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Friday, September 10, 2010
The Dubliner
Phoenix, AZ
9 to 1  [ more details ]

I was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, PA, one of five children who all played instruments.  When asked to choose an instrument in 4th grade, my preference was to play sax, but the school gave me a violin.  I wasn't real thrilled with the decision at the time, but I think it worked out OK!  I became concert master of my school orchestras throughout elementary, junior high and high school, while winning awards in local violin competitions and placing in the Eastern Pennsylvania All-State Orchestra.  

I still enjoy playing the classics and continue to learn as I work on Paganini, Sarasate, Mozart and more.  But outside of my private studies and teaching, my public persona is as a performer with various bands in the Phoenix area.

 

I already had an interest in alternative kinds of music as a child.  I remember playing Tijuana Brass music at a talent show while on a family vacation in the mountains.  But it wasn’t until my college years that I first experienced playing music with people outside the orchestra, as I jammed with singer/guitarists playing Grateful Dead and Neil Young music and the seed was planted.

 

After a move to Arizona, I electrified my violin for the first time and then bought my first actual electric violin, a Fender, which didn’t sound real great, but it sure looked cool!  My first band was the funk/R&B group, Joey Lobo and the band Coco.  Odd name, but we could really kick out the jams.  I soon purchased my favorite violin which I still use to this day, a Barcus Berry 5-string electric/acoustic, similar to the one Jean Luc-Ponty was using at the time.

 

After taking some years out of music to raise my kids, I re-entered the music world by joining Phoenix’ Metro Pops Orchestra.  It wasn’t too long before I was looking for bands again, playing with the rock group, What’s Left, and then the techno bands World Of Rage and Indecis.  

I joined local legend Walt Richardson’s Morningstar band in December of 1996.  I still enjoy playing reggae and other styles of music with my good friend Walt as a duo, trio or with the full band, The Peaceful Warriors.  

My full-time band is now The Brazen Heads, the hot, high energy Celtic rock band, who I've been playing a full schedule with since February 2007.   The Heads are an incredibly fun band with a great live show.  Great music and great musicians.  

I do shows with flamenco guitarist Drew Bennett when the opportunity arises.  I've also fiddled around with the country pop of the sweet-voiced Alston Sisters.   Other past shows have been with bluegrassers The Bread Winners (great fun!), rocker Billy Cioffi, pop/rocker Freddie Duran, new age pianist Matt Bachrach and others.  I was also in the 1st violin section of the Tempe Symphony until other obligations eliminated that possibility.  I’ve done recording sessions for artists in various genres including folk, renaissance, pop, alternative, new age and hip hop and recently recorded with Latin great Eddie Benitez.  With all of this playing, I've made many TV appearances on local shows with various acts.  I do love playing on TV!

 

Playing in many different styles is great fun and a challenge.  I don't think I'll ever be pigeon-holed as a certain kind of player, because I try to do it all!  People who think that the violin only belongs in the orchestra haven’t experienced the magnitude of what this powerful and beautiful instrument can offer!