LOWNOTES UPHORIA

I play a little bass...and lovin' every minute of it. Proud and honored to be a part of Castles In Spain in San Francisco, an original project that lets me span my emotional and artistic wings and playing some of the most powerful and eclectic music I've ever been associated with. I also play with a pro-cover / dance band out of the south bay, Spank which is one hell of a party and a chance for me to play songs from many genres including funk, rock, dance, pop and motown. Talk about have your cake and eat it too. I also enjoy writing solo peices for my amusement, and get a kick out of playing some guitar when my fingers are in the mood for a 6th string. My theory is to absolutely make sure you hold down that bottom end, and make it interesting at the same time.....weather its rolling hills behind a silky vocal or a slapping pluck to complement a funk groove. You can always pick an appropriate spot to flash a little rif, but never do it when it may rob a great vocal or musical moment. It is truly teamwork to create truly magical music in a band environment. Influences....well you would probably be expecting a long list of well known artists, and sure I have many that I have listened to, enjoyed and studied. However my main influences are players that are just as tallented, but perhaps not the household names you would expect. Sal Birtola my first cousin currently playing with "Slingtown" (see my friends) is the one that first caught my ear when he used to play with my brother in bands long ago, probably when I was 4 or 5. Always love the way he plays, and more so today as he has blossomed into a monster well rounded player who subscribes to the same theorys that I do when it comes to supporting his rythym section. Eric Haven is another huge influence that you simply must check out (again see my friends)...incredible player and friend who handed me his bass when I was in high-school and I didnt want to give it back. It was the first time I truly held a bass and experienced playing one.....I never looked back after that. Guitarists, singers, drummers get much of the glory. Some people consider bass players to be the "field goal kicker" of the band....get out there, kick the ball and get off the field. I beg to differ....