Meet the team
Jan Cyrka
Jan Cyrka is probably best known for three solo albums full of meaty guitar playing: ‘Beyond the Common Ground’, ‘Spirit’ and ‘Prickly Pear’. However, Jan’s career began in the 1980s when he was guitarist-in-chief with cartoon biker band Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction, supporting Guns n’ Roses on extensive tours of the US and Canada.
He now composes and records music for a variety of clients has had his music appear on TV shows and movies such as Friends, Hi Fidelity (with John Cusack), Saturday Night Live, America’s Most Wanted, Wife Swap, I’m Alan Partridge, The Jeremy Kyle Show, Absolutely Fabulous, Bargain Hunt, Flog It, Graham Norton Effect, The Bill, Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, Escape to the Country, Homes Under the Hammer, Oprah Winfrey Show, Malcolm in the Middle, The Jamie Foxx Show, Ten Years Younger, A Place in the Sun, American Idol, The One Show, James May 20th Century and many others.
Jan has worked with many of the world’s finest players in his studio, including Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Mick Taylor and Zakk Wylde.
When Jan is not working he is sleeping.
Adrian Clark
Adrian Clark is a freelance guitarist, transcriber and writer. He has worked for Guitarist magazine since 1994, writing hundreds of transcriptions, technique articles and product reviews, and was Music Editor for several years. He has interviewed and ghost-written columns for a variety of big-name players, including Edward Van Halen, Brian Setzer, Ronny Jordan and Yngwie Malmsteen.
Adrian’s transcription work has also appeared in a variety of other publications, most recently a book for Wishbone Ash. He has been teaching guitar, both in person and in print, for over a decade, combining his abilities for the book Legends. His recordings cover a range of material, including product demonstrations, tuition material and music for TV commercials.
Jonny Carpenter
Jonny Carpenter has been in the music industry for over 8 years and gained most of his experience working for the musical instruments manufacturer Roland. Working his way through the ranks in both the sales and marketing divisions he became the Guitar Product Manager for the effects giants BOSS. He headed many global campaigns including a relaunch of the Roland Cube XL amps, which included a groundbreaking 3d video voiced by Zane Lowe, and a global BOSS competition with Jam Track Central. He has a solid grounding of business and a keen eye for opportunity and promotion.
He has a real love for music, which stems back to the days he was made to listen to Camel, Yes and Led Zeppelin from the age of 4 in his dads car. These influences have shaped his musical tastes and he is forever looking out for new music to inspire him.
