Biography
The family story is that at age 2 I received a toy piano for a present and starting learning tune by ear with it.
I started classical piano lessons and had two fantastic teachers: Eric Steiner (author of a popular series of method books), and Evelyn Stein who really instilled a love of both playing and improving.
Rock Music
I had little interest in rock music until I was around 15. It just didn’t seem like there was rock musician who had serious technical skills and the compositions seemed utterly basic and simple. And then… a friend played the “Trilogy” album from Emerson, Lake & Palmer and my life changed. I almost stopped doing anything in classical and focused on progressive rock.
But… it expanded and these days you’d be hard-pressed to name any modern genre that I don’t listen to.
Bands
Current: Take 3 (piano duo/trio/quartet), Metropolis (progressive rock tribute), Joe Gareri Project (progressive metal) and subbing for various bands (Kick Start Charlie, Billy/Doors/Petty tributes, Billy6 tribute, etc.)
Past: the db wilfred band, New York Hitmen, Synergy, Deceptive Resolution, Axe Attack, Brickyard Blues, Nightshade, etc.
Equipment
Philosophy: I am turned off by an over-focus on “gear”.
I’m of the opinion that I meet many people who would be much better players by spending less time on gear and more time on “music” (practice, learning theory/notation, etc.). Gear is a means to an end.
But… given that it seems obligatory to let potential clients know what equipment I have at my disposal.
Keyboards: My primary rig these days is simple: a keyboard (Korg Kronos) and a keyboard stand. :-)
But here’s what I own: Steinway Model B (7 foot), Korg Kronos-88, Korg Krome-EX-88, Nord Stage V1, Kurzweil PC-88MX, Kurzweil VSX Berklee edition (K-2000 series).
Guitars: Carvin DC-200 Koa, Ernie Ball Steve Morse prototype (bought directly from Steve Morse), Martin D-35, Taylor 12 String, Yamaha F-150 classical guitar, Fender Squire Strat.
Amps: Mesa Boogie Mark-IIB (tweed), Roland JC-120.
IEMS: Westone AM PRO-30s
Studio: My favorite DAW is Presonus StudioOne Pro. I have Yamaha HS-8 monitors, Tannoy PBM-6.5II monitors, and various control surfaces, power conditioners, headphone distribution, etc.
Studio VSTs: IKM B3-X, UVI Model D and Synthogy Ivory 3 pianos, Shreddage guitars/bass, MODO Bass, Toontracks EZ Drummer V3, EastWest ComposerCloud
Studio Plugins: All Presonus plugins, Waves Rbass, Clarity and DeReverb, SoftTube saturation, etc.
There is more, but I don’t like to list all that I have on public forums.
What I Listen To
Classical: George Gershwin, Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Copeland
Progressive: Dream Theater, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Kansas, Yes, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Renaissance
Fusion: The Dregs, Larry Carlton, Jeff Beck, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones
Rock: Aerosmith, Blackfoot
Pop: Alanis Morrissette, Taylor Swift
Broadway: Wicked, Rent, Purlie, The Color Purple, Hedwig & the Angry Inch, Company, Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera
Take a musical journey with me
Discover the stories behind our creations, our team, and the soulful melodies that drive us. Your experience with us will be as unique as the music we create.
Embrace the rhythm, embrace the creativity, and embrace the beauty of music.
Influences
Steve Morse (Dregs) - One day at college I was on my way to a midterm exam and there was this band playing amazing progressive music that either spanned many genres or was outside all genres. The musicianship was at a level I’d never seen. I missed the midterm and ultimately Steve became my primary influence, not just in terms of style but “approach”. He is my musical sensei.
Keith Emerson (ELP) - Emerson revealed that there was room for chops and musical knowledge in the rock world. And… that a keyboard player could be something more than backup for guitarists. And… something more than just a guy sitting up there playing, he could be a showman and an entertainer.
Larry Carlton - Carlton sparked (ignited) my passion for advanced chord substitution. Going beyond the limits of triads and 7ths. His chords seemed to have baked-in magic to to them and I spent hours learning his charts.
Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) - I first became of Jordan when he subbed for my friend T Lavitz on a Dregs tour. Never seen keyboard musicianship that compares to him. But what I’ve since learned is that he’s not just a master of technique, but technology as well. He has influenced me both in terms of style/approach but also using technology/equipment to achieve a result.
