Vincent Pasternak

UPDATE: As with the others in the group, much has changed for Vincent since this was posted in 2002. Vincent is now in the final stages of his incredible Samba recording, Barcelona Notebook. Working with Ken Lovelett and Peter Levin in Woodstock, NY, the "tracks" we have heard are simply brilliant. Look for information on a release date and possibly some tour dates for Vincent. As always Vincent is doing a lot of studio work and is in demand as a "sideman" with a number of local artists. He also took a major role in the recent benefit for Jeff Olson sitting in with Fred and Michelle, Matt Olson and the Dyke Street Boys, Dan Lilley, and of course FolksTogether... The Olson's want to thank Vincent and Elizabeth for their support while Jeff was in the hospital and since his recent discharge.

Vincent Pasternak is a multi-talented musician and songwriter. During a FolksTogether radio appearance the host, marveled at Vincent's versatility and asked what instruments he plays. He answered her unpretentiously, "Things with strings..." This is no overstatement... With Folks Together, Vincent "only" plays violin, viola, percussion, bass, mandolin, acoustic and classical guitar. He is probably proficient on instruments we don't know about, but it isn't like Vincent to brag about his talents or musical experiences...

Vincent's versatility and ability to compliment the playing of others has served him well... His talents have allowed him to work with and learn from some very fine musicians and songwriters... His musical education has taken him from his native Connecticut to Barcelona Spain (where he learned Classical guitar), and later to Boston, New York City, Woodstock, NY, and (thankfully for us) his current home in Rhode Island. While a student at Fordham University, Vincent was a fixture on the New York session scene for most of the 1970's. He even had a brief brush with fame.. Vincent was a member of "The Clams" a "Spike Jones" like group which featured such famous artists as bassist Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, more) and his brother Pete Levin (Paul Simon recordings and live, and many more). The song, a take-off on The Carpenters "Close To You" became a "turntable" hit all across the country. A turntable hit is a song which receives lots of airplay but is never actually released for sale. The song has endured on such off beat radio programs as Dr.. Demento...

Vincent also left his mark in Boston and in the exclusive Woodstock community. During this period Vincent performed on recordings and in live settings with many great musicians (too many to mention, but they include the aforementioned Levin brothers Laura Nero, Roswell Rudd and Judy Roderick).

In the 1980's, Vincent decided it was time to get off "the road. " Using his education in video and audio production, he turned his talents toward commercial studio work (audio, video, soundtracks, etc.). Taking a steady job at a local studio, Vincent was instrumental in the production of a number of notable children's recordings....


Vincent lives in Providence, RI with his wife Elizabeth and their children Collin and Katy... Vincent has been working on a recording featuring some of his original Sambas for the Classical guitar. One of his Sambas, Sala Jordi has beceome a very popular part of the FolksTogether repetoire. Many of his music friends have or will be joining him in Woodstock NY at a studio owned by his friend Ken Lovelett. Ken is a highly regarded precussionist. He and Vincent have been friends for many years. Ken and Vincent perform together with the Voluntary Relatives. Learn more about Ken and the studio on the American Percussion Web Site.

In addition to performing with FolksTogether, Vincent continues to do session work for local artists. In addition to his contribution to the Bellaire & Dunn and Wire & Wood CDs, Vincent's violin, guitar, and vocal work is prominently featured on singer/songwriter JP Jones' albums "Angels on The Road," "Ashes."and "Salvation Street." He can also be heard both live and on disc with the Portland Maine group "Voluntary Relatives."