I have been around music and art ALL my life. I was raised in an artistic and musical family. My Mother was an artist, and my Father still paints and draws.
My Grandfather played mandolin, guitar and ukulele. My Dad plays banjo, guitar, uke and some keyboards. My Bro plays 5 string banjo, tenor banjo, and guitar. My uncles and cousins have tremendous musical and artistic skills. My cousin Jack Gavin was the drummer for "The Charlie Daniels Band" for many years. I was resistant to learn an instrument in my youth. Oh, the PAIN!
Several of my close friends are professional musicians, recording engineers, sound men, singers, drummers, writers, composers, music store owners and music teachers.
I started working with local bands right out of high school as a sound and light man. I did that for eight years. From this experience, and with my artistic skills, I started creating logos and promotion (including CD and Album covers) for many bands over the next 20 years. During this time I got my Press credentials which gave me a plethora of backstage passes where photographed and met such greats as ELP, Genesis, Yes, ELO, The Who, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Frank Zappa... to name a few. Their influences have made a mark on my style of musical composing.
I have been composing and recording music seriously for five years now and have won several awards for compositions and collaborative efforts with musicians from around the world. My latest works are of an orchestral nature which have encompassed the past two years of my life.
For the past two years I have been working with Jon Anderson, singer/songwriter of the progressive rock band “YES” orchestrating several of his compositions and collaborating on new material.
I am currently enrolled at The University of Buffalo (SUNYAB) to attain my Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.
References:
Jon Anderson, singer/song writer http://jonanderson.com
Anthony Beccari, musician/singer
Cameron Kopf, musician, song writer
Tobin Mueller, keyboardist/composer
Jay Stephens, guitarist
Fran Dagostino, guitarist/song writer
Patrick Feehan, keyboardist/song writer
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