Jazz Impressions: Our jazz trio, which we call "Jazz Impressions" consists of myself on guitar and percussion, Oliver Albertini on upright bass, and Scott Strother on trumpet as our basic trio, to which we often add drummer and pianist/keyboards. All three of us are have extensive musical education and experience on our instruments. The trio can be expanded, for example, if you want more intensity, to include (usually) Sam Prather and Bill Washburn on keyboards and drums (both play both instruments), and on occasion Donvonte McCoy on trumpet and/or drums (he also plays both instruments). The versatility of these musicians adds a great deal of flexibility to our sound, and allows us to play virtually any style, song, or level of intensity to suit the occasion. We all have a great deal of experience playing together. We play a variety of standards, straight-ahead jazz, and some tunes appropriate for dancing if desired.

Cover Story: We have an associated Classic Rock group, "Cover Story"; the third music clip on this site is Cover Story. I can send a longer demo if you are interested and a list of the songs that we play (to mention just a few: Is this Love, Hotel California, I saw her Standing There, Jamming, Play that Funky Music, Love her Madly). We play familiar classic rock tunes, in addition to some reggae, and other styles appropriate for dancing. Our music is appropriate for (for example) parties, wedding receptions or other similar events.

Solo Guitar: Of course, for those of you who have hired me before, or if you prefer that form of entertainment because of cost, needing something unobtrusive or quiet, etc., I am still available to play solo jazz guitar for events. Solo guitar is really music for, more or less, kind of quiet listening (although once in awhile someone does dance while I am playing). Most often, people associate the guitar with the strumming used to accompany a singer or the screaming distorted sound preferred by rock bands. Instead, I try to exploit at least a part of the rather amazing versatility of the guitar as a musical instrument. The guitar has been the basis of many musical traditions throughout the world, including for example Brazilian, Hawaiian, Mexican, Flamenco, Caribbean, Blues, R&B, country-bluegrass, and in a sense even Middle Eastern (the word "tar" means string in Farsi) musical forms. Another distinct style is solo jazz guitar, which is what I play; however, I also try to incorporate elements of these other forms to create an interesting, varied, and entertaining musical sound. Training and Style: Although I have developed my own style of playing, and my own unique sound, I also have drawn on many other musicians, and I have extensive musical training. I have studied guitar with Bill Harris (a largely unrecognized innovator of jazz guitar), Pete Rosa, Gary Keller, Tom Lagana, and other outstanding teachers. I also studied music at Rutgers University, including advanced courses in classical composition and counterpoint with the noted composer Robert Moevs. All of my arrangements are my own, although often of course using elements borrowed from other guitarists. Much of my current repertoire is played by ear, and sometimes forms and even entire songs are improvised on the spot, depending on circumstances.

Instruments and Equipment: Because of the pure bell-like tone that I employ, people are often under the impression that I am playing an acoustic guitar. In fact, I play an amplified electric instrument in which the string vibration is captured magnetically, thus allowing for greater control over the sound. I have several guitars with slightly different sounds, all made by Hagstrom, a Swedish company which discontinued production in 1981. In its later years (1976-1981), Hagstrom was known for making the highest quality guitars with outstanding tone. In some cases, I have made additional tonal modifications. I also add some percussion (snare, tambourine, and chimes), which I mainly operate with my foot. I have equipment for any circumstance or venue, large or small, including battery-operated equipment for outdoor events where electricity may not be available. I never use artificial enhancement, such as pre-recorded backing tracks, loop machines, or drum tracks. Thus, you get true live music, and all of what you hear is created on the spot. Types of Events and Repertoire: Aside from an occasional coffeehouse "gig", I most often play at special events such as weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, house parties, dinners and banquets, and unusual events of various types. Most of what I play comes from a memorized repertoire of about 100 songs. I do, however, read music and I am always willing to do a special song or two (preferably let me know in advance!). I can also, to some extent, emulate entire styles. For example, I have been asked to emphasize reggae, Asian, Hawaiian, Mexican, or Middle Eastern music, and although I can't play those forms in an entirely authentic manner, customers seem to have been happy with the results (I always enjoy a challenge!). Guest singers, at any skill level, are always more than welcome. I usually bring a microphone, but let me know about this in advance if possible. If you have a special song, a dance for the wedding couple, or anything particular I will try to accommodate. For example, if your son or daughter has been taking oboe lessons and would like to try it with accompaniment for your event, I will make it happen. I can also play the traditional wedding marches (and a couple of different alternatives), so I can play for the ceremony and reception afterwards, if you'd like.

General Information: In most cases, when I play solo guitar for an event, its not the kind of thing that overwhelms the event. In other words, I don't sing, and I play at moderate volume (volume can be varied to whatever level you would like), thus it is possible to carry on a conversation while I am playing. I think that the music enhances an event, by allowing for conversation but also providing something for people to listen to when they aren't talking to someone. I try to draw people's attention through the music, not by playing loudly. Although people sometimes dance when I'm playing solo, if you are primarily interested in music for dancing, that really requires a larger group (at least with drums and bass).

Finally, please feel free to contact me by telephone or e-mail with questions, requests for additional details, or anything you'd like to know. My aim as a solo performer and with our musical groups is to provide exactly the type of entertainment you are looking for, so I would like to hear from you about anything special that you might want to include.