Pete

The man in the pocket. With decades of stage experience, Pete locks in the groove that defines the Big Horse sound. His deep knowledge of classic arrangements ensures every song feels as authentic as the original record.

Influences

Pete’s foundational groove is built upon a "Mount Rushmore" of bass legends, blending technical virtuosity with melodic sensibility. He draws his primary inspiration from the powerhouse playing of Jack Bruce and the melodic complexity of Paul McCartney, ensuring his lines are as much a part of the song's melody as the vocals. Complementing this is the smooth, polished pop-rock phrasing of Peter Cetera and the legendary "hook" and groove of Motown's James Jamerson. By synthesizing these diverse influences, Pete provides The Big Horse Band with a rock-solid, soulful foundation.

"Origin Story"

Like many rock musicians of the Baby-Boomer generation, Pete’s musical awakening came the moment The Beatles and The Rolling Stones flickered across the screen on The Ed Sullivan Show. Witnessing those iconic performances was all it took for "the bug" to take hold. While he first cut his teeth on the 6-string guitar, Pete’s path to becoming a powerhouse on the low end was one of necessity and brotherhood; when a neighborhood garage band found themselves in need of a bass player, Pete made the switch and never looked back. That early transition defined his career, and today, he brings that decades-long dedication to the deep, authentic groove of The Big Horse Band.

Experience

Pete’s journey on the bass began circa 1966, sparking a career that spans over five decades of musical evolution. From his early days in the mid-sixties to the present, he has navigated nearly every corner of the live music scene, bringing his steady pulse to everything from jazz-rock fusion and small funk ensembles to high-energy bar bands and retro-disco acts. Whether performing at rowdy frat parties, intimate coffee houses, elegant wedding gigs, or professional stage shows, Pete’s vast experience across diverse genres has made him a versatile "man in the pocket." Today, he brings that lifetime of stagecraft to The Big Horse Band, ensuring every groove is as authentic as the records that inspired him.

Memorable gigs or venues from the past

Looking back at his early years on the stage, Pete fondly remembers the South Plainfield PAL (Police Athletic League) gym as a standout venue from the late sixties. It wasn't just a gym to the local music scene; it boasted a great stage that provided the perfect platform for a young bassist to hone his craft.

Gear

Pete’s signature sound is built on a foundation of classic craftsmanship and decades of experimentation. While he is most at home on various Fender basses, his quest for the perfect tone has led him through the unique sounds of Gretsch and Warwick, as well as a beautiful, custom-made Carvin SB4000 fretless. Though he has mastered several upright basses over the years, Pete prioritizes a professional, practical rig for the road. While his backline was traditionally dominated by an Ampeg stack, he currently utilizes a versatile mix of Peavey, Hartke, and GK combo amps.