Ron LoCurto

"Comparisons to masters like John McLaughlin & even Joe Satriani are quite valid, as LoCurto rips through his fretboard with compelling precision." – Robert Silverstein, 20th Century Guitar Throughout his career, Ron LoCurto has performed and recorded with a passion for music that has seen him grow from his early days as a rocker to a musician and composer whose credits are wide ranging in style. His debut recording “Kaleidoscope”, was a sneak peak at the fusion style he would return to on later recordings. Then there was “Talarasa”, an acoustic guitar/tabla duo that released “West of East”, mixing western jazz with eastern ideas, a la the groundbreaking Indo-Fusion group Shakti. Ron’s album “Pattern Seeking Primates” found him stretching out on that fusion vibe. Ron has also worked in the studio with singer/songwriters, Tonemah, Noa Bursie, and Steve Woolsey; as well as American Idol and X-Factor sensation, Caitlin Koch, among others. Ron’s live performance credits are wide ranging as well, playing countless gigs with bands of all styles. Some highlights have been performing with Avant Garde drummer Bobby Previte’s Voodoo West ensemble; opening solo for Jazz Vocalist Holly Cole; playing with keyboardist Joseph Wooten (Steve Miller Band); numerous outdoor festivals, including the Music is Art Festival, hosted by Goo Goo Dolls bassist, Robby Takac. For the last two years, LoCurto has played lead guitar with Caitlin Koch in front of 40,000 fans at the largest New Year's Eve celebration in New York State outside the Big Apple. Back in 2008, Ron also spent some time soaking up the vibe in New Orleans, playing in the clubs and on the street with such characters as local harmonica legend, Elliott "Grandpa" Smalls, and made an appearance at Voodoo Fest with singer/songwriter Sista Otis. Playing upwards of 250 shows per year, LoCurto performs regularly with: Caitlin Koch (Acoustic Duo & with The Jamie Moses Band); National Jethro Tull Tribute, Living With The Past; Blues-Rock Quartet, Ron & The Reinhardts; Classic Rock Band, Sky; and his own jazz-rock fusion trio, Pattern Seeking Primates with John Bacon on Drums (Don Menza, Bobby Previte, the Buffalo Philharmonic) and Greg Piontek on Bass (Al Tinney, Mose Allison, Joey DiFranscesco). You may even catch him doing solo acoustic gigs around town for fun! Ron has been honored twice as a finalist in the North American Rock Guitar Competition, taking second place in 2006. He was also one of ten guitarists worldwide to be chosen in 2006 for Guitar Player Magazine’s Guitar Hero competition in San Francisco, playing for a panel of judges made up of several guitar greats including Joe Satriani and Steve Lukather. He has had multiple nominations in the Buffalo Music Awards and was awarded the title of “Best Original Guitarist” in 2009. Ron LoCurto continues to challenge himself musically, with many more performances and recordings in the works. He looks to get the second Pattern Seeking Primates disc out soon, with a guest appearance by drumming legend, Vinnie Colauita (Sting, Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck)! North American Rock Guitar 2005 Finalist 2006 2nd Place | Guitar Player Magazine's International Guitar Hero 2006 Top-Ten Finalist | Buffalo Music Awards Best Original Guitarist 2009