Peter Gusmano Jr.

Welcome to the UPDATED new version of My Space! My name is Peter....and your dropping by is very cool..Heres a little about me if you care to read.
I was born on Long Island, home to many a killer guitarist (who woulda known), I began drumming in the 4th Grade. Thanks to my Dads encouragement, he dropped me off to class and at that moment, my life was changed. Music was something that took over me, even though to some, banging on a phone book was not that exciting, to me it was. Little by little, I worked up the ranks.Marching band, Concert band, Orchestra and soon NYSMA (New York State Music Association), where I won Top Medal awards 4 years straight. By the time I got to Junior High, I was bitten by the Rock and Roll bug. All I wanted to do was rock and roll my drum kit, which was a 4 pc Silver Sparkle Ludwig.my dream. Getting together with many friends through school, my first band was formed, entitled Destiny. Not as rocking to play with a drummer, clarinet player and keyboard. The best possible scenario would have been to cover Men at Work, which we did !! UGH!
My next band was called Shark Sandwich, aptly named from the infamous Spinal Tap. We did all Zeppelin Covers, Guns and Roses and assorted Metal tunes. Practice was still key to me.and spent night after night banging away, to the joy of the parents.
Moving to college, I formed a Jam band with some of my ZBT brothers..and wed rehearse in a Barn up in Alfred New York and party like rockstars. Fun times. Who woulda thought a bunch of guys could jam their asses off in the freezing dead of winter in down jackets.
Since all that, I pursued my other dream of working in Advertising through my dads passion, and am now the US Director of Client Services for a large agency here in NYC. I began events entitled Media All Stars which are large, fun partying nights at various NYC venues of bands made up of people in the Media Industry playing at such venues as Le ba Bat, Village Underground, Coda 34 and the Continental. Mostly cover sets, we always rocked the house with a project named Grey Zone....featuring John Cosgrove, Brian Bertini and James Higginbotham. Still playing to this day.... and still packing it when we do. About 3 1/2 yrs ago, at a time when life was not its easiest....I read a book called The Artists Way....a book that changed my life. It talked about what desires as a child and in adulthood you never pursued. For me, it was instantly one thing.....guitar. After reading this book and discovering the passion I had to learn, I went and ordered an Ibanez JEM....my dream guitar. Over my head and a little late as some might say....yeah sure....but no lack of desire.... I studied for years with various teachers.....until one day my buddy and fellow shredder Sal said "why not call Rob Balducci." I was awed and shocked that one could study with Rob....whos cd I first bought in 1994 in Tower Records after hearing Balance, his first CD...on a listening station. Rob has influenced and and directed me to better understand the instrument. Weve travelled the world and explored some of the best that music can offer and had musical bliss together....and Im forever gracious for his support. Im also fortunate to be surrounded by amazing players who are also my good friends. Its a tough circle to hang in....trust me. Sal, not only one of my best buds, is also the foremost guitar tech and unreal player who makes these machines so high speed its unreal. The Guitar Fix is the best place to have repairs and hang with a great guy. I met Rob and began to develop my studies as I have to this day.....writing and composing instrumental rock music which you will hear on this site....something that I have a great love for. Growing up, I was inspired bysome of the names you see here to your left....wondering how people can get so good at guitar. Now I know...hard ass f*kn work! My inspiration comes from life....both good and the hard times. Through it all, I always feel music must move a person one way or another. I will continue to write music like this always..... I also manage Rob on the side, as part of our Dialed In Entertainment. Rob is on Steve Vais Favored nations and you can check out his site at www.robbalducci.com
I also must add that , I lost my mother Lillian to the horror of ALS in November of 2005(or Lou Gherigs disease). Its not until one faces a beloved mother, who did nothing but good, that you can understand what importance life holds everyday. She is who gave me this gift of music...encouraged me and loved me each and every day. The song "Blend" you hear on here was writen for her 70th Birthday and represents the love we shared.....Every note I play will be for her.....forever.
I am working right now on completing my first CD and invite all to drop comments on this site and let me know what you think. I recently built an amazing home studio/theater room that is allowing me to explore my recording elements in greater depth. I love to meet musicians from all over and just good people in general. Drop a note ! Thanks again.....and much love. - - - - - - Peter
Welcome back to the Studio!!!!...I just recently acquired a Petrucci Musicman guitar and after the 2 times I had it before...its a charm. This guitar plays like nothing you can imagine and has sick tone. Recently I saw Dream Theater at Jones Beach. Petrucci is a true genius who lately I am appreciating more than ever.....and the tone is as usual to die for. Ive been a fan of his since the first DT cd and I think he is at his best right now. Its not just all shred but I feel touching more on his melodic parts. I found this clip I think is killer from recent G3 Tour with Satch and Gilbert.....chk out Dave LaRue on bass...and my drum mentor Mike Portnoy