Syzygy Bio - Carl

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Carl Baldassarre's Bio

Home: Ohio, U.S.A.

Instruments: electric, acoustic and classical guitars, mandolin, synthesizers Equipment: Brian Moore C90P.13CSB, Carvin HT2, PRS CE (highly modified), Baby Taylor 305 acoustic guitar, Taylor CE 514 acoustic guitar, (2) Les Paul Standards, Martin 6 string HD 28, Takamine 12- string, Telecaster (73), Stratocaster (American), Yamaha Classical guitar, Takamine classical guitar, Yamaha classical guitar, Roland GR30 synthesizer, 100 W Carvin Legacy Head, Crown CE 1000 Amp, C212 Legacy extension cabinets, Fender Acoustisonic Jr. amp, Rocktron Prophecy processor, Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, Marshall JCM 800, Line 6 Guitar POD, Vox Tone Lab, Ibanez bass

Bands: Abraxas, Witsend, YTM, Syzygy Music

Training: 30 years professional experience; 10 years private study with the late professor Dante Picciotti (d. 1990) - Jazz & classical concentration (counterpoint, choral writing, harmony); also 30 years of engineering and producing (owner of Monster Tracks Recording Studio and Entropy Records)

Musical Influences:
  Progressive Influences (Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull, Yes, King Crimson, Genesis);
  Rock Influences (Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Beatles, CSN&Y, The Who);
  Favorite Guitarists: Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale, Scott Henderson, Steve Vai, Pete Townshend, Steve Howe, Al DiMeola, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, John Mclaughlin, Pat Martino, Wes Montgomery, Ted Nugent, Joe Pass, Django Reinhardt, Andre Segovia, Narciso Yeppes
Current Favorite Artists: Syzygy, Planet X, Porcupine Tree, Spock's Beard, Neal Morse (solo)

Carl on Sam: Sam is my musical soul mate. I can't describe the joy I feel when composing with Sam. It's a very personal experience that we share. I will never be able to share this level of synchronicity with anyone else. I completely trust Sam's ideas. I look forward to hearing what he adds to my musical ideas and sharing what I have added to his ideas. Sam has an incredible grasp of harmony and has truly mastered counterpoint. Sam was my first music instructor and opened my eyes to progressive rock.

Carl on Paul: Finding Paul was a gift from God. One of the greatest prog rock drummers in history lives two doors down! That's not an accident. The best thing about Paul is that he is a musician first, and a drummer second. He hears the entire picture of melody, harmony and rhythm and always composes or orchestrates the most wonderful percussion parts for Syzygy. He can play all styles and I'm guessing virtually every instrument he chooses. As a drummer, his technique is superb. His training has made him an incredibly economical drummer to watch given his efficient use of movement. The power he generates, however, is phenomenal. As a person, he inspires and encourages me. A truly wonderful and caring guy.

Carl on Al: Al has been a part of my musical network for almost 30 years. He has recently agreed to join Syzygy. Al is a very talented and naturally gifted musician. He has the best ear and pitch of anyone I have ever worked with. His dedication and commitment to making music is so sincere. As a bass player, Al is precise, lyrical and smart. He enjoys the challenge of Syzygy and fits in beautifully. He is a real pro. When it's "go time" Al is always prepared. He adds a nice vocal dimension to the group. We always wanted the perfect singing bass player for Syzygy, and here he was, right under our noses! He's also a very dear friend.