ABOUT LOS AMIGOS

Early Echoes: A Childhood Immersed in Music

My musical odyssey began at a very young age at the most unexpected of gigs.  My parents were into Captain Beefheart, Tom Waits and Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention and I became exposed to many artists with phenomenal creative entrepreneurial spirit.  These experiences left an indelible mark, igniting a passion for music that has been a constant companion.  My father, an audiophile, nurtured this love further.  While he worked overseas, I became the custodian of his prized 1970’s hi-fi equipment. This early exposure to high-quality sound and the allure of my parents’ diverse collection of vinyl records and audio cassettes was transformative

In 1982, my father sourced a CD player from the Far East, a technological marvel at that time that was unavailable in other markets.  The thrill of showcasing the sonic abilities of this cutting-edge device to anybody who would listen, paired with Ry Cooder’s debut album and Billy Joel’s iconic ’52nd Street’ (the first album ever released on CD) was a defining moment in my musical journey

A Vinyl Virtuoso: From Rock Roots to Rare Grooves

Though classic rock remains at my core and has always been an influence, my musical palette expanded to include the illicit beats of rare groove, the soulful rhythms of Blue Note, the infectious energy of funk, and the psychedelic vibes of acid jazz.  Playing these genres off of vinyl is not just a performance; it’s a deep-rooted passion that connects me to music’s purest essence

Being a part of Los Amigos has been an extraordinary journey.  It allows me to share my hidden gems with a community that appreciates and revels in musical diversity.  The joy of spreading this music is both a privilege and a heartfelt pleasure, and nothing thrills me more than having somebody approach asking, “what was the name of that track you played back there?”.  I don’t play floor fillers and I don’t want people singing lyrics back!

Musical Milestones: Unforgettable Memories

Among a myriad of musical memories, a few stand out.  A ride through the scorching heat of Death Valley, CA on an Electra Glide Classic with a heavily pregnant partner as pillion and Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born To Run’ blasting from the bike remains etched in my memory.  Seeing Guns N’ Roses at Coachella, California with my partner, one of their biggest fans, was remarkable.  However, nothing compares to the electrifying experience on 10^th December 2007 when I finally saw Led Zeppelin take the stage at London’s O2 Arena to headline a tribute concert for dear friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun

As I continue my sonic adventure, I look forward to creating more unforgettable experiences and sharing the magic of music with my fellow Amigos and all those who come to listen