I'm originally from a small town in upstate New York named Mechanicville, about 20 miles North of Albany. Originally I started off as a pianist but switched to bass.
My first band, consisted of me on bass, my brother on guitar, a drummer, and a big fat guy on the accordion.
We played birthday parties and bar Mitzvahs. Busting out such chart stoppers as, "The Candy Man," "Sitting On The Dock of The Bay," "Proud Mary" and of course, "Wipe Out."
My earliest musical influences were probably the bands I heard growing up in the late 60's: Herman's Hermits, The Beatles, Dave Clark Five, Otis Redding, the Motown sound and whatever else was on AM radio at the time. From my mother, I was introduced to Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, and tons of big band and musicals.
Eventually, I began to spend time with what my parents deemed "The wrong element." Soon, myself and the wrong element were holding after-school socials, drinking beer and listening to the Beatles, Sergeant Pepper album, and the Stones', "Their Satanic Majesties Request. (anybody remember that one?)
This downward spiral (that's what my dad called it) led me to bands like Steppenwolf, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Hendrix, Alice Cooper, David Bowie and Deep Purple.
My folks were worried because I was listening to what they deemed--how did they put it? Oh yes: "horrible music." Well, they were raised on Sinatra, Tony Bennet and Dean Martin. Funny, those three crooners are currently three of my favorite artists.
Anyway, In '78, my brother, who plays guitar and a drummer named Cartwright (yep, just like Bonanza) hatched a crazy idea about moving to Los Angeles to experience the west coast explosion that saw bands like Quiet Riot and Van Halen at the Vanguard of a new metal scene. We ended up living in some girl's car; the drummer got sex out of it, so I guess it wasn't a total loss, for him anyway.
I eventually secured a burger flipping position at Jack In The Box. But I soon tired of the glamorous life and decided to enlist in the military: 4 years U.S. Army Recon. I guess all the John Wayne war movies I watched as a kid had finally taken their toll.
Next thing I know, I'm crawling around in the mud with an M16 in Ft Knox Kentucky, while some maniac wearing a Smokey The Bear Hat is screaming about my mother and throwing stuff at me.
During the rare moments when I wasn't running around with a map and a compass, I met some great people from all walks of life, and some surprisingly awesome musicians.
After the military, I moved to Los Angeles-again-to pursue a career in music. Since then, I've performed live and recorded with dozens of great bands and artists. I recorded three Albums with noted American Hard Rock Band Takara : "Taste Of Heaven" in 1995, "Blind In Paradise", in 1998, and "Perception Of Reality" in 2002. Takara featured 3 different singers: Jeff Scott Soto (Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen, Talisman) on the first 3 albums. Jeff has an incredible body of work that you should listen to.
Michael Flatters came in for the fourth record, Perception of Reality, and Gus Monsanto sing's on Takara's most recent release "Invitation To Forever." Great music, check it out.
Also did time with Local Los Angeles Punk/Pop band, Slow Motorcade Out of all the bands I've been in, this was my favorite band name!. SLOW MOTORCADE...how cool!
Other great bands I played with were "In From Zero" featuring David Anthony on vocals, Brass Tacks with Brent Ballard,Richie Callison (Tonni Iomi/Head East) and "Mirror"
Mirror featured Alan Morphew on lead vocals.
Alan is currently touring the United States supporting his latest Release, "The American Dream." This guy writes awesome lyrics, in the spirit of Don McClean, Paul Simon and John lennon. He expresses feelings of personal love, but also sings about issues our country faces today...Very Important!. BUY THIS RECORD!!!
But my salute to all bands I've been involved in would not be complete without mentioning "Peekaboo Flatfish." This band was headed by my nephew, Larry DeMarco. Great lyrics, weaving a tapestry of interesting tales of compassion, humor, satire, lost love, suburban tales, and dreams. Give him a listen at: Peekaboo Flatfish