From that day on I was completely consumed with music, different instruments and sounds. My dad, Gabriel Frutuoso was a mandolinist and my brother, Joe - a bass player. There was always music and music-making going on and a lot of my time was spent experimenting with the various instruments that were found around the house such as guitar, organ, mandolin and bass guitar. The idea of creating original songs was one that appealed to me right from my first involvement with music. As soon as I could string a few chords together I began to hum the catchy melodies that I heard in my head as I played them. Not long after that I started to develop what has turned out to an expressive and versatile voice.

My style is influenced by a wide variety of music. From Rock, R & B, Folk and Country to the Portuguese and European folk and popular tunes that I would hear on the ethnic radio programs and at the live performances of my dad’s and my brother’s respective bands. Inspired by this eclectic mix of genres and urban multi-cultural life experiences and observations, the songs I write have a unique yet familiar feeling to them that most people can’t help but relate to. My songs can deal with a subject matter that’s a little off of the beaten path or an unexpected viewpoint on what at first might appear as a common topic.

Since the age of 11 I have always been a part of working bands either in the role of bass player or guitarist/lead vocalist. But up until the Streetwise Leonardos CD project, I have never been in a situation where my original music was the sole focus of attention. Recording my compositions with drummer, Bill Jaile has been one of the most pleasant and gratifying creative arrangements I have ever participated in. Whenever we get together "it’s nothing but fun!" and it’s definitely reflected in the music.