Hi everybody,
I’ve had a few interviews lately and every time I wish I
had done things differently. Communication is a big skill to have for someone
like me. I guess I’m learning as I go. Here are examples.
I had an
interview with Monica Brinkman
and Kerry Hall from It Matters Radio. Monica gave me the best compliment saying
that I make my guitar speak. WOW! THANK YOU! But then I did not answer back,
did not stop to thank her and moved on to the next question. I had trouble
hearing them because I was using my phone to skype. I hope you know now.
Also, I’ve been talking about my path as a musician. My
influences, my schools and mentors. Well, they are many, yes. But the clear
untold story is that I learned to play the basics of guitar on my own and
having fun with friends starting around the age of 12-13. Before this I had my
father and uncles as models. My father used to play for us when I was very
young and family gatherings were always filled with a bit of live music too. In
my life I’ve had 2 major guitar teachers. One was classical around the age of
16-17 the other was jazz around the age of 30. While studying Classical, I had
an affaire with the blues and the Rock. I was introduced to Jimi Hendrix, Led
Zeppelin and Aerosmith very young, but It all started when a record seller
strongly recommended Stevie Ray Vaughn. I had a blast imitating his solos,
riffs and even the singing parts.
Folk is very natural for me and I’m not sure why. Acoustic
guitar players were everywhere back in the 90’s and some of them passed by my
mom’s house from time to time. Apart from the guitar playing, these guys had
something to say. They had a lasting impact on me. Remember when the young
Forrest Gump had a private “meeting” with Elvis Presley in the movie? When I
saw this scene, I could relate so much!!
Growing up in Quebec City, listening to the radio and
watching Musique Plus, we had the choice of 80’s one hit wonders, American and
Canadian rock stars like Bryan Adams and the like. But the 90’s were more
exciting for me. Our original music band was a quartet called “Perceptions of
Reality” and in around 1995 we played the legendary bar called Le D’Auteuil in
Quebec City. I was 17 years old. It was a mix of Metal and Rock. Yes, metal music
was also a big thing for a while. Today I still listen to Deftones, Tool, COC
and even old Metallica. At the same time, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Stone Temple
Pilots, Soundgarden, Bush etc... were brought into the limelight. Rage Against
the Machine was a main player for me. I was lead guitar of a tribute band
called “Rage It” in 1997. We also played Le D’Auteuil. Mix all this with
regular live rock shows at the Dagobert, my education was well on its way.
The mix of Jazz and blues combined was part of my adult
schooling. I was part of a duo called Jazz Fiasco for some time and Susie
Arioli and Jordan Officer were our main gurus. Even if my first jazz
introduction was made by the music of Sting. In 2008, while playing in Jazz
Fiasco, I decided that I too could create and develop my own thing. Well,
almost 10 years later I’m looking back, and I feel like I won my bet.
There is one last thing I’d like to correct or improve.
This happened more than 10 years ago. I was jamming and exercising on my guitar
as I usually do, and I specifically asked to be guided. I had my acoustic
guitar and started playing the foundations of what became many years later
“Calling Upon You”. This song’s intention was to attract my future Soul
mate. Well long story short, I found her, or I thought I did. But life made it
impossible for us to stay together.
And that’s about it. It’s great to be able to express
myself correctly. Thanks for reading everything!
Here's a live cool instrumental tune on my album.
