Joe DeCara started playing guitar at the age of four and never stopped.

Influenced by the classical and popular music Joe DeCara has developed a unique jazz sound by fusing various styles and genres. The use of counterpoint, harmony, contrary motion and other devices blend and reflect the exploration of modern jazz concepts with traditional form, giving DeCara his innovative style.

DeCara has studied and performed the works of great composers including Fernando Sor, Carulli, Villa Lobos, Johanne Sebastian Bach, Sate and Debussy. However, fascinated with the richness of chords and scales and the many possible arrangements and permutations of notes, he was soon attracted to the art of improvisation and explored the world of jazz.

In Los Angeles DeCara spent valuable time with jazz greats, Joe Pass, Lenny Breau, Ted Greene, Joe Diorio and Dennis Budimir. Budimir introduced DeCara to some of the major recording studios and the seeds of his passion for songwriting, arranging and production were sown.

When his father unexpectedly fell ill, DeCara moved back to Baltimore. He picked up regular session work performing with groups such as the Four Tops, The Temptations, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Sha Na Na, The Drifters and The Platters. He backed up vocalists, Lou Christie, Robert Goulet, James Darren, Bobby Rydell, Leslie Gore and many others. Additionally he played private parties for celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Jay Leno, Maclean Stevenson (M*A*S*H), Ned Beatty (Deliverance), Ted Kennedy and Colin Powell. DeCara stayed busy as a solo jazz guitarist and worked with small ensemble and continued arranging, composing and teaching.

His instrumental jazz fusion CD Kaleidoscope was released In the early 2000's and was well-received. “Kaleidoscope encompasses several genres, with inventive all original tunes and nice arrangements played with great elan and flair. Very unique and clever interplay with the two guitars . . .” – Dennis Budimir (jazz/studio guitarist)

DeCara has been writing and arranging music throughout the years and is presently at work assembling some of this music for two new albums. The re-release of DeCara’s original rock opera, Let Me Off At The Next Revolution, is in the planning stages.

DeCara is a member of the teaching staff (guitar, jazz) since at Loyola University Maryland since 2000. He offers private instruction specializing in improvisation, fingerboard theory, repertoire and chord melody at his studio