music

I play the banjo and some other stringed instruments. I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to play with lots of great musicians over the years...


Belle Monroe & her Brewglass Boys

I've been having a blast with this band since June 2001. We play traditional bluegrass, with a hint of swing and lot of frenetic energy. We've released one self-titled album, and have played many of the biggest and best bluegrass festivals in the western states. You can catch us for free on the first Monday of every month at Amnesia in San Francisco.

Here's the first track off our album, "Fire on the Mountain":




The Deciders

The Deciders play original bluegrass music. We're fans of indie rock, and grew up as fans of jam bands, so that stuff might seep in as well. Our guitar player is away for a while, so we're on a bit of a hiatus, but hope to be back together some time down the line.

Here's a track off our Unequivocal EP, "Nostalgic Gibberings":



Ho'Down Quartet

From 2002 through 2005, Ho'Down Quartet played a mix of original and traditional bluegrass, string jazz, americana music, etc. We released two albums, toured Colorado, and played a ton, including the first (much imitated) bluegrass version of "Sweet Child o' Mine" that I had ever heard at that point.

Here's "High Wire", off of our second album:


HDQ called it quits once our fiddle player moved down to South America. However, I have since recorded with both our guitarist and bassist on their solo records. Check it out:

Jim Chomas, "Lonely Mile"


Ben Bernstein, "Petting Zoo"


For a short while in 2008, Jim, Ben, and I played together with a drummer in a rock/country/reggae outfit called Burglar's Wine. In that group I played my sweet Rickenbacker lap steel. I'll post a track here whenever possible.

Gayle Schmitt

Gayle is a great singer-songwriter. For a few years I played in her bluegrass band for kids, The Toodala Ramblers, and appeared on her 2003 CD Toodala: Front Porch Favorites. Here's my nephew's favorite track, "How Many Biscuits Can You Eat?":


Also...
Some other musicians that I admire and/or have collaborated with:
Spencer Katzman
General Fuzz
Olive Mitra's Eggplan Casino
Sean Hayes
Emily Kurn