Spanning the genres of southern rock, blues, soul, and funk music and fusing them together into what he calls “Southern Soul.”, slide guitarist A.J. Ghent comes from a family history of what is known as “Sacred Steel” which was virtually created by his Great Uncle Wille Eason, his Grandfather Henry Nelson, and his father, Aubrey Ghent Sr.
The “Sacred Steel” rhythmic style is played by many steel guitarists today including Robert Randolph, The Lee Boys, The Campbell Brothers, and guitarists such as Derek Trucks.
AJ plays a custom made 8 String Lap Steel Guitar and his musical methods are non traditional and his influence comes from the legacy that was passed on to him by his forefathers, AJ dares to be different and puts every ounce of energy he has into every performance.
AJ Ghent is carrying the instrument, and the soul, of those who came before him – but in a most modern way. It’s true that the lap steel guitar has been the electrified ghost of Mississippi’s Delta Blues, and the inspiration for the fiery ‘sacred steel’ tradition of Florida’s Pentecostal worship services, for over a century, but when that lap steel is turned on its side and strapped on like a futuristic-looking guitar-shaped rocket ship, the instrument takes on a whole new dimension.
AJ has already caught the attention of A-list musicians currently on the scene. Country icon Zac Brown was so impressed with AJ and his band that he invited them to tour as support with the Zac Brown Band on their 2013 national tour. He has also performed alongside Gov’t Mule and The Allman Brothers, opened for Robert Cray and laid down tracks for Zac Brown’s 2013 Grohl Sessions Vol. 1 as one of three guest artists alongside Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) and bassist Oteil Burbridge (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Allman Brothers Band), as well as a series of performances as a member of drummer Duane Trucks’ new project Flannel ChurchAJ’s contagious passion for the music he loves has fans jumping to their feet, unsure if they are at a revival tent or a rock show – but loving every minute of it. When AJ takes his band to the stage, there is charm, charisma and a sound that is nothing short of innovative, electrifying, precise yet sensual, and heart-captivating. Often referred to by fans as Prince and James Browns’ musical love child, AJ and his singing guitar are guaranteed to catapult the band straight to the top of the music world.
