Back when I was in college I studied music theory and orchestration with the late composer/conductor Max DiJulio (who, in his earlier days, played with the original Glen Miller Orchestra). At the same time, I was playing in a school guitar quartet and a popular acoustic group, all of which greatly influenced me and are clearly reflected in my music.
The first time I actually recorded and multi-tracked an entire tune by myself, I discovered an outlet that gave me total freedom. I could write a basic piece of music, record it, and then add parts as if I were orchestrating. I’m what’s called a ‘utilities’ guy, and I play enough guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica....to be dangerous! Which means many tunes were complete with just that choice of instrumentation. But, when needed, I would bring in one of my talented friends to add flute, sax or percussion to make a tune complete.
Check out some examples here:
SLIP AWAY was written mostly with guitar quartet in mind. Acoustic and melodic. (11 tunes)
“It’s well-written and very well-played...I am sincerely impressed" --- Will Ackerman --- (Founder/Windham Hill Records)
FOLLOW ME is a bit edgier. I use some electric guitars here and there, and there’s more bass, percussion, and a few more friends! Many compositions tend to weave through all kinds of musical styles, which I think makes it more fun to listen to. (11 tunes)
COMPOSITE is the only way to describe this album. It’s a collection of assorted tunes I wrote and recorded over a period of a few years, all whimsically inspired. (The INVENTION #4 was written by J. S. Bach, but I added a couple of parts...) And with respect to genre, well, it’s all over the map. A jig to a waltz. Some of my favorite compositions are in this collection. (12 tunes)