 Dan Arcamone is part of a new generation of guitarists that grew up in the 1980's and '90's who are bringing influences from the rock music of that era into their jazz improvisations and compositions. This wide variety of styles and genres can be heard on Dan's energetic debut album "Trioisms", which has been receiving positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Aside from his successful performing career, Dan is also a highly sought after guitar teacher and maintains a private studio in Connecticut.
Dan took time out of his busy schedule as a performer and educator to discuss his latest CD release and how he has risen to this point in his career.
MW: When did you start playing guitar and what inspired you to take up the instrument?
DA: I started playing the guitar when I was 16 years old. I really just wanted to play the songs that I loved listening to.
MW: Did you have any teachers early on in your development that really helped to push you towards being a professional musician?
DA: Chris Morrison was one of my teachers in college. I studied with him longer than any other teacher. He was always encouraging. He taught me so much about the guitar and music in general.
MW: How have your musical tastes changed over the years? As you've grown as a musician, have your musical tastes grown as well?
DA: Definitely. When I was a kid in the 80’s I loved all the hard rock and heavy metal groups that were out at the time. I really wasn’t listening to jazz till my teacher turned me onto Pat Martino in college. I had no idea that jazz guitar could be so aggressive. It was like hearing a jazz guitar player that played with the intensity of the rock stuff I liked. That led to my love for jazz music. Pat Martino was the bridge into jazz for me. Now I enjoy hearing and playing music that combines elements of both rock and jazz.
MW: When did you first realize you wanted to be a professional guitarist?
DA: I don’t think there was a specific point where I realized that I wanted to be a guitar player. Ever since I started playing it’s been with me every day. I can’t imagine not playing guitar.
MW: Where did you go to school and how did that affect your approach to playing and teaching guitar?
DA: I went to Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT. It was a relatively small music program. I feel like I had a lot of attention there. It was a laid back environment which I think comes through in both my playing and teaching.
MW: How did you begin teaching guitar?
DA: I liked the idea of helping people understand the guitar. I liked the idea that I can go to work with my guitar. Teaching can be an outlet for creativity as well as performing or writing. You have to find ways to explain what you’re already doing in a way that is understandable.
MW: How has new technology, especially the internet, affected the way you teach and market yourself as a performing musician?
DA: As far as teaching goes it’s just made it so much easier to get information. To stay current with what my students are interested in. As for being a musician, the internet has made it easy to get my music out there and to meet other musicians. It’s awesome to be able to hear and talk to musicians from around the world and share music with each other.
MW: You recently released your first album Trioisms. How did you know it was the right time in your career to record this album?
DA: I felt that my playing at the time was a good starting point for me. There were things that I was practicing that were coming together and it just seemed right to document that.
MW: Can you talk about how the songs on the album came about? Had you written them before, or did some tunes come to life in the recording studio?
DA: All the songs were written before we went in the studio. Some were written years before and some weeks before. We recorded the album in 3-4 hours. We had played some of the songs so many times that we knew how they basically were going to go before we went in to record.
MW: Why did you choose the other musicians on the album? What made them stand out to you as the people you wanted to record with?
DA: Rich Zurkowski and Tom Ash are the two of the best musicians I‘ve played with. They’re both great listeners. I’ve known Rich for almost ten years. We’ve played together in other groups and I feel really comfortable when He’s playing. I feel like we think the same in terms of rhythm and melody. We added Tom to the group about a month before the recording session. I brought my tunes to him and he naturally interpreted them the way I was thinking.
MW: Where do you see yourself in the next five years as both a teacher and performer?
DA: I try not to think that far ahead. I take everyday as it comes. I learn more about playing and teaching with every new experience. I prefer to think about now and what I need to do today.
MW: Do you have any advice for anyone who is thinking about becoming a professional guitarist?
DA: Work at it continually. I think it has to be something that is in your head and heart every day. Play the music that sounds good to you. Be patient and enjoy every moment that you get to play music.
MW: Do you have any advice for anyone who is looking for their first guitar teacher?
DA: I think one of the most important things is being comfortable with your teacher. Find someone that you can have a comfortable relationship with. Find someone that understands the style of music that you’re interested in.
MW: Thanks for talking to us today, great interview.
DA: No problem, my pleasure.
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