Jonathan Stout
A premier guitarist, bandleader, and historian based in Los Angeles, Jonathan Stout is internationally recognized as the foremost modern champion of pre-war Swing-era archtop guitar. For over 25 years, Stout has dedicated himself to preserving and performing the distinct pre-bop disciplines of the 1930s and ’40s, brilliantly channeling the acoustic block-chord virtuosity of Allan Reuss, the driving rhythm of Freddie Green, and the pioneering electric single-note lines of Charlie Christian. Armed with an exquisite collection of vintage Gibson L-5 and ES-150 archtops, he brings an unmatched historical accuracy to the stage. As a dancer himself, Stout possesses a rare, foundational understanding of the relationship between music and movement; his flagship ensembles—most notably Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five featuring Hilary Alexander—have headlined the world’s most prestigious swing dance and Lindy Hop exchanges across five continents. Whether demonstrating vintage instruments for top-tier archival channels or leading his orchestra, Stout bridges the gap between historical purity and infectious, danceable energy.
