Ghost Memories by Joe Livoti

When his parents played their stereo, Joe would stand in front of the speakers, strum the guitar and sing along. His father Tony, an accomplished sax and clarinet player, encouraged his son's musical interests. He soon provided a three-quarter size guitar and a local teacher.

Joe's maternal grandfather and namesake, Joe Marchese, was a popular east coast guitarist during the 1920's and 30's. He was one of the first players of Gibson electric guitars and was given prototypes to test and endorse. His group, The Four Aces, was featured at such prestigious east coast venues as the Stork Club, Helen Morgen's, Leon and Eddie's, and the Vanderbilt's Yacht. The Four Aces also had regional hits on the Harmony label with Dark Eyes, Moonlight and Roses, Someone Sang a Sweeter Song for Mary, and others. Numerous other cousins, aunts and uncles sang and played musical instruments and family gatherings often became musical events. It was therefore no surprise to the family that Joe showed such an early interest in playing.

After studying with several east coast teachers, Joe was recommended to noted New York guitar teacher Howard Morgen. Morgen is the former chairman of the guitar department at the Manhattan School of Music, the author of numerous guitar method books and columns for Guitar Player magazine. His students have included Paul Simon and Carly Simon. Joe studied with Morgen for six years and feels that this is where his serious music training began. Morgen's systematic method of merging music theory with guitar technique perfectly complemented Joe's desire to fill gaps in his knowledge. Joe credits Morgen with many of the concepts and methods used in his own teaching.

Joe performs solo and with various ensembles . His original music draws on many styles to create an intense and shifting musical landscape. A recording featuring Jazz standards and originals has recently been completed and will soon be available for purchase. A third CD of original rock and fusion is nearly completed and should be done within months.

Joe's original music has also been featured in several independent films, including Barista, Suburban Youth, Five Days, Cross Country, Singularity, N.Y. On $15 a Day, Thrush T.V. on S.F. cable, and Inside Joke T.V.

Recognizing the need for his students to have a concise, comprehensive guitar method showing how theory relates to practical guitar playing, Joe published Complete Scale and Chord Theory for Guitar in 1991. The book gives thorough explanations of scales, chord theory, soloing, ear training, etc. It is intended for intermediate and advanced players and is a great reference book for teachers as well as students. The book is also available at House of Woodwinds and Blue Note, as well as through Joe's website: www.joelivoti.com. Joe can be contacted through the link on his website.

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