Album Notes

“Lotus Tattoo” features engaging piano motifs and unforgettable melodies set to ancient Sanskrit mantras in a contemporary rock/pop style. Highlights of the CD are the haunting “Om Namah Shivaya”, the Hari Om “duet” with Swami Satchidananda, and the interplay of the artist’s voice with the sweet voice of his daughter, Rachel – whose lotus tattoo was the inspiration for the album.

The work has been described as being “full of heart”. Many find it addicting – “I just keep listening to it”… “when I chant along with ‘Lotus Tattoo’ in the car, I let go of my anger and frustration and feel so much more peaceful”.

How did a second generation Italian lawyer from Philly find himself recording a call and response Sanskrit Kirtan CD? Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, this keyboard/vocalist/composer had his first piano lesson with Sister St. Dorothy at St. Thomas’ convent and began his singing career at the age of four singing “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia in an Onion Patch” for quarters in Tony Mento’s barber shop.

Somewhere along the line, he fell in love with rock and roll (the Beatles, Billy Joel, etc.), became the lead singer and keyboard player of rock bands in high school and college, established a career in law and conflict resolution, and raised two spectacular kids with his angelic life partner, Patricia.

To keep from going crazy from the stress of a high pressure law practice, he was led to yoga and meditation that changed his life forever. The road to the union of yoga with music began with living room “satsangs” with Hari Zandler, to beautiful chanting experiences with Gurumayi Chidvilasananda of the Siddha Yoga tradition, to performing and recording with renown chant artist, David Newman (Durga Das). And inspiring, influencing and bestowing grace upon it all is Sam’s beloved teacher, Swami Satchidananda, of the Integral Yoga lineage.