LITTLE ROCK — When it comes to a musical education, acoustic guitarist Laurence Juber believes he received “a master’s degree from McCartney University,” referring to his years as a member of Wings, Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles band.
Before he ever met McCartney, Juber worked on a project with George Martin, often referred to as “The fifth Beatle” for his work producing the Fab Four.
“I had always aspired to do great work as a studio musician,” Juber says. “I was doing an album with Cleo Laine when I met George, which was quite a thrill since I can recall when I was 11, I had saved money I had made from washing my neighbor’s car and gone and bought The Beatles’ first album. And that was the time when the steady drumbeat of Beatlemania had begun. I was exposed to a steady diet of great music.
“After meeting Paul when Wings was flying high, I went with him and Ringo Starr to the south of France,” Juber recalls, “and decided that being in a band certainly had advantages, as I found myself playing with half of The Beatles. Later I worked with George Harrison on a movie, Shang-hai Surprise. But I never got to meet John [Lennon].”
Juber, a native of the London area, has lived in the United States since Wings folded. While in Wings, he won his first Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental for his “Rockestra Theme” on Wings’ album, Back to the Egg. He won his second Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental for his arrangement of “The Pink Panther Theme” on the CD, Henry Mancini: Pink Guitar.
“I’ve been here well over 30 years now,” he says. “I met my wife, Hope, who produces my records. My albums of Beatles’ songs were her idea.”
Catch LJ Live!, a CD/DVD package, is the latest Juber recording, released earlier this year.
Juber has lots more credits on his resume than just his recording and touring with Wings and Al Stewart (famous for his hit, “Year of the Cat”), having released more than 20 albums in his name. He also played guitar on recordings by Andy Williams, Air Supply, Barry Manilow, The Monkees, Tony Orlando, Carly Simon, Paul Williams and Little Rock born Dan Hicks.
“I worked with Dan on a Christmas album, and have been on stage with him,” Juber says. “He’s a wonderfully quirky guy.”
Juber has also composed music for many a TV series, the best known of which were Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and Beverly Hills 90210. His movie music credits include Dirty Dancing, Good Will Hunting, The Big Chill, Ladyhawke and The Spy Who Loved Me.
“My shows depend on requests from the audience,” Juber says. “I do a core repertoire for finger-style guitarists, who are my biggest fans. I have a Martin guitar model that bears my name, which was a great honor for me, since besides being special, I got to explore the nuances of different woods and construction methods.”
Juber recalls a previous visit to Little Rock, when he accompanied headliner Stewart in a show at Riverfest Amphitheatre.
“It was about 1996, and very hot,” he says. “Both Al and I were standing in direct sunlight, and I later discovered that a part of my guitar had melted onto the spot where I was standing.
“I’m happy to note my [forthcoming] Little Rock show will be indoors.”
Laurence Juber Opening act: Cliff Hutchison 9 p.m. Wednesday, Juanita’s, 614 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock Admission: $20 advance, $25 day of show (fully seated) (501) 372-1228
Style, Pages 29 on 02/26/2013