"I think, the first time I heard the guitar I was still in my mother's womb" says Adam Rafferty.

Born and raised in Harlem NYC, Adam started playing blues guitar at age 6, got mugged in front of his building at 10, played in a hard rock band at 12, was ripped off by a club owner on his fi rst gig at 15, and by 18 he was a rapper on a gold record overseas. He’s led a true musician’s life since his earliest days on planet earth.

Among Adam’s musical innovations is the ability to play 2 simultanoeous melodies on the guitar and do hip hop fl avored “human beatbox” with his mouth at the same time. Some say that hIs solo version of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon” sounds like the “guitarist with 3 heads”. It has to be heard to be believed.

His solo versions of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” are his most popular and requested songs and can be heard on YouTube as well. Basslines, horn parts and vocals are replicated and the groove will make you jump out of your seat.

“I choose songs with strong melodies that I love to hear. It’s not even about ‘playing guitar’ at this point - it’s about conveying music and leading listeners through a musical experience. The guitar is my tool to do that. There is so much music here, right here on this guitar of mine, I’ll never get it done - but boy do I love working on it and sharing it with others.”

“I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have had and continue to have” Adam concludes. “And I’m also thankful for the hardships. That’s why I called my first solo album ‘Gratitude’. Thank You, Universe, for all that you have given and continue to give to me.”

www.adamrafferty.com

Adam Rafferty and Tommy Emmanuel – “Tenderly” – Helsinki, Finland April 3, 2009