-FSP- Frank Stephens Project

I was raised on Long Island. I played in several bands on Long Island. My first live gig was 1976 playing with Bob Sesti on Drums and Joe Fulco on Bass at The Wooden Nickel in Massepequa, NY. I also played in bands with guitarists Joe Stump and Jim Cruz, both are exceptional players, Joe is a speed metal phenom and Jim is an established Jazz Rock guitarist and guitar teacher and he was my mentor. It was truly great experiences jamming with these skilled players back in the day when we were all just cutting our teeth. I left Long Island for Fla. and went on the road professionally with a band for about one year and then settled in Tampa Florida and formed my own band. In 1988 I met vocalist Stephanie Scolaro and wrote my first album. I enjoyed working with a diverse female singer because we were able to write and record rock, dance, nu-jazz, blues and more. I am not and never will be a niche player. I love rock, I play in a classic rock band, but I love writing contemporary jazz, blues, funk, fusion, etc.. I'm just a fan of many styles of music. You will hear my influences in my work, the song Panorama is a song I wrote after hearing Trevor Rabins "Cant Look Away" solo album. That was a life changing album for me in both production values and writing. It inspired that song, and those familiar with Trevor's solo stuff can hear the influence. One other note, my last name is rather hard to pronounce and often mispronounced. On my solo work I use my first and middle name to avoid the confusion. Hence the Frank Stephens Project. I love unique expressive and emotional guitar work. The guitar instrumental "Not The Only One" is a guitar ballad I wrote which tried to capture a certain mood I was in at that time. I can still bring myself back to that moment in time every time I hear that song. That concept is what spawned the title of the track "Windows In Time" which is another one of my gut wrenching guitar instrumentals. (Gut wrenching for me at least). I think music is God's gift and can transport you to another time and place and it is why I do what I do. The track THE BIG CRUNCH is a demo I wrote recently and has strong influences from John Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. I am also writing new power rock & blues cd for my band THE SHIFT. Currently I write, record and give lessons and my guitar shop; www.brandonguitargallery.com