The Listener’s Perspective vs. the Musician’s Responsibility When someone listens to a performance, they don’t think about how much technical work went into it. Just as when a person looks at a painting, they don’t ask how many hours the painter spent studying color theory or anatomy—they simply ask: Do I like it? Does it […]
When you think of live music at a corporate event, what comes to mind? For some, it’s a lively party band after dinner. For others, it’s a jazz trio or solo guitarist providing a smooth backdrop for networking and conversation. The truth is, corporate entertainment can take many forms, but one thing is constant: the […]
There’s something magical that happens when you share a creative space with someone who truly gets it. That was my experience at a recent wedding where my band played the reception at Cornell’s Statler Hotel in Ithaca. The photographer that day was Jen Pecka, and although we’d never met before, I found myself completely impressed—not […]
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and what better way to set the mood than with live, intimate guitar music in a historic setting? This year, I had the pleasure of performing at The Mansion on James in Syracuse—a venue steeped in history and elegance. The experience was unforgettable, blending romantic melodies with the […]
Performing music is a journey of highs and lows, growth and setbacks. Not long ago, I shared my struggles with feeling “beat up” on stage after an open mic performance where I attempted a solo instrumental set of Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz. The experience was a wake-up call, reinforcing the importance of time-feel, audience connection, and […]
For most of my guitar-playing life, I didn’t focus on rhythm. Like many guitarists, I was more concerned with technique, theory, and phrasing. It wasn’t until about five or six years ago, during the making of my album What Are the Odds?, that I began to truly study rhythm. I sought out a teacher and […]
When legendary studio guitarist Tim Pierce talks about the essence of great studio playing, he highlights something that resonates deeply with me: having fun and bringing emotion to every part you play. Tim’s words reflect a universal truth in music—no matter your technical prowess or the gear you own, what truly matters is the heart […]
Jazz Under the Stars: A Rehearsal Dinner at Gratitude & Grace A Long-Awaited First Visit There are some places that you hear about long before you ever set foot there. For me, Gratitude & Grace was one of those places. Nestled just outside Ithaca—close enough to be convenient, but surrounded by open fields that make it […]
Cinco de Mayo weekend 2025 was a milestone for me and my ongoing love affair with Latin music. It was a weekend that reminded me how far my Latin band, Sunset Salsa, has come in a year, and how rewarding it can be to both lead and participate in Latin music at all levels—from tightly […]
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a musician is sharing my music with others. Earlier this month, I released my newest solo guitar album, Sunday Brunch, and I couldn’t be more excited! This project holds a special place in my heart—not just because of its concept, but because it encapsulates the joy and […]