Augie

A master of tone and technique. Whether it’s the soaring solos of The Eagles or the twang of modern Country, Augie brings the technical polish that makes Big Horse a professional-tier act.

Influences

Augie’s playing is a rich tapestry woven from a wide array of musical traditions, including Rock 'n' Roll, Blues, Country, Classic Rock, and Soul. While his style is versatile enough to cover these diverse genres, his most profound influence was the late great Jeff Becker. More than just a musical inspiration, Becker was a close friend and guitar mentor to Augie, embodying a rare dedication to the craft by choosing the purity of his art over the pursuit of fame. This mentorship instilled in Augie a deep-seated respect for the instrument and an approach to guitar work that shines through in every Big Horse Band performance.

"Origin Story"

For Augie, the journey has always been centered on the six-string. He honed his signature chops in the backwoods of Northwest Jersey, spending years slamming out chords and trading riffs with local bands and neighborhood musicians. This grassroots education was elevated by a circle of accomplished musical friends who helped guide his development and push his technique to a professional level. It is this combination of raw, woodshedded energy and refined mentorship that has fueled Augie’s fantastic musical journey and defines the gritty, authentic guitar work he brings to every performance.

Experience

Augie’s career on the fretboard began in his late teens and has since spanned an impressive range of musical projects. He has lent his talents to a diverse roster of bands, including Speed Limit, Dirty Dog and The Dalmatians, The Fanatics, Broadway & Tulsa, The Generations, and The House Rockers. This extensive experience has seen him performing everything from fan-favorite covers to original compositions across a variety of settings—from intimate local bars and restaurants to high-energy festivals, professional stage productions, and studio sessions. Augie’s seasoned versatility ensures that whether the Big Horse Band is in a local establishment or on a festival stage, the guitar work is always world-class.

Memorable gigs or venues from the past

One of the absolute highlights of Augie’s musical career was a standout night at the legendary Stanhope House. He had the distinct honor of opening for and sharing the stage with rockabilly royalty Lee Rocker and The Stray Cats. For a guitarist who cut his chops on local stages, performing alongside such iconic musicians at a historic venue was a defining moment.

Gear

Augie’s tonal palette is a "Who's Who" of iconic instruments, allowing him to capture the authentic sound of any era. His electric arsenal features the essential trinity of rock and country: the Fender Stratocaster, the Telecaster, and the Gibson Les Paul. When the set calls for an acoustic touch, he relies on the premium craftsmanship of Taylor, Martin, and Breedlove guitars. To translate that legendary steel-and-wood sound to the audience, Augie utilizes a versatile range of amplification, including the vintage grit of the Peavey Classic 30, the high-gain punch of the Marshall DSL 40, and the boutique clarity of Hughes & Kettner amps. This professional-tier gear ensures that every soaring solo and rhythmic strum meets the Big Horse Band's "Gold Standard" for performance.