After months—maybe even years—of dreaming and planning, the past weekend marked a major milestone for me and my band, Sunset Salsa. We recorded our debut album. And even though I’ve recorded many times before and spent countless hours in the studio, this one was different. More intense. More exhausting. More fulfilling. And, frankly, more eye-opening […]
When I think about moving to Myrtle Beach (which I will be doing in November 2025), I don’t see it as just a change of scenery or a career opportunity. I see it as a sacred transition — a healing ritual that touches every part of my life. Spiritually, artistically, financially, relationally, socially, and in […]
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 […]