Meteor" from my upcoming album Thoughts Of A Crow.

Written, recorded and filmed at a feverish pace over a couple of gloriously sunny Long Beach summer days.

My first solo CD is available at https://leewertman.bandcamp.com/

Lee Wertman

American Instrumental Guitarist, Guitar Synthesizer Specialist & Jazz-Fusion Composer

Biography & Career Overview

Lee Wertman is an American electric guitarist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist associated with modern jazz-fusion, instrumental rock, and guitar synthesis. Wertman first gained recognition among guitar aficionados and instrumental fusion audiences through his association with shred and fusion icon Greg Howe.

During the recording of Howe’s landmark 1994 Shrapnel Records release Uncertain Terms—an album where Howe tracked almost every instrument himself—Wertman was invited to contribute as the sole guest soloist on the record. His expressive guitar synthesizer solo on the high-energy fusion track "Run with It" stood out as a signature moment on the album, cementing his reputation as an adventurous harmonic player capable of weaving complex synthesized textures with guitar phrasing. In subsequent years, Wertman continued composing and recording independently, releasing solo works such as the 2023 instrumental album Particles.

Musical Instrumentation & Technical Signature

Guitar Synthesis & MIDI Tracking: A dedicated practitioner of guitar synthesizer technology (notably featured on Greg Howe’s Uncertain Terms), executing fluid horn and synth-lead lines using guitar fingerboard mechanics, pitch bending, and dynamic tracking.
Jazz-Fusion Phrasing & Modal Improvisation: Employs modern fusion linear vocabulary, navigating complex chord substitutions, chromatic passing tones, and extended arpeggios across high-tempo grooves and progressive instrumental vamps.
Touch Dynamics & Sound Design: Blends conventional electric guitar overdrive with layered ambient pads, brass-like synth leads, and sequenced textures, bridging traditional rock guitar tone with modern electronic sound design.
Multi-Instrumental Arranging: Composes and produces self-contained instrumental works, layering electric guitars, synth modules, and programmed rhythm sections.

Collaborations & Projects

Collaboration with Greg Howe (Shrapnel Records Era): Wertman's most notable recording milestone, providing the featured guest guitar synthesizer solo on the track "Run with It" from Howe's acclaimed 1994 jazz-fusion/instrumental rock album Uncertain Terms.
Solo Recording & Independent Production: Operates as an independent recording artist and composer, tracking instrumental and fusion material across self-released projects.

Selected Discography & Key Releases

Solo Releases

Particles (2023): His full-length independent instrumental studio album blending jazz-rock, fusion grooves, and melodic themes across 12 tracks, including "Her Black Jacket," "Red Bug," "Amber Fire Sky," "Murcielagos," and "Soquoi".