What made you start playing music?
I was 13 years old and my mom and I were talking in the kitchen. She was making something good like usual, not fancy my mom in the kitchen but always tasty. Anyway, I brought up taking guitar lessons to her and said I wanted to learn. That’s what started it. I was listening to Ozzie on the local rock station and it was just so mysterious and I was hooked. I started taking lessons and jamming in bands. My parents bought me a bunch of blues albums and took me to see B.B. King and I told my dad, I could do that. I could be up on the stage too jamming away and playing some good music….Anyway, that’s how it all started.

What is your current situation with music?
Right now I’m playing Solo Acoustic when I can at Bars and Restaurants primarily in Long Island. I do a lot of classic rock stuff and I throw in some of my originals. I recently got rid of the music stand at the gig and it opened up some doors musically and performing wise. I can blend songs better and not be so concerned with what song I play next…I also play in a Rock Quartet called Mindburn. We do funk , rock and fusion and do some originals and some covers. A lot of what we do is Original. We have a blast in East Meadow at Mike the Bass Players studio. It’s in the garage so it gets a little chilly, but it’s cool to rehearse at. I also play Bass with a great Jazz Guitarist Steve Scouten from Long Beach who has done an interview on here….

What instruments do you play?
I play Guitar primarily and I also am a Bass Player. I can play Piano a little, some drums, some harmonica and I also sing. I’ve been playing the guitar for 37 years... I have my moments let’s put it that way. Lol.

Who are your main influences on guitar?
My first main influence was Wes Montgomery an incredible Jazz Guitarist. He was so amazing the way he played the instrument. And he played with his thumb on his right hand that’s it and got such vibrant, melodious and creative tones! I also am highly influenced by Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band. His slide playing was impeccable and captivating! I started playing slide guitar because of him. Also, a lot of Jazz Guitarists influence me greatly. Barney Kessel, John Scofield, Buddy Guy, Larry Carlton, Pat Metheny, Robert Cray, Jeff Healey, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Santana, Joe Pass, Bela Fleck…there are so many more that is what comes to mind currently.

If you had to put together a dream band who would be in it?
A dream band eh? That’s tough. I’d have Stevie Ray Vaughn on guitar. Jaco Pastorius on bass. John Bonham on Drums and Joey D Francesco on Keyboards. Vocals would be Aretha Franklin and the Tower of Power on Horn

What else do you like doing besides making music?
I really enjoy Photography. I like taking pictures pretty much of everything….I started framing pictures I’d taken about 20 years ago and have been interested in Photos and Photography since then. I also like to Fish. Boy do I like to fish. I love the feeling of a “fish on”. It feels so good landing a fish. It’s also relaxing at the same time. It’s also a sport so you do get some exercise which is good. I also like to hike. And also Bike.
What made you start “Up and Coming Band Interviews?
I’m pretty active on Facebook so I have a few pages with some hobbies of mine on them. I thought it’d be a cool idea to have interviews of different bands and artists on Facebook. So I started the page a couple of years ago.

Were you a full time musician at one point?
Yes. From 2008 to to 2016 I performed full time in the NYC area and out of State and gave music lessons. I payed my bills this way and learned a lot about the music world and promoting oneself. I used to play 5 nites a week more if I could and there were tough times. Gigs cancelled and double booked. These things happened so I have the utmost respect for guys who make a living this way. It’s a hustle through and through.

Did you own a Music Lessons Business at one point?
Yes. For about 8 years I ran my own Lessons Company. We offered lessons on every instrument throughout New York and New Jersey. I personally taught guitar,bass,voice and piano and hired out people to teach lessons on sax, flute etc. It was a hustle as well. I enjoyed it and am glad I got to do it.