Allan Holdsworth

The fusion era of the 1970s was no doubt among the most controversial periods in jazz history. Analogous to the rise of be-bop during the 1940s and ’50s, instrumentalists broke new ground, taking the technical aspects of jazz music to new heights. But also like pioneers such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, explorers of the ’70s often saw their music fall on deaf ears, because listening could not be a passive activity. Despite its demanding nature, this was a fertile time which introduced the world to a host of incredible musicians who are still active today.

Allan Holdsworth, who will be performing Tuesday night at the Birchmere, was among the musical crop that turned jazz on its ear. After spending the late ’60s and early ’70s in his native Britain’s prog-rock scene, the 63 year-old guitarist got his big break in 1975, replacing guitar hero John McLaughlin in Lifetime, a fusion group led by drumming great Tony Williams. Holdsworth’s time in that group was short-lived, but he has since gone on to release over 20 of his own recordings while becoming one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.

“The music has changed over the years obviously, but I’m still kind of really focused on the same thing,” said Holdsworth during a recent interview with DCist. “I’m just trying to find another way to do something off the beaten path.”