Episode 071–Brady Novotny “Passions Collide” Guitar Wizard with Bruce Hilliard

Brady Novotny started playing the guitar at the age of 10. Determined to be a world class guitarist, he left his first guitar lesson with his instructor telling him basically to give it up now.  Thus he was introduced to criticism and disappointment early in his endeavor. Nevertheless, Brady heard a guitar player that would motivate him to push all that aside and re-engerize his passion to continue; that guitar player was Randy Rhoads.  Brady soon fell in love with classical and melodic guitar playing.  Brady practiced restlessly learning everything from classical pieces, melodic and virtuosic solos from 80's guitar heroes, to jazz fusion. Brady loved the guitar, and truly, that has been his passion.  He attended Berklee College of Music for a little time.  At the age of 19, he was asked to teach summer guitar workshop at Duquesne University.  As life often happens, however, Brady got burned out and went back to school and received his masters in Psychology. Yep, that's right -- Psychology.  But the passion is back and stronger than ever, plus it never hurts to have some money! Brady set out to do an instrumental project that would have his listeners singing the haunting melodies while holding their attention by uniquely placed guitar virtuosity and dynamic rhythms creating a fusion of rock, flamenco, and jazz.  His love for a variety of musical styles led him to study under many teachers in his life.  Brady started out playing Classical guitar at the age of 10.  Ever since then, Brady has had a strong affection for nylon string guitar sound. Ultimately, this led him to study Flamenco guitar. He immediately fell in love with the passion, virtuosity and rhythm of this style.  The shred of the 80’s was one of his main influences and guilty pleasures, while Jazz was a big influence on Brady’s chordal choices and song color. Brady has a wide range of experience in the music business. His experience ranges from the Pittsburgh rock scene to national tours.  He has worked as a Pittsburgh session guitarist, Worship leader, and guitarist at several mega churches. He has also taught guitar at clinics and universities. Brady's Website