I was born 22 Sep 1974 and I have always showed a special connection to music since a child, but only started playing classic guitar when I was 14. After a year of study of classical guitar and musical theory, I have decided to learn rock music by ear. All I had was a stereo, an improvised drum kit made of cans and a classical guitar. And that would keep me busy for many hours of self learning music and pure joy. At 16 I got my first electric guitar on money earned in summer internships. My early influences include Scorpions, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, Guns N ' Roses, Extreme. Mark Knopfler's unique playing style caught my attention for a number of years to the point I learned guitar fingerpicking and all his licks. That lived on in some of my music, even if in a different sub-genre. While in a period of 4 years with the band Culto Oculto, as lead guitarist, I wrote lyrics and music of a few rock songs that never saw the light of the day. That helped to develop confidence playing and developing my own style. In late 80s/early 90s I developed a passion for instrumental music, initiated by listening to Portuguese guitar player Francis Mann, soon expanded to following instrumental guitar music global stars such has Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Andy Timmons, all remaining as life time main musical influences. In early 2000s I decided to take guitar playing a little more serious and invested in advanced individual classes with Portuguese guitar player Luis Moreno, which improved my musical harmony and melody skills as well as playing expression through different techniques. In 2003 I have released my first demo CD with 20 minutes of instrumental rock music. I think I gave away more than 100 CDs and that helped building a music network. After a 12 year break in music works, I was back to guitar playing and music composition in 2012, invested in some advanced lessons from Portuguese guitar player Luiz Arantes, I did a few cover videos on youtube and demo tracks on soundcloud channels, till I reached 10 original tracks that I found could become the so much desired instrumental rock album. Fast forward to 2017 and “Time Is Up” is the obvious title to the album. Other compositions are on their way, so this first won’t be the last. Fingers crossed! Yours, JC.