...Influenced heavily by English progressive rock and American artists such as: Frank Zappa, Todd Rundgren and The Tubes, my kit gradually grew to include concert toms and a second kick drum.
I wasn't much into playing out locally or jamming with friends, as I was more into studying and progressing on my own. This led to my branching out to learn tuned percussion. Concentrating mainly on tympani, glock and vibes, it came in very handy when I accepted the offer to tour with one of the largest unsigned acts of New England, 'The Incredible Two Man Band', otherwise known as ITMB. Needless to say, the new kit now grew to include tymps, octobans, syndrums and a gong...
After a brief stint at Berklee College of Music, I decided to seek out and study privately with Gary Chaffee. Spending about six months working with Gary and covering as much of his material as possible, along with a few more local recording sessions, and I was ready to make the move to London.
London proved to be the right place. Various gigs and connections (Mike Corby/Toyah/Marillion) eventually led to my teaming up with Steve Howe (Yes) and Steve Hackett (Genesis) to form GTR.
Playing a gig with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai prompted me to relocate and move back to the States in '88.
The move eventually led to various recordings and/or performances with artists such as: Alice Cooper, Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Peter Frampton, Frank Gambale, Joe Lynn Turner and others.
Composing and producing were the next ventures which resulted in my first solo effort known as 'einstein', a progressive rock trio playing in every time signature except 4/4..!
I've just completed my second solo effort, entitled 'einstein too'. It's still based around myself and partner Stan Jankowski, along with appearences from guest artists such as: Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Jens Johannsen (Yngwie Malmsteen), Al Pitrelli (Savatage/Alice Cooper), D.C. Cooper (Royal Hunt), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and others.
More recent activities have included many productions, which I mainly do at a state-of-the-art audio/video recording facility known as Alien Flyers, of which I'm a partner. As well as many new recordings, including the debut CD's for both Fuel (Sony 550) and Oleander (Republic)...
Here's what Jonathan has to say...
...einstein was the name I chose for my side project. To me, the name represented two things: an implication that the band and music had an angle of sophistication and intelligence, as well as a hint of sarcasm, (as my little brother has said to more than just a few people who've come out with ingenius remarks... "ok einstein.") enough said...
Well, after a four year battle with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (who have the rights to Albert's estate) and a waste of much too much time & $$$, I decided to let the name go and alter it slightly, keeping myself within the legal limitations of it's use. "einstein", the first recording, is now "einstein won" and the new one is "einstein too"
