Guglielmo (Bill) F. Franco has been playing guitar for more than two decades in a variety of styles.
Having started playing guitar at 14 years old after learning the end section of “Eruption” by Edward Van Halen, Bill quickly started studying everything he could get his hands on to be a well-rounded & knowledgeable musician. By the time he was 18, Bill was playing in rock bands in the St. Louis area and his incessant learning had him practicing over 10 hours a day.
Bill studied harmony and first applied it to rock, and then started listening to a wide variety of music. Listening to everything from Jazz, to Funk, Fusion, Classical and Blues, Bill developed an approach to his instrument that combined technique, knowledge and passion. He shares this knowledge and passion with his many loyal students.
Bill majored in music at Lindenwood College and graduated Summa cum Laude from Washington University in St. Louis. He has extensive playing experience in a variety of styles, and has played nationally in rock, blues, and jazz orchestras and combos, as well as as a guitarist-for-hire in various musical situations. He is classically trained and has performed in master classes for some of the worlds most respected classical guitarists.
In 2007, Bill was hired by the prog-rock group Pavlov's Dog to play guitar on a new disk, a live performance DVD and on two European tours. After finishing his commitments with Pavlov's Dog, Bill started working on his own solo project while continuing his teaching in the St. Louis metro area.
Through the recommendation of a friend, Bill went to see Anthony Gomes. Bill subsequently became a fan and friends with everyone in the band, and when it was time for Anthony and the New Soul Cowboys to add a second guitar, Bill was the only choice they would consider.
While fulfilling his performing duties with his paying clients, Bill is also working on a solo project for release in the future.
Thank you for your friendship. I am very happy. I wish you for the future all the best, good luck and above all health! LG. Eric and Nina from Graz / Austria :)
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