I grew up in the musically rich area of Akron/Cleveland/Kent Ohio. Many great musicians came out of there, including Joe Walsh, Phil Keaggy, Chrissie Hynde, Devo. I spent my summers working at Blossom Music Center, the home of the Cleveland Orchestra, where I gained an appreciation for classical music. The symphony performed on the weekends, but weekdays Blossom hosted many great rock and pop acts. I loved watching their sound checks and shows!

I joined my first band at the age of 12.  All through high school we played weekends, mostly at wild college parties. At the same time, I became fascinated with the whole production aspect, arranging the songs we played and working out the vocal harmonies. It was great ear training.

I’ll never forget the first time I heard Joe Walsh (Eagles’ guitarist) in a local band, The James Gang. I’d never heard anyone play with such feel, fluidity, and killer tone!

While playing in bands, I also learned the basics of electronics and sound, and became enamored with the recording process.

One night, playing in a club in Miami Beach, I recognized famed drummer Joe Vitale (Crosby, Stills, & Nash and many others) in the audience. He invited me to a recording session at Criteria Studio, and I was hooked!

My friendship with Vitale led to playing on a Joe Walsh tour, sharing the billing with Stevie Nicks. Touring the US and Japan playing with my childhood guitar hero…now that was something I never even dreamed could happen.

When the tour ended I realized I was getting more and more interested in recording. Walsh encouraged me to move out to Los Angeles, which I did. This began my journey as an engineer working in many top studios in L.A., New York, Tokyo, and Nashville. I’ve worked with some incredibly talented artists and producers along the way.