I grew up in Queens, NY during the era of great rock and roll bands. Listening to country music, let alone playing it, was as remote as getting good grades in school. It just didn't happen. I did, however, take 8 years of classical piano lessons and although detested practicing scales and arpeggios, learning Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy and Ravel provided much inspiration and enjoyment. Whatever the style, music has always been an important part of my spiritual and emotional life.
My first exposure to the Americana/Alternative Country music scene was Lucinda Williams. I found her honesty, incredibly emotional vocal style, and excellent songwriting inspiring. Not only did she write about issues that I also struggled with, but she expressed them in such a vulnerable and direct way. It was through her music, in addition to the encouragement of close friends and a mentor, that I began writing songs. In 1998 I wrote "Same Old Wall." Then came "Trouble at My Front Door," and after that, the floodgates were open. Love, lust, and loss were, and continue to be, topics that provide me with a rich source of writing material and through these issues, I tell personal stories about my own experiences. I also came to admire artists such as Steve Earle, Buddy & Julie Miller, Kim Richey, and Mary Chapin Carpenter, while staying true to my old favorites: Tom Petty, the Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Beck.
Coinciding with my new-found musical interest, I starting taking lessons at the Guitar Study Center and was drawn to the group "jam" atmosphere in New York City's Washington Square Park. Singing there, and having a great time doing it, inspired me to begin performing in Greenwich Village in 1998 where I played with several bands. I released my first acoustic EP "Trouble at my Front Door," in 2001, and 2003 saw the release of my 2nd EP recorded with a full band.
In the coming year, I look forward to honing my songwriting
skills, continuing to build my following, and having a great time on stage with the musicians that I perform with. The "fun factor" is a key ingredient to the success of my gigs and the best payoff is when people have a great time and come to the next show. I currently play in the New York City clubs including the Parkside Lounge, Baggott Inn, Bar B, Kennys Castaways, Hanks Saloon, Desmonds, CB's Gallery, the C-Note, and Mickys Blue Room, Three Jolly Pigeons, and the 169 Bar.
My show schedule can be found at http://www.umo.com/ConcertCalendar.asp
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