Biography

I've been a musician almost my entire life. It all started with the guitar, which I began playing at the age of five by learning old cowboy songs from my father, who was an accomplished jazz and classical pianist. I studied music as a multi-instrumentalist for several years in school, and have performed as a bassist, guitarist, and vocalist in New England night clubs since the early 1980's.

In 2004, I moved to the city of Malaga in southern Spain, where I finally became immersed in a life-long musical curiosity of mine: Flamenco. I became hopelessly infected with the Flamenco bug and began studying Sevillanas music and dance at a local school, while also learning "street" Flamenco from local neighbors. Around that time, local friends and fellow musicians began calling me "El Calvo" because of my lack of hair. I became so used to it that when I left Spain, the name came with me!

As a solo guitarist, I play mostly old-fashioned, "slow hand" Flamenco puro and more modern "ida y vuelta" styles (especially rhumba), but also sometimes dabble in Spanish Classical and Baroque guitar. In recent years I have enjoyed performing my music at weddings, faires and small club venues. I'm also currently working on recording projects--solo Flamenco guitar and rhumba ensemble. My goal as a performer of Flamenco is not just to entertain, but also to educate people about this singularly beautiful and multifaceted form of music.