Biography
Rock, Jazz, Classical, World, and Fusion…all this and more is what has interested and influenced guitarist Ron LoCurto’s playing for over 25 years. Inspired by great rock bands in his youth, LoCurto matured as a player and composer through private lessons, and as a college music major. Ron’s 1994 debut release, Kaleidoscope, featured Nelson Starr on keys, Eric Starr on drums and Jack Kulp on bass, and showed Ron finding his legs as a band leader, composer and recording artist. West of East followed in 1998, a disc that featured Ron on Acoustic Guitar and Ravi Padmanabha on Tabla, the hand drums of India. Still one of Ron’s favorite projects, this disc was a melding of western and eastern music traditions. LoCurto’s recording credits also include spots on several compilation discs as well as a featured guitarist role on two albums with singer/songwriter, Noa Bursie. The 2005 release, Pattern Seeking Primates was an effort even more focused on fusing LoCurto’s diverse musical influences, binding them all with a distinct and sometimes unexpected rock edge. Backed up by drummer/percussionist John Bacon Jr. and once again, bassist Jack Kulp, the music on PSP reflect Ron’s efforts to find an original voice and represents a typical live PSP gig: dynamic, creative, improvisational, and anything but predictable.
"Buffalo native Ron LoCurto grew up on a diet of jazz, classical and rock music and he combines them to great effect on his 2005 CD Pattern Seeking Primates. From complex Zappa-inspired fusion to a more urbane inner city vibe that cuts hard and fast, LoCurto displays some mighty impressive guitar procedures. Supported by Jack Kulp (bass) and John Bacon, Jr. (drums), LoCurto also turns to his rock side on the jazzy, fuzzed out Hendrix styled wah-wah groove of the lead off track Super Bad. Further comparisons to masters like John McLaughlin and even Satriani are quite valid as LoCurto rips through his fretboard with compelling precision."- Robert Silverstein of 20th Century Guitar
Live performance highlights have included collaborations with many world-class artists, including performing with avant garde drummer, Bobby Previte's Voodoo West ensemble, celebrating the music on Miles Davis' album, Bitches Brew. The Buffalo News described Ron's work with this outfit as "liquid grace." Most recently, you may have run across Ron soaking up the vibe on the streets of New Orleans. A few highlights included playing a little reggae in the clubs with The Revealers; banging out some old-school blues on the street with NOLA legend, Grandpa Elliott; and an appearance at Voodoo Fest ‘08 with Detroit singer/songwriter, Sista Otis. A live show with singer/keyboardist, Joseph Wooten (Steve Miller Band, The Wooten Brothers) is kicking off 2009 with LoCurto’s usual zest for experimenting with different players and genres.
.
Ron has been honored twice with a finalist spot in the North American Rock Guitar Competition, taking second place in 2006. He was also one of ten guitarists worldwide to be chosen in 2006 for Guitar Player Magazine’s “Guitar Hero” competition in San Francisco, playing for a panel of judges made up of several guitar luminaries including Joe Satriani and Steve Lukather.
Work is currently underway on LoCurto’s next release featuring the stellar PSP trio, and a guest appearance by drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Release is anticipated around Summer of 2009.
Instrumentation
Ron LoCurto - Guitar
Jack Kulp - Fender Jazz Bass
John Bacon, Jr. - Drums and Percussion
Discography
"Pattern Seeking Primates" - Ron LoCurto
"Kaleidoscope" - Ron LoCurto
"Familiar addiction" - Noa Bursie
"TalkStory" - Noa Bursie
"West of East" - TalaRasa
"The Way of the Water" - Lotus Flower
Compilations:
2004 - "Music Is Art Collection" - Ron LoCurto Band
2004 - "Lake Local Music CD" - Ron LoCurto Band
2008 - the Progressive Rock Hall of Fame Soundscapes CD Volume 1
Links
| http://ronlocurto.com |