Hello everyone! Im a contemporary jazz and blues guitarist located in the Los Angeles, California area. This page is a place for me to meet others who share an interest in instrumental jazz and blues guitar music.

Im lucky enough to live in sunny Southern California now, but I was born and raised in Central New York. The winters are brutal, and I enjoyed them even less after four years at Berklee College of Music in Boston. The college was great, the weather - not so much. I gigged around the US and Canada in the early 80s. There was a lot of work for Top 40 bands in those days. Most of the gigs were six nights a week and you traveled for three to six months at a time. It was a great opportunity to get experience and play different styles of music.

I moved to LA in the mid 80s. I enjoy the playing and networking opportunities that only exist here. Its a unique place and Ive had a chance to play and record with some great players.

In 2005, I received my M.M. in performance from The University of Southern California. Going back to school at age 40 was a challenging endeavor. I was fortunate to have a full scholarship and get a chance to teach there as well.

My health started to decline during my time at USC and in December of 2005, I underwent a kidney transplant at Cedar Sinai Medical Hospital. I have a genetic disease called polycystic kidneys, which also afflicted my father, uncle, and grandmother. My cousins also suffer from the condition. While a transplant is not a cure, it has saved me from a life of dialysis. I am able to play, teach and record. I have a studio in Redlands, California and teach 45 to 50 students a week.

I am currently writing and recording a contemporary jazz CD. I hope to use it to help raise awareness of organ donation and kidney disease. A portion of sales will go to www.pkdcure.org.