Pete's Bio

One of the most versatile musicians around, Pete is equally at home playing down home Blues, Folk, Country, Rockabilly, Funk, R&B, Reggae, Ska and blistering Rock and Roll, specializing in Acoustic Country Blues, Delta Blues, Electric Blues and Country styles. After studying his teenage years with Hudson Valley guitar legend and ex Peter Frampton Alumni, Ed Monteleone, Pete went on to study at The Guitar Institute of Technology (G.I.T.). While there he studied a diverse array of styles focusing on Blues, Funk, Rock, Country and some Jazz. " Ed Monteleone gave me the foundation, he taught me blues, rock, folk, ragtime and a little jazz. My whole fingerstyle approach was based on things he initially taught me. Ed gave me great insights into style, tone, technique and phrasing, he was a great first teacher, and a hell of a nice guy to boot, I owe him a great deal." While at G.I.T. Pete studied with Keith Wyatt, Steve Trovato, Torrey Ruffin, Joe Diorio, Ron Eschte and Stormin' Norman Brown, eventually  graduating with honors. Having worked mostly in the classic power trio format for the last 15  years, on over 3000 live dates, Pete can rock the house, from a whisper to a roar. Either acoustic or electric, finger style or with a pick, Pete is able to communicate the sounds of his roots, yet convey a style all his own. An equally strong singer, he is able to cover all the bases of the wide stylistic challenges he encompasses in a night's work. Overall, Pete is an accomplished guitarist able to make the guitar come alive in his hands and speak the language of his soul. 

With a large repertoire spanning several decades, and encompassing several genres, Pete captures the soul of the song. Whether conjuring up legends of the past like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Big Joe Williams, Mississippi John Hurt, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, or Johnny Burnette, Pete is respectful of the originators, but true to his own style. Be it  Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Beatles, The Stones, RHCP, Nirvana, U2, SRV or many other classic rock artists too, Pete captures the essence of the original, but still makes it his own.

Pete has shared the stage with just about everyone from the Hudson Valley Blues scene, most of whom are close friends. Having done shows with the Legendary Pinetop Perkins of  the Muddy Waters Band, Little Sam Davis, Prof. Louie and the Crowmatix (formerly of The Band), Pat O'Shea and Chris O'Leary ( Levon Helm's Barnburners), Slam Allen(currently with James Cotton), Madeleine Peyroux, Chrissy O'Dell, Andy Follette, Pete Kanaras(The Nighthawks), Chris V.(Dennis Greunling, Mitch Woods, Jimmy McGriff), Little Scotty and The Knockouts. Big Joe Fitz and The Disciples, Mitch Woods, as well as many others.   Pete is an in demand sideman, and loves to be part of a band as much as leading his own.

Pete and The Wallbangers have been featured on the WPDH morning show, as well as two solo spots for Pete on WDST's Sunday Night Blues Show, "Blues Break" with Big Joe Fitz
   

Also a songwriter of considerable merit, with a repertoire of more than a 200 songs,  Pete has one original R&R album to his credit, "Stepping Stone". Several tracks of which are for sale through snocap. Soon to be recorded is an acoustic album of originals and a traditional Blues and roots record, both to be done soon.