Jake Cinninger

Jake Cinninger, born Jacob Alan Cinninger, December 16, 1975 in Niles, Michigan, is an American musician. He has risen to fame as one of two lead guitarists in the Chicago-based jam band Umphrey's McGee. He is influenced by a wide range of styles and guitar players such as Joe Pass, Tommy Emmanuel, Chris Poland, Randy Rhoads, George Benson, David Gilmour, Frank Zappa, and Roy Buchanan among others.

History

Cinninger was raised in Niles, Michigan where he says his parents' extensive record collection influenced his eclectic tastes in music. Cinninger began playing in many bands by the age of 12, ranging in styles from jazz fusion to country music. After spending some time in the Berklee School of Music, he took classical guitar lessons from Gerry Zubko in Roseland, South Bend, Indiana. In 1997, he started his own band, Ali Baba's Tahini and regularly played shows alongside of another local band, Umphrey's McGee. Cinninger chose to learn his chops by playing with others rather than attend a college musical curriculum, as many of his friends did. Eventually, Ali Baba's Tahini disbanded in 2000 and Cinninger accepted an offer to join as a full-time member of Umphrey's McGee in 2000.

Jake Cinninger (album)

Jake Cinninger is the self-titled, all instrumental solo album from the lead guitarist of progressive rock band Umphrey's McGee. The album was released in 2001 on Monkey Fuzz Records and features Cinninger on every instrument for almost all of the album's tracks. The album includes excerpts from future Umphrey's McGee classics such as "Roulette," "Last Man Swerving," and "Utopian Fir." As well as the original version of "Blue Echo."

Track listing

1. Aster Heights: 5:53

2. Jacofish: 3:22

3. Lawnmowers & Saxophones On Carberry: 4:13

4. Forced Relocation: 5:45

5. Coil: 3:36

6. Utopian Sky: 6:54

7. Blue Echo: 4:35

8. Thorax In D Major: 3:36

9. Salmon Salt: 2:14

10. Dolphy: 4:39

11. Eat It, Drink It: 2:56

12. Drizzle:6:25

Total Run Time: 54 minutes and 13 seconds