Performing Artist / Songwriter
ALBERT DONADI
Albert Donadi
E-mail: info@albertdonadi.com
Albert Donadi was born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the village of Weatherly. His musical journey started at an early age learning rhythm with percussion instruments at school, joining the concert and marching band as a drummer up until the 8th grade. It was then when his parents bought him his first guitar. His family was his early influence. His mother took guitar lessons and played in a band through her high school years, and his father loved singing in church, at home and in the car. "My mom showed me some basic chords and songs like Green Onions and House of the Rising Sun. My cousin Anthony was getting guitar lessons and my older brothers friend Justin was also getting lessons. When they came over the house they were eager to show me what they have been learning so I was always bothering them to teach me. My cousin and I eventually put a band together in High School with our friends Matt and Jimmy and we practiced all the time. Our shows were always fun and filled with kids and we eventually recorded an album. There were a lot of inspirational people around me during that time in my life, helping me grow as a guitar player, but my focus on singing came a little later down the road. Once I went to college I started playing solo acoustic gigs in loud bars and house parties, most of the time my gear wasn't powerful enough or I just played and sang without speakers so it really forced me to start projecting my voice and this is when I started to get comfortable with my voice."
After graduating college he began his career as a Educator, but continued to meet talented local musicians in the Erie scene. "Rodger Montgomery made a big impact on me. I was into heavy metal and alternative rock at the time and played in a Black Sabbath/Ozzy tribute band. When I attended my first "blues jam" hosted by Rodgerthat really changed my perspective of how music can be made. Learning blues progressions on the spot and taking turns soloing, nothing rehearsed whatsoever, very free. After a night of jamming Rodger told me "I have soul" and he told me to stick with it cause he can tell I "feel" it. From there on out I started diving into the archives of blues/rock and roll music."
For 6 years he taught and played gigs whenever he could. In 2011, he decided to follow his dream and make music his full time career. He packed up his van and headed south. Over the past 10 years Al has been playing "live" on a weekly basis mainly on the West Coast of Florida. Living and working in the area allows him to connect with many of the local musicians, who all have influenced him in becoming the musician he is today. "Everyone I've made music with has influenced me in someway or another. From small porch jams to festival stages; In Pennsylvania and down the east coast to the Florida community, So many talented souls I've had the opportunity to musically communicate with." His last album was completed at the Spirit Ranch Studio with legendary Bud Snyder who engineered/produced The Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band, Dickey Betts and Great Southern, and Warren Haynes Gov't Mule. "Im thankful for the musicians who worked hard with me creating this album. Jeff Arevalo on drums, Steve Duerst on bass, Dennis Wage on Hammond organ, Latonya Oliver - vocals, Justin Green - Saxophone, Eddie Tobin - piano. I couldn't have done it without you!" Al continues to write and is working on another album. "My goal is to have fun, spread love and create awareness about real life felt situations through my music."