Bio Mike was born in 1953 in the Bronx, New York. He has a magnificent wife Debbie, and two wonderful children; Michelle and Jimmy. Debbie is an excellent vocalist and often performs with Mike. Mike started playing guitar in December 1966 at the age of 13. He played with the usual high school rock n' roll bands, and was completely self-taught until January 1971, at which time he began studies with Dan Lagarino in Scarsdale, NY. He studied under Dan for 3 1/2 years, then met and studied under Chuck Wayne for 6 years while playing the Wedding / Bar Mitzvah circuit. He played in the pit band with the New York musicals "Man Of La Mancha" and "Tenderloin". Mike and his family moved to California in January 1981. Mike joined the San Diego Sheriff's Department and progressed to his current rank of Lieutenant. While his professional career as musician was on hold, Mike enjoyed raising his family and participating in family activities such as camping, RVing, traveling, etc. Mike began work again as a professional after meeting the San Diego guitarist Rick Ross, who helped Mike form the "Jurassic Jazz" trio and "Twin Picks" (a group co-led by Rick Ross). Mike lists as influences Joe Pass; Chuck Wayne and Johnny Smith, and officially endorses BUSCARINO custom-made guitars.