World Music Background
In 1975 I began playing Irish dance music on mandolin and, with tutoring from Cathal McConnell of “The Boys of the Lough”, the traditional flute. So inspired and with many groups behind me now, including “The High Road” with Brendan Fitzgerald and Teresa Baker, I continue to perform and teach this style extensively. My current group "The Clinton Street Ceili Band" performs every St. Patrick's Day at Jake's Crawfish and the infamous Sweeney/Moran party.
In the early eighties I began pursuing world rhythm studies with several teachers: Colin Walcott of the group “Oregon”, Ghanaian master drummer Obo Addy, Jeff Strang for Congolese soukous music, bandolim (Brazilian mandolin) player Paulo de Sà, and tres (Cuban three-course guitar) player Jorge Castro from Havana's “Buena Vista Social Club.” Out of these experiences I formed two performance groups, “Cuba Ache” (son music with Roberto Gonzalez) and “Rio Nights” (Brazilian choro). As Portland's bandolim player I was invited in 2004 to perform with guitarist Alfredo Muro and the Oregon Symphony.