T.J. Helmerich is an American electric guitarist/vocalist and audio engineer, known for developing a unique "8 finger" style of playing his instrument. He has played/toured with, among many others: Dweezil Zappa (Zappa Plays Zappa), Planet X (band), Autograph (American band), Paul Gilbert, and Eddie Jobson. He has been featured in popular guitar magazines nationally/internationally in ads, articles, reviews and lessons. Together with Australian guitarist Brett Garsed, the duo helped define the direction of instrumental guitar music throughout the '90s and establish the genre now known as "Rock Fusion".
T.J. has also produced/engineered over 90 releases, working with some of the biggest names in the music industry. In early 2011, "Return of the Son of..." (Dweezil Zappa) received a Grammy nomination. TJ mixed, mastered and took a guest guitar solo on the CD.
He teaches guitar and audio engineering courses at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, where he created their "Recording Institute of Audio Engineering" (RIT) program. T.J. held the directors seat at RIT for 10 years and has taught at the college for over 24.
Currently, T.J. resides in North Hollywood, California. He can be caught performing regularly with an "all-star" line up at the world famous The Baked Potato club.
==Releases as a Musician== (for AUDIO ENGINEERING credits, SEE EXTERNAL LINKS)
T.J. has released 5 CDs as a musician with fellow guitarist Brett Garsed which are in the Rock/Jazz Fusion medium
- Quid Pro Quo (1992)
- Exempt (1994)
- Under the Lash of Gravity (1999)
- Uncle Moe's Space Ranch (2001)
- Moe's Town (2007)
T.J. has also recorded performed guitar or vocals on the following releases.
- When Four Become One- (Vinyl 1985) Premonition
- Chicago's Class of 87'- (Vinyl 1987) Premonition
- Dog Party Scott Henderson
- Buzz Autograph (American band)
- Guitar on the Edge (Volumes 1-3) - Legato Records
- On the Brink - Monica Mancillas
- Centrifugal Funk - Legato Records
- Goovin' In Tongues Bobby Rock
- Guitarapalooza Vol. 1- Woo Music
- The Loner-Tribute to Jeff Beck- ESC Records
- Fearless - ZIV
- Serious Young Insects Virgil Donati
- Party with Yourself- Gnaposs
- Liquid Piece of Me- Sergio Buss
- Out of Body Bobby Rock
- Go with what you know Dweezil Zappa
- Outsider- Gnaposs
- This is Fusion Guitar Tone Center Records
- Return of the Son of... Dweezil Zappa
T.J.'s album with guitarist Brett Garsed, titled Uncle Moe's Space Ranch, received the following review from John Patterson of eer-music.com: '"Strictly for those hip to the trip of loud, fast, and explosive. Enjoy axes dripping with riffs, bass that delivers seismically, drums that attack the primal bedrock and keys that will tie your ears in knots. T.J. had recorded a solo to vinyl first and then T.J./DJ scratched it in for the final mix. Unreal! These guys never cease to amuse and amaze me."'