As I look forward to touring in Europe with Elizabeth Shepherd later this month, I also have to plan for a few discount airlines where I'm doubtful of geting my guitar on board in its gig bag the way I…
Apr 3 2018
Nov 17 2017
Learning solos
I attended the jazz workshop at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 1991, and the amazing saxophonist Bunky Green was one of the faculty that year. Bunky suggested that we take a song or an album that we liked…
Nov 9 2017
Concert December 9th!
The VOCA Chorus of Toronto invited me to perform with them and to do an arrangement. Really happy with the way my arrangement of Bruce Cockburn's "Waiting For a Miracle" is sounding, hope you'll come here its debut and me…
Mar 28 2017
April 8-10 - The Songs of Bruce Cockburn w. Elizabeth Shepherd
I'm really looking forward to doing 3 shows with Elizabeth Shepherd, revisiting some of my Creation Dream: Songs of Bruce Cockburn repertoire (but different, and with vocals). We'll be joined by my big bro Roberto Occhipinti and Davide Direnzo. April…
Mar 15 2017
Lots of Fun With Guitar Effects!
Tonight I had a lot of fun at Long & McQuade Markham demonstrating the sounds I use and my approach to guitar effects to a really nice group full of thoughtful questions.
I gave them some info in a handout…
Feb 25 2017
Guitar Effects Clinic at Long & McQuade (Markham) March 15th!
I'm very excited to announce that on March 15th I'll be doing a workshop at Long & McQuade's Markham store on guitar effects (a little bit of history but mostly talking about the sounds I use and demonstrating them). I've…
Feb 4 2017
Artists as Activists
Singer/pianist Elizabeth Shepherd and I have been working together for the last seven years in a variety of ways. She's part of my Shine On: The Universe of John Lennon group, and I have been on several tours with her…
Nov 10 2016
Hugh's Room is Postponed!
Hey my musical friends, I'm really, really sorry to say that the Nov. 16th Hugh's Room for the Yorkville Songbook show is CANCELLED/POSTPONED to a future date! Really sorry to report this just after I've been promoting it - keep…
Nov 10 2016
Getting ready for a busy month!
November is a busy, busy month full of interesting music! As I write this, I'm getting ready to play 3 shows with my great friends from the Netherlands, Ineke Vandoorn (voice) and Marc Van Vugt (guitar). They write very creative…
Aug 15 2016
thoughts on CBC's Q and Radio in general.
Well, Tom Powers has been announced as the new voice of CBC's q. He's an excellent radio person so I'm not surprised, but if they are true to their press release (“We are refocusing and reinvesting in Q to ensure…
Apr 25 2016
"Kiss" by Prince
In honour of Prince's music, I decided to have my jazz ensembles at the Royal Conservatory play "Kiss." It's not an exact transcription but close enough, and something that hopefully sounds ok played on a trumpet or saxophone.
Apr 22 2016
Prince's Guitar Playing
Prince was a really solid lead guitar player, but his rhythm guitar playing is what got my attention (the most overlooked and yet essential part of playing the instrument for most music!). In that regard, he totally changed my playing…