Behind the Scenes of My New Album: Sunday Brunch

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 intimacy of live performances in a unique way.

For years, I’ve had the pleasure of performing at brunch gigs, setting the atmosphere for people as they enjoy a leisurely weekend meal. It’s a magical time of day—unhurried, reflective, and full of simple pleasures. I wanted to capture that experience in an album, giving listeners a way to bring that warmth into their own space, whether they’re sipping coffee in the morning or unwinding in the afternoon.

A Live Album, the Easy Way

What makes Sunday Brunch different from my past recordings is that it was entirely live. And honestly? It was one of the easiest albums I’ve ever made! There was no elaborate studio setup, no tracking multiple takes, no heavy post-production. I simply brought a Zoom recorder, placed it in front of my amp, and let the music unfold naturally. Since the mic was close to the amp, I barely had to worry about background noise from the restaurants I played in.

Over a period of about six months, I recorded more than 100 tunes across various brunch gigs. Later, I went through all the recordings, selecting the 20 best performances—tracks that not only sounded great but also fit together to create a cohesive listening experience. And the best part? It cost me almost nothing, and it didn’t require any extra time beyond what I was already doing. If only every album could come together so effortlessly!

Solo Guitar Performance and My Recent Workshop

On January 19, 2025, I had the privilege of presenting The Art of Solo Guitar at The Downstairs in Ithaca, NY. This event combined a workshop and concert, celebrating the beauty and versatility of solo guitar. The night kicked off with a 30-minute workshop where I shared insights and techniques from my years of playing solo. We explored key concepts such as learning melodies by scale degrees, incorporating bass notes, selecting the best keys and voicings, and using stylistic techniques to enhance arrangements.

Following the workshop, there was a Q&A session before I took the stage for a full hour-long solo guitar performance. The setlist included selections from Sunday Brunch along with newer arrangements and salsa-inspired pieces. This concert was a reflection of my journey as a solo guitarist, showcasing the techniques and ideas I had just shared in the workshop.

The Evolution of My Solo Guitar Approach

When I first started playing solo gigs, I used a looper to fill out the sound. It gave me the ability to layer chords and melody, making my arrangements feel fuller. One day, though, the looper wasn’t working, and at first, I was disappointed. But as the performance went on, I found myself completely immersed in the raw, unaccompanied art of solo guitar. I had to dig deeper, making my playing as complete and expressive as possible without relying on looping. By the end of that gig, I was having so much fun that I decided to stop bringing the (now fixed) looper altogether.

From that moment on, I embraced the challenge and freedom of solo playing. The way I arrange pieces today—balancing melody, harmony, and rhythm all within a single guitar performance—was shaped by that experience. Sunday Brunch is a direct reflection of that journey.

Track Highlights

The album consists of 20 tracks, each with its own story and mood. Some pieces bring vibrant energy, while others are reflective and meditative. Here are a few highlights:

• “Beautiful Love” (05:15) – This jazz standard is a gentle introduction to the album, offering lush harmonies and a serene, flowing melody that eases the listener into a relaxed state.
• “Afro Blue” (05:42) – Mongo Santamaría’s classic takes on a new dimension as a solo guitar piece. The Afro-Cuban rhythm shines through in the phrasing and groove, making this one of the most rhythmically exciting tracks.
• “Sir Duke” (04:35) – A tribute to the legendary Duke Ellington through the lens of Stevie Wonder’s joyful classic. Arranging this song for solo guitar was a delightful challenge, and I aimed to capture its infectious energy.
• “Sunday Brunch” (05:56) – The title track is an original composition that blends jazz, blues, and folk elements. It encapsulates the entire spirit of the album—relaxed, celebratory, and full of warmth.
• “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (04:24) – Simon & Garfunkel’s classic takes on an introspective tone in this arrangement, highlighting the guitar’s ability to carry deep emotion.
• “C Jam Blues” (03:51) – Ending the album on a lighthearted note, this Duke Ellington tune is all about groove and improvisation—bringing the fun and spontaneity of a live brunch gig to your speakers.

Why Solo Guitar Matters

Solo guitar is a unique art form that challenges musicians to combine melody, harmony, and rhythm into a single, cohesive voice. It’s an incredibly rewarding pursuit, offering creative freedom and the opportunity to connect deeply with listeners.

For audiences, solo guitar performances provide an intimate musical experience. The absence of other instruments allows the nuances of the guitar to shine, creating a direct and personal connection between the performer and the listener. The Sunday Brunch album and my recent workshop/concert event were both ways for me to share this passion and demonstrate what’s possible with solo guitar.

What’s Next?

Releasing Sunday Brunch and hosting The Art of Solo Guitar event have been incredible milestones, but there’s more to come. I’m planning additional live performances and workshops to continue exploring and teaching solo guitar techniques. I also have new arrangements and compositions in the works, with ideas forming for my next project.

A Personal Invitation

If you haven’t already, I invite you to check out Sunday Brunch on spotify, itunes, or bandcamp. Whether you’re a fellow musician, a jazz enthusiast, or someone who simply loves the sound of solo guitar, I hope this album resonates with you.

Thank you for your support, and here’s to celebrating the magic of live music, one note at a time.

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