Guitarist Gene Bertoncini loved music. But just as importantly, he loved people and felt that focus directly influenced the way he played. He also credited his early architecture studies with giving him a sense of form and proportion that contributed to his beautifully crafted arrangements and performances.

Gene was a wonderful spirit and an enthusiastic cheerleader for musicians he admired. Everyone loved Gene.

Gene died August 29th at the age of 89. Gene and I recorded this conversation in 2010 at Lincoln Center in New York City.