Ron LoCurto
Buffalo, New York, United States | INDIE | AFM
Music
Press
Hi Ron,
Your song "Coolness" was very cool indeed and has been selected for the Progressive Rock Hall of Fame's first CD. Thank you so much for submitting! - Progrssive Rock Hall of Fame
"Buffalo native Ron LoCurto grew up on a diet of jazz, classical and rock music and he combines them to great effect on his 2005 CD Pattern Seeking Primates. From complex Zappa-inspired fusion to a more urbane inner city vibe that cuts hard and fast, LoCurto displays some mighty impressive guitar procedures. Supported by Jack Kulp (bass) and John Bacon, Jr. (drums), LoCurto also turns to his rock side on the jazzy, fuzzed out Hendrix styled wah-wah groove of the lead off track Super Bad. Further comparisons to masters like John McLaughlin and even Satriani are quite valid as LoCurto rips through his fretboard with compelling precision."
Robert Silverstein - 20th Century Guitar
"Guitarist extraordinaire Ron LoCurto has a new CD out titled Pattern Seeking Primates. Playing a melodic jazz/rock fusion style, LoCurto is surrounded by the solid rhythm section of Jack Kulp on bass and John Bacon Jr. on drums. His guitar playing places more emphasis on hitting the right note and not on the million notes a minute method while his solos tend to be adventurous, sparse and fluid and never of the showboating style of many guitarists. Highlights include "Pentatonic Morning", the reggae-fied "Willow Wisp" and "Coolness."
Bob Silvestri - BestofWNY.com
"...played with liquid grace."
Jeff Miers, Buffalo News - The Tralfamadore Cafe, Buffalo, NY
"... rippin' trio ..."
Seamus Gallivan, The Beast - Robby Takac's Music Is Art Festival 2004
Discography
Caitlin Koch - "The Ex Factor" & Demos (2011 / 2012)
Acoustic Guitar: Ron LoCurto
Ravi Padmanabha Trio - "My Nada Brahma" (2012)
Guitar: Ron LoCurto
Tonemah - "Mulligan" (2011)
Electric Guitar: Ron LoCurto
Mandolin: Ron LoCurto
Steve Woolsey Band - "For Mr J" (2011)
Electric Guitars: Ron LoCurto
Noa Bursie - "Familiar Addiction" (2008)
Electric Guitar: Ron LoCurto
Ron LoCurto - "Pattern Seeking Primates" (2005)
Guitar: Ron LoCurto / Bass: Jack Kulp / Drums: John Bacon
Noa Bursie - "Talk Story" (2005)
Electric and Nylon String Guitar: Ron LoCurto
Tala Rasa - "West of East" (1998)
Guitar: Ron LoCurto / Tabla: Ravi Padmanhaba
Ron LoCurto - "Kaleidoscope" (1994)
Guitar: Ron LoCurto / Bass: Jack Kulp / Keys: Nelson Starr / Drums: Eric Starr
COMPILATIONS:
Bands 4 Bella - Fundraiser for The Bella Moss Foundation - 2011
Progressive Rock Hall of Fame (Soundscapes Vol. 1) - 2008
The Lake Local Music Collection (Volume 1) - WLKK 107.7 FM Buffalo - 2005
Music Is Art Collection (Live Performance) - 2004
Photos
Bio
"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. Rons 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.
Rons 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 Prevites 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 Magazines 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)!
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