in Fitzhugh's blood as his grandfather was responsible for starting the Grand 01 Opry and his mother is Grand 01 Opry legend Little Annie Pickard.
Fitzugh has opened for renowned artists such as, Alex DeGrassi and Tuck and Patti. His main influences are that of Pat Metheny, Egberto Gismonti and Pierre Bensusan. In 1996 Fitzhugh recorded his swansong, a solo classical guitar CD of original music called "Journey Into Yavapai" (1996). This CD captures the essence of this brilliant musician with an elegance that puts him in a class of the classical guitar masters. He then recorded a CD called "Mango Man" which is about his experiences in Hawaii. This CD features local Sedona musicians Eddy Baratinni on drums and Troy Perkins on Bass guitar. Fitzhugh performs live regularly around Sedona with his band called Bedouin Cafe which consists of James Jenkins (his 16 year prodigal son) on saxophone. Eddy Baratinni on drums, and Zirque Bonner on Bass.
This group also recorded a CD titled "Bedouin Cafe" (2003) that is available here or wherever you catch him playing. Fitzhugh also appears on countless Sedona musicians recordings, including those of international recording/performing artist Ralph Illenberger.
To watch Fitzugh play is to experience a true artist's embodiment as his music saturates the soul and sensitizes the being.
