Jazz guitar inspired by Charlie Christian, Oscar Moore (of Nat Cole Trio), Jimmy Rainey. Harmonically inspired by arrangers Nelson Riddle & Don Costa. Recorded by legendary producers like Costa, Mitch Miller, Hugh Hefner, & Fred Foster. Played guitar & arranged shows with Vic Damone in Army Special Services in Germany in early 1950s. Worked 12 years as star entertainer on Playboy circuit around the world. Played & recorded with jazz greats like Herbie Hancock, Dodo Marmarosa, Ira Sullivan.
My guitar & vocals are done simultaneously, with no overdubbing. One moment what I play on guitar depends on how I sing a phrase, and the next moment, how I sing the following phrase may depend on what I just played on guitar. There is a spontaneous emotional interaction between the vocal and the guitar that is hard to achieve on overdubs.
To read more about Johnny's career or for music samples & CD store go to his Starwell Music website.
