Throwback Session Guitarist

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I started as a wunderkind guitarist in a small town in NY. The usual Stevie Ray Vaughan obsessed mid-90's 15 year old at the dive bar open jam on a school night. Eventually I received a Jazz magazine addressed to someone else and kept it (a major crime in a small town). There was a CD attached with "Faith In You" by Marc Johnson, featuring Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell on it. I was electrified and from then on combined a Blues mentality with the open-endedness of Jazz improvisation. Hopping from town to town (and girlfriend to girlfriend) in my 20's, I became a first call sideman in Fusion, Jam, Salsa, Zydeco and Country bands. I eventually met my now-wife and we started an acoustic singer songwriter duo, touring everywhere from NY to the Caribbean. We even played the Ryman in Nashville once. Now I'm focused more on the production side of things; recording and mixing bands and doing remote session work as a guitarist in Atlanta, GA.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital for ease and recallability with Analog emulations for soul

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Get yourself into the mentality of committing to an idea. With all of the digital advances in recording and production, we no longer have limitations that force us to make a decision and stick with it. Do you really need to mic that bass cabinet with 3 mics and a DI? Is doing 30 takes of that vocal and comping it together word by word actually improving the song, or is it turning it into mediocre predictability? In other words, I like to create parts that, when it comes time to mix, you turn the fader up and it sounds right.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: 1. Index Cards 2. Earl Grey Tea 3. SM57 4. A Pro Tools Rig 5. My PRS McCarty 594 10 Top

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Like a cricket bouncing through the grass. Or a monkey shaking a tree.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to watch Tom Waits make a record. He's just so intensely interesting and inventive. I'd be willing to hold his coffee cup all day for the opportunity!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: At any given moment in a song there should be one main character and up to two supporting characters. If there's more than that it will be hard for the listener to get hooked in. (Sometimes you want a chaotic sound, so this, like everything, should be taken with a grain of salt)

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I'm most suited for Classic R&B based sounds. That would include Blues, Jazz, Funk, Soul, and Rock. However, I am also well versed in Salsa, Hard Rock, Ambient music and others.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My taste. I can quickly hear what needs to be trimmed away to let the song shine. And I've never come across a song that didn't need a little trimming.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I have a steadfast commitment to unique parts that compliment the song and make it stronger. Instead of laying down a big block of ideas, I am deeply tuned in to how my part weaves into and supports the song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I use a mix of structure and free-flowing when I work. I typically outline my goals for the project in writing, come up with a schedule for the day or week, and stick to it. However, inside of that schedule I strive for deep embodiment of the project and intense focus. I don't like repeating myself musically, so I'm always reaching for more.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: - PRS, Fender, Ibanez, Martin, Takamine, Seagull, Ernie Ball Music Man guitars and basses - Fender Blues Jr, as well as Fender, Marshall, and Soldano amp sims - Focusrite preamps - Shure SM57 and SM7B, AT4041s, Cloned U47/67/M149/251 via Slate Virtual Microphone System Mics - Top Recording and Mixing plugins from Slate, Waves, Focusrite, Fabfilter, Soundtoys and more. - Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper, Harrison Mixbus

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Pat Metheny's improvisational flow, Esperanza Spalding's fearlessness, Steely Dan's attention to detail, Jack White's boldness, Prince's unapologetic sass, Tom Waits' curiosity.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I am typically hired to create and record guitar parts and arrangements with a "throwback" sound. Everything from Motown to Muscle Shoals to Led Zeppelin.