I grew up in Haworth, NJ then I was sent to private school in Cheshire, CT to finish High School before entering Syracuse University. I Traveled extensivly across the U.S. reaching various points on the West Coast many times before settling in San Francisco. After finishing my degree at Syracuse there was a stint in Stockbridge, MA and then back to NJ where I reside today.

I started playing guitar back just before entering High School locally in NJ. I went on to play in Prep School and College, buying my first real guitar with my own money soon after. Since then, I have become serious with my music and have learned a number of different styles and methods of playing guitar. I’ve learned fingerstyle and fingerpicking as well as flatpicking. I have explored folk, blues, and classic rock music as well as reggae and bluegrass and the sub-genres of piedmont blues and jazz among various other styles.While I was raised on the pop / classic rock of the radio when younger, I went on to become involved in following the Grateful Dead and other Jam Bands, I now have an affinity towards acoustic music - Folk / Blues / Jazz and most recently Bluegrass.

I have many favorite cities within the United States …. San Francisco, St. Louis, and of course New York City, but I really hold dear the times I’ve spent in the Heartland of NY; Syracuse and other North Country Towns. I guess that I could also say that Old San Juan in Puerto Rico is another favorite city in which to wander.

As far as the guitars that I use, I am in the habit now of using my acoustic C.F. Martin & Co. HD28LSV, however when out and about I may bring only a Martin D28. I also have inheirted a Yamaha Clavinova (an electric piano) and can pass for a beginning player. Most recently (in October 2007), I built an acoustic guitar of my own with some help from my friends at Custom Pearl Inlay up in the “North Country” of New York State - Malone, NY …. just a few miles from the Canadian boarder. Ask me and I’ll bring it along.

Drop me a line …. istrum@aol.com