BACKGROUND

I am originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. I now live in Nashville, Tennessee.


ACCOLADES
 
I've been fortunate to perform on Good Morning America with Jackie Evancho, at the Grand Ole Opry with Riders in the Sky, and alongside several other incredible artists. I've also had the opportunity to play at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, the Stagecoach Festival in Coachella, the Ryman Auditorium with Wayne Newton,
and with the Nashville Symphony.
 
These are some of the performances I'm most proud of.
 
In addition to performing live, I've recorded in studios with some of Nashville's finest musicians, including the Time Jumpers, Jeff Taylor, Joey Schmidt, Mike Zikovich, Shaun Murphy, Buddy Greene, Viktor Krauss, and many more.


DESIGN INSPIRATION & MEANING

I have always been an avid fan of the color purple, Halloween, horror movies, ghost stories, and all things spooky. Friends know me as a purple-wearing, spooky-loving guy, and I figured it was time I broadcast those vibes to my audiences as well! 
 
Purple has always been special to me because it was my mom's favorite color, and it became mine too.

We moved several times when I was young, and every time we moved into a new house, it was the first order of business to paint the front door purple. Before long, we became known as the family with the purple door, no matter what neighborhood we lived in. It wasn't just a color -- it became part of who we were. 

Now, I like to think I'm making my mama proud as I carry on that tradition in my own way -- known as the guy with the purple spider accordion!


COLLABORATION & FINAL THOUGHTS
 
I've been playing accordion for most of my life, but I'd never owned a brand-new one until this instrument. Once I saw and heard about the craftsmanship Kevin was putting into every accordion at Solloni, there was no doubt in my mind that this was an easy decision. I knew he was the right person to build my signature accordion.
 
I absolutely love my Solloni, and I get compliments on it everywhere I go. People notice the look right away because it doesn't resemble any other accordion, and it's become such an iconic part of my image. But the sound is what truly sets it apart. The sweet musette tuning at +7 cents is perfect -- subtle and expressive enough for Folk Ballads, Western music, and even a little Jazz when I'm feeling French! At the same time, it's tight enough to blend beautifully with fiddles in Celtic and Bluegrass music, while still having plenty of character to get people on their feet for a Polka or two... or three... or more.
 
Kevin was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every detail of the accordion was thoughtfully discussed and customized, from the exact shade of purple ("Dark Orchid," if I remember correctly) to the tuning, the stunning purple gradient on the black keys that people constantly comment on, the pearly keys and buttons, the engraving, and even the spiders on the spiderweb grille. That idea came from Kevin and the builders in Italy, and it's one of the first things people point out when they admire my accordion after a show.