Soooo, here is where I thank and recognize people who have been there for me from the word "GO".  They believed, supported, pushed, and inspired me without fail. I already know I will miss a few, and probably more than that. Man, I've been at this literally a looong time (started at 13), but please believe me, there were no DELIBERATE omissions! If I forgot you, please find me, do as you must, and I'll take it (well... for a minute anyway).

 

First and foremost, my parents. They never ONCE told me to turn down the amps, or to play the drums softly.  They allowed their home to be the WESTCHESTER CLUBHOUSE filling it with friends and memories, kicked my ass plenty when I deserved it (Dad!!), but loved and supported me without boundaries or conditions. They were a true gift.

 

My maternal grandparents, who basically raised me as my folks were both full timers, Monday-Friday; out the door by 8 AM, back home 12 hours later.  Maaaaaaaan, the things I did... and they were ALWAYS WAAAAY COOL. Covered for me!

 

The brothers I started The Boys / The Tomboys with, who will always be with me: Joe Alonso and Raul Malo. I can say without hesitation, without them in my early years, I don't think I'd be here now, wherever that is. Even to this day, ANYTHING I write or record, Joe is hearing the 1st mix, as I clinch my ass for the duration of the song, hoping for his approval (most times I get it).

 

That said , waaaaaaay before anything gets to Joe, it's me and my longest running musical partner and brother, Jack Allen - putting it all together for me. Some of you might remember him from the Miami local scene playing guitar with "Southern Trust". He was the George Harrison-looking-guy. I haven't the time, and you haven't the interest (lol) to read how much I've learned from him, and to this day, lean and depend on him.  A brother indeed. Thank you, Jack.

 

Here are some of my other MVPs from this incredible and long journey. I'll try this chronologically:

 

The Early Years, Growth (Ages 13 to 23):
Cesar Perez, Braulio Baez, Jack and Augie Gavilan, Ramon Mestre, Pat Corvo, Artie Martinez, Freddy Valderrama, Eddy Gonzalez, Jorge Arronte, Ralph Alvarez, and our manager, Georgina Vidal. She deserves her own page. Nobody on this earth, beyond Mom and Dad, EVER believed in me more than her. Honorable mention goes to every girl that ever stood in front of me while I was on stage. Please believe me , they were very "inspiring".

 

Getting It Down "FOR REAL" (Ages 23 to 30): 

Dennis Britt, Omar Hernandez, Michael Quinn, Tony Gundin, Frank Del Campillo, Doug Emery,  Mike Couzzi, and Tony Martinez.

 

Studios, Tours, Planes, Busses, Hotels (Age 30 to Present): Camilo Valencia, Eddito Martinez, Rudy Perez, Angel Carrasco, Jon Secada, Steve Winwood, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Eric SchiIling, Clay Ostwald (Assassin #1), Jorge Casas (Assassin #2), Jose Negroni, and Carlos Santana.

 

Sort of on the technical side: 
These guys have maintained my gear without fail for over 40 years. At my best, without them, I wouldn't have the confidence to do what I do; and I'd probably be out of tune! Ron Hobin, Wayne Demario, Carmelo LoMonaco, Jason Kendall, Mitch Weisman, David Leinhard, and Erick Lynen.