Along the way: Sean Daly, Brian Hess, Bill Mead, Brian Beckwith, Lisa Swarbrick, Nanette Natal, Tony Cimorosi, India (caramel with thorns in it) Nolan-Tuleja and Big Ed Sullivan. And presently: Evelyn (verve) Pantuso, Fred (bottom) Caputi, Pete (mellifluous) Pantelis, and George ( drum role please) Morales (a.k.a.) Bone Dog.
Influences
Paul Butterfield, Paul deLay, Lee Oscar, Rod Piazza, George (harmonica) Smith, Mark Ford, and William Clarke are my harp icons. Mellifluous and soulful vocalists like Andy Bey and Liz Wright are my inspirations. And jazzin blues guitarists like Ronnie Earl nourish me. Occupying the top of the list though are my heart and daughter Erin, my gorgeous muse Marina and our two bewitchingly beautiful twins Natalie and Sophia!
Sounds Like
I seem to have assimilated a lot of the late Paul Butterfield's tone in my effort to emulate him as a kid. Somehow when I heard him effuse that tone I was arrested in a way that never has let go. Many, many types of music engage me but the harmonica when overdriven sweetly through a tube amp is the deepest expression I have yet to express myself with (and I've tried a few). As a result of this organic attraction and being wholly self taught I sound like: me.
I have been playing harmonica since I was about 17 years old when I first heard Paul Butterfield and hugged the speakers. Self taught with lots of stage time over the years I try to personifiy the soulful tone that defines this humble instrument. I spread myself around musically these days standing in with many after some time with various bands on various NYC stages. I recently finished a recording with Nanette Natal available on the iTunes music store and a recording with Bone Dog soon to be released. Locally I have the privilege of playing with Big Ed Sullivan and am a member of Bone Dog: A soulful clan of musicians who gig NYC regularly. I'm also a Registered Nurse, lifelong New Yorker, my gorgeous girlfriend and muse Marina gave birth to our bewitching twins: Natalie and Sophia on 10/06/08, and I'm the proud father of my favorite person in the world: Erin Moriarty since 1994...... That's a lot of beautiful woman to play for!
thanks 4 the add always lookin to add great harp players to my space... love that struttin..... ur up there w/sugar blue,jr wells, big and lil walter,c.mussellwhite, slim harpo and the likes... keep it comin thaks again.. chef p
Hey Dennis, THANKS for the kind words! I had a BLAST at Dave Fields recent CD Release party at Café Wha! Looking forward to heading back to NYC soon! All my best, Billy
Mr. Moriarty, Sherlock is looking for you!! :-) I do love Struttin', smooth and classy stuff man!! What a beautiful family you have my friend!! Keep swinging baby and see you out here on the road!!!
WOOOHOOOO Den...I just watched your video "Coming Home Baby Live" and you are amazing!!!!!!! Im posting on my myspace and I also posted link on my facebook..do u have a facebook? Did you see Seans playing?? Love You, Sis xoxxo
Dennis,Mighty fine playing my friend.Great TONE.Some of the mood reminds me of Jim Fitting,formerly of Treat Her Right(from Boston)Would love to talk to ya sometime. In the meantime,take care,best wishes,and ALL GOOD THINGS!!Play on brother,play on!!Happy Holi-daze!!nyuk-nyuk
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