Todd Ryotoshi Norcross
Described as being "a multi-genre musical genius" and "a teacher of teachers", Todd Norcross has been writing and recording songs for over sixteen years. He earned a Degree in Sound Engineering and Advanced Music Production from the prestigious "Recording Workshop" school in 1997.
He has written, recorded and produced well over 500 hundred original songs ranging from pop and folk rock to Celtic instrumentals and movie soundtrack scores. Although primarily a finger-picking guitarist, he also plays five other instruments. In 1998, he was recognized as being a "visionary of sound for the next generation of musicians".
As a teacher, Todd Ryotoshi Norcross holds 3rd Degree Black Belts and teaching licenses in To-Shin Do and Budo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu. He was awarded the ninja warrior name "Ryotoshi" which means "Warrior of the Clear Blade of Truth" by Tenth Degree Black Belt Hall of Fame Member Stephen K. Hayes. He is a meditation teacher and lecturer on Eastern Philosophy and how it can be applied in the West. He was also given the name "Ho-Un" meaning "Dharma Cloud". He donates his time as a Liberation Prison Project spiritual adviser to several people in various prisons across the US. He has also had articles, poetry and artwork published nationally. -K. Nero
Singer/Guitarist Todd Norcross on his musical influences:
"I learned to play guitar and create recordings from studying Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac. I had never seen anyone play like that. He is simply brilliant and a real musical genius. I immediately saved up money to buy my first left-handed electric guitar and amplifier after hearing Fleetwood Mac's single "Little Lies" on the radio in 1988. I was about eighteen at the time. I don't use a traditional flat pick but only my fingers when I play my guitars, even the electric guitar solos are done with the "travis-style" finger-picking I learned from Mr. Buckingham. To this day I still attend his concerts, follow him and support his albums.
My singing influences vary widely. I love Fleetwood Mac's diversity. There are no better harmonies to study on Earth than the Bee Gees. They still blow me away every time I hear them, especially their 80's and 90's stuff. The Mamas and the Papas are a great influence, as well as The Beatles and the singer Russell Hitchcock from Air Supply. He has probably the most beautiful male voice I have ever heard. I also like Celtic music a lot and enjoy Loreena Mckennit and Enya. My classical compositions are a result of listening to movies like Braveheart, Conan The Barbarian and Lord of the Rings. These composers are at the top of their game and are constantly inspiring me to get off my butt and do more as a soundtrack composer. It is so nice to have role models who are still very much alive and active in their fields."