Joe Livoti is a Bay Area musician, active in performing, composing, recording, publishing and teaching. He currently teaches guitar at House of Woodwinds in San Ramon.
  Born into a musical family in New York City, Joe began guitar lessons at the age of five. His fascination with music began at age four with a toy Beatles guitar he received for Christmas. When his parents played their stereo, Joe would stand in front of the speakers, strum the guitar and sing along. His father Tony, an accomplished sax and clarinet player, encouraged his son’s musical interests. He soon provided a three-quarter size guitar and a local teacher.
  Joe’s maternal grandfather and namesake, Joe Marchese, was a popular east coast guitarist during the 1920’s and 30’s. He was one of the first players of Gibson electric guitars and was given prototypes to test and endorse. His group, The Four Aces, was featured at such prestigious east coast venues as the Stork Club, Helen Morgen’s, Leon and Eddie’s, and the Vanderbilt’s Yacht. The Four Aces also had regional hits on the Harmony label with Dark Eyes, Moonlight and Roses, Someone Sang a Sweeter Song for Mary, and others. Numerous other cousins, aunts and uncles sang and played musical instruments and family gatherings often became musical events. It was therefore no surprise to the family that Joe showed such an early interest in playing.
  Joe performs solo and with various ensembles . His original music draws on many styles to create an intense and shifting musical landscape. Two of Joe's Cds are currently available. "Greetings From Galaxy X" is an electric, eclectic collection of space age, rockin' guitar pieces. Surf/Jazz/Rock/ from a galactic standpoint, aided by Gretsches, Strats', Teles, acoustics, old analog pedals and any other gear that happened to get in the way.
  “Ghost Memories”, is a conceptual recording, blending haunting melodies with natural sounds such as waves and storms. Joe is an avid hiker, camper and surfer, and the CD is a fine example of how these interests have manifested themselves in his music. The recording features six and twelve string guitars, bass ukelele, cello, recorder and natural sounds. There are no silences on the tape. It is a complete musical journey with moods subtly shifting from dark and foreboding to radiant and uplifting.
  Joe’s original music has also been featured in several independent films, including Barista, Suburban Youth, Five Days, Spare Parts, Cross Country, Singularity, N.Y. On $15 a Day, Thrush T.V. on S.F. cable, and Inside Joke T.V.