Ten top shelf guitarists, from ten different musical worlds, all from the greater San Diego area, join me in jamming out to ten of my instrumental compositions . I've either played with, or watched live, each of these guitarists in their respective styles, all accomplished fretboard maestros. This landmark CD will take you on a one of a kind eclectic musical journey, via an authentic representation of each genre, supported by rotating rhythm sections, featuring premier bass players, drummers and percussionists from each style. The twenty-two musicians heard on this disc, are not only high level players, but consummate pros and conscientious persons, many of whom I hadn't played with in decades, including a reunion with my brother, Walt. Google their names and learn more about their playing history, along with accompanying performance videos. I have equal respect for all the styles represented on this recording, having played in the trenches, taught, and transcribed numerous tunes in each genre. Thanks, and enjoy this unique disc, a guitar fiesta from start to finish BEYOND THE LINER NOTES The absence of keys, horns or strings, keeps a strong emphasis on the two guitar theme throughout. Many of the 22 musicians on this recording, are ones I've played with or known about over the years here, and culminates a great spotlight for so many deserving local musicians. Some of the personnel, in each group, were combinations of players just meeting for the first time, and some who play together regularly. There are no overdubs, and most of the tracks were done anywhere from one to three takes, creating a strong 'live' vibe to this recording. Laura Chavez joins me on the opening track, in the Jump Blues format. She's an up and coming guitarist in the national blues scene, currently residing in Mountain View, California, but has become a fixture in the San Diego music scene, playing with local singer, Candye Kane. I caught her with Kane's group, back in 2010 at Croce's Restaurant, where I was immediately impressed with her command of the fretboard, as a rhythm and lead player. At 28 years old, she had a powerful and expressive playing style way beyond her years. Burt Newman, a veteran of the local scene, joins us on bass. Jimmy Patton joins me on the Acoustic Fusion track. I remember seeing Jimmy on some of the local TV morning shows, back when he was a teenager, playing two guitars at once with an amazing sense of melody and improvisational skills. Now in his late 30's, he's become a tour de force as a solo guitarist, group performer and composer on acoustic and electric guitars. Frank Lazzaro joins us on doumbek drum; he's a member of the popular Middle Earth band, and fronts his own group, The Travel Agents, playing drums. Jim Soldi joins me on the Rockabilly track. I first met Jim in 1981, when the country scene was bubbling over during the Urban Cowboy phase, and the Mustang Club, Big Oak Ranch & Circle D Corral were the places to line dance and be in San Diego County. Jim was the guitarist for the legendary local band, 'Montezuma's Revenge.' I was with 'Hey Fever', along with upright bassist, Mike Craig, whom also plays on this track. Mike and I were also both teaching at The New Expression Music Shop at that time, along with Dennis Caplinger, who was playing electric guitar for 'Country Casanova.' It's the first time that Mike and I have played together since the early 80's, as he has recently returned to the area as of last year. In 1984 he had a one year stint as bassist for Lonnie Mack, opening up for Stevie Ray Vaughan. It's the first time Jim and I have played together. Jim spent a decade in Nashville playing with Johnny Cash for seven years and in Ricky Skaggs' band as well. His family has owned and operated Valley Music in El Cajon; his dad was a well known country swing musician back in the day. Andy Tirpak joins me on the Funk track. Andy, as well, has been a long time veteran bar band musician, playing in numerous bands too. I first met him in 1986 when his band, 'The Premiers', and mine, 'Sh Boom', were both playin
