Lyle Workman

Years ago, guitar player Lyle Workman’s unique talent propelled him from his humble beginnings in San Jose, California, launched him into the international spotlight, and recently landed him in the studios of Sheryl Crow, Dr. Dre and many others. He began learning his instrument at an early age, and quickly developed his ear by teaching himself to play popular music from the radio. He expanded his range by delving into the music of progressive rock and “fusion” jazz groups during high school. College provided Workman with the opportunity to study blues, jazz, and classical forms, and solidified his desire to pursue a career in music.

Bourgeois Tagg was the vehicle that finally thrust Workman into the limelight. The band recorded two albums for Island records and toured throughout North America and Europe during the late ‘80s. After Bourgeois Tagg disbanded in 1989, Lyle started to record and tour as part of Todd Rundgren’s band. He simultaneously ventured into the world of composing instrumental music, which led him to produce, compose, arrange, and engineer his first solo project, the critically acclaimed “Purple Passages.”

He later teamed up with Jellyfish, lending his guitar work to the recording of “Spilt Milk” in 1993. He subsequently recorded “Teenager of the Year” with Frank Black and the Catholics, and then contributed to one of the tracks on jazz great Tony Williams’ album, “Wilderness.” Taking a break from session work, Workman planted himself in his Los Angeles home, determined to finish his second solo effort, “Tabula Rasa.” After the record was released, Workman found himself drawn yet again to the life of a performer and began touring with pop artist Beck.

Workman has composed music for various television commercials, including Nike, Reebok, Sears, and Hanes, and has also contributed to the soundtracks of “Blue Streak,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Miss Congeniality,” and other feature films. He recently co-composed Jon Favreau’s “Made” and IFC’s “Dinner for Five.”

Lyle Workman uses the M-Audio Delta 1010.