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. Thats
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,
thats how it all started.
What is your current situation with
music?
Right now Im 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. Its in the garage so
it gets a little chilly, but its 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. Ive been playing the guitar for 37 years... I
have my moments lets 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 thats
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? Thats tough. Id 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 Id
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. Its also relaxing at
the same time. Its 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?
Im pretty active on Facebook so I have a few pages with
some hobbies of mine on them. I thought itd 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. Its 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.