Session Guitarist/Songwriter

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: My own trio, the "Folk Element Trio"! We released our debut album on the "Outside In" label last spring to a great reception. The concept of the band is that we are all based in jazz but reach beyond that to incorporate aspects of different folk music from all over the world; West Africa, the Caribbean, The UK, Appalachia and more.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A lot of my own music! I write and perform with my own band often.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Not yet! I'll keep you posted...

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: They both have their ups and downs! It depends what you mean... For recording guitar, I do it analog. Guitar through amp, into a mic. I think you get a much warmer sound that way. I suppose digital amp modelers give you more options (although I have a lot already) but the sound isn't as good in my opinion.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I promise to do the best job I can possibly do and try to make your song sound great!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to do what I love for a living! Almost every day!

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Can you record your beautiful guitar magic on this track? (the answer is usually yes)

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: Hmmmmm... let me get back to you on that one.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What exactly are you looking for musically and what would you like to come out of this collaboration with?

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

A: Just be upfront about what you're looking for! If you don't have anything specific in mind, that's also fine. I can come up with some options for you to choose from.

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

A: Oooooooh - My Sadowsky, Polytone amp, reverb, delay and tremolo.

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

A: I've been gigging since I was about 14 but I got more serious about playing music professionally when I moved to New York City 12 years ago. I attended Juilliard for jazz studies. While I was there I was gigging quit often, mostly in jazz but also playing with singer/songwriters, rock, funk and r&b musicians. That's similar to what I do now as well.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Tasteful, appropriate, mature, honest. Jazzy at heart but under a big umbrella.

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

A: Probably Norah Jones. I've been a big fan of her for years. To me, she's a perfect balance between jazz and pop, technique and soul. I think I would fit in great to her aesthetic.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always try to approach things as organically as possible. Don't try and assert your knowledge of technical or theoretical concepts into the song. It's like shoving a square peg into a round hole. Listen genuinely to the music and be honest about what you hear and what the song needs.

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

A: My specialty is jazz but the beautiful thing about jazz is that it gives you the theory and foundation to play many different styles. I feel very comfortable playing rock, blues, country, folk, singer/songwriter, funk, r&b, indie and hip hop as well.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill set is as a guitarist. I've been playing for over 20 years and I was trained at Juilliard, so I know my way around the instrument and I know how to be a great accompanist for your song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring musicality, variety and taste to a song. I know my way around many genres so I can bring what your song needs. If you have something specific in mind, that's great but if you don't I can also give you many options to choose from.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I'll listen to the track many times to internalize it, then think of a few different sounds that might work over the song and record a track for each of those sounds. The artist can then pick and choose what they like from that. This way they have plenty of options. I'm also very open if the artist has something specific in mind.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a home studio. I use GarageBand and Logic and have a very warn sounding ribbon mic. I also have many guitars and tons of pedals and can get many different sounds to fit your track!

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

A: I love all kinds of music - I mentioned in my profile that I've specialized in jazz for a number of years so I love many players in that vein, Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Juilian Lage, Bill Frisell. Barney was a member of a the "wrecking crew in the 50's and 60's and did sessions for everyone from Sinatra to the Beach Boys. Frisell is also similar in that way and has done sessions with Paul Simon and Norah Jones, also two of my favorite artists. I'm also a big fan of many contemporary artists/instrumentalists like John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Iron & Wine and Radiohead.

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

A: Add guitar tracks to their existing song. Help bring it to life with different colors and textures.