BIO
I have been playing guitar for over 50 years. During that time I have also played violin, mandolin, piano, tenor sax and kazoo. Currently I focus on ukulele, guitar, bass, and vocals in my teaching and performing career. I have been singing my whole life - in choirs, in bands, in all types of jams, and around the campfire. Styles/repertoire that I specialize in include: folk, blues, pop, 60s & 70s rock, swing, bluegrass, country, the Beatles and contemporary Jewish.
Throughout the years I have performed in various bands spanning a range of styles. Recent projects have included a jazz quartet (Dandelion), a Beatles tribute band (The Quarry Persons), a close harmony vocal Americana band (3 Chix and a Rooster) and a regular gig in the band at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael.
During the past dozen or so years, teaching music has become the real passion in my life. Whether it's introducing a beginner to the joy of making music or showing a new lick to a seasoned musician - I feel so lucky to be able to share what I love with others. I have seen first hand how music can change lives. I am proud that the children and adults I have taught have been able to experience the joy that playing music brings.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES
Singers: Ella Fitzgerald, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Adele, Patsy Cline, Jennifer Scott, Eva Cassidy, Peggy Lee, Brandi Carlile
Guitarists: Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Neil Young, Norman Blake, Maybelle Carter, Sylvia Herold, Joni Mitchell, Cyd Smith, David Rawlings
Bass: Paul McCartney, Ray Brown, Christian McBride, Esperanza Spalding, Cary Black, Rene Worst, John Clayton, Missy Raines, Chuck Ervin
Ukulele: Paul Hemmings, Cliff Edwards "Ukulele Ike", James Hill
Bands: The Beatles, The Wailin' Jennys, Dan Nichols, Diana Krall, Gillian Welch, Patty Griffin, Dan Hicks & Hot Licks, The Small Glories
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME...
Favorite Beatle: Paul
Favorite Current Touring Band: The Small Glories
Best Live Concert in past 5 Years: 4-way Tie: Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Tour in Melbourne, Australia, January 2020, Brandi Carlile sings Joni Mitchell's Blue at LA Disney Concert Hall Oct 2019, Paul McCartney @ Dodger Stadium July 2019, Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life Tour @ Oracle in Oakland December 2014
Favorite venue to hear live music: Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, CA
Musician I'd love to jam with: Bonnie Raitt (guitar) & Diana Krall (bass)
When I'm not playing, teaching, or listening to music I like to: draw & paint watercolor sketches, cook elaborate meals with my son, sing with my daughter, have a good belly laugh with my friends and family.
