Meet Russ DeFellippis - Guitarist

An interview with Russ DeFellippis

Hi Russ, How many years have you been playing the guitar?

I've been playing guitar since the age of ten and I'm closing in on the age of 64.

What musicians have influenced you?

Many great musicians have influenced me like George Benson, Pat Martino, Wes Montgomery, Hank Garland, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, the Beatles and many more.  To quote my dear friend and mentor, "If you don't want me to steal it, don't play it in front of me."   

How many bands have you been in?

I've been in more bands than I can count.  I worked as a hired guitar player backing and being part of many groups.  Making music to me is the most spiritual thing I do.  Everything else pales in comparison.

How often do you practice?

I still practice two to four hours a day.  It is my way of connecting to my soul, my meditation and my discipline of life.

I tell all of my students to make music because it is a calling.  Don't think for a minute that what you do will bring financial security so plan accordingly.  After graduating from Berklee College of Music, I remained at the college as an assistant Professor.  I left my position there and went on the road.  

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?

My most cherished moment was graduating Berklee College of Music as an Applied Performance Major. Another was being the assistant to George Benson, my dear friend and mentor, working his great CD's "Tenderly", "Big Boss Band" and "Love Remember."

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