Masters of music jazz studies student at Portland State University in Portland, OR.  


  Some career highlights of mine:

  • Released 4 CDs
  • Performer on board cruise ships, including the Norwegian Pride of America, the Celebrity Summit, and the Carnival MS Inspiration.  
  • Pit band guitarist for numerous musicals at The Company Theatre in Norwell, MA, including: The Rocky Horror Show, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Ragtime, Footloose, Grease, Children of Eden, and The Baker's Wife
  • My band Savin ill opened up for notable hip hop performers Kool G Rap, Inspectah Deck (Wu Tang Clan) and Cappadonna

I have played in groups ranging from rock bands and jazz quintets to musical theater pit orchestras. My musical heroes include Led Zeppelin, Charlie Christian, Kenny Burrell, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Beatles, Phish and The Meters. Originally from Long Island, New York, I first began learning guitar at age 15. 


I moved from New York to Massachusetts to attend Berklee College of Music, and later that year joined the band Banter, a group whose sound combined '90s alterna-rock angst with classic rock harmonies. After leaving this group, I pursued a variety of different projects, including a short stint in the show band on board a Carnival Cruise Lines ship. Eventually I became more serious about learning jazz guitar, and decided to solve the mystery of learning how to solo over jazz tunes.

 

My studies led me to many late night jam sessions, and occasionally a commute from Boston to New York City after work on Fridays to spend the weekend developing my chops at the clubs in the Big Apple.  Eventually I  landed a gig playing with notable Boston jazz musician Sonny Watson. While I loved playing jazz, I felt that it was time to try something different. I joined the band Savin ill, a hip-hop group that fused funk, soul and rock using live instruments, creating our own unique style.  I have also played with pop-rock singer/songwriter Max G. 


When not playing shows, I have taught at several studios and schools in the Greater Boston area, including Boston College High School in Dorchester, Robinson Music in Westborough and The Music Emporium in Lexington.  I have taught students ranging in age from seven years to adult a variety of different styles, including rock, blues, and jazz.  I moved my guitar lessons business to Portland in March 2011.  If you're interested in private lessons, contact me at lancevallis@gmail.com