“GREAT stuff Ivan! Writing, performance, recording and production - well done man!”

- Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses Lead Guitarist and Bald Freak Music Recording Artist)

"Ivan, my 'Russian Rocket' Man, you are invited to my stage anytime. Good luck at Berklee!"

- Joey Gilmore (Blues Guitar Legend – 1st place winner of 2006 International Blues Challenge).

“I really enjoyed listening to your new Forte songs. I dig the style... progressive odd meter sections, a bit of neoclassical and enough heavy guitar rhythms to brutalize anybody - very cool. Your writing is really creative and seems to be accelerating in the right direction.

As a student of mine I saw, and currently still see, much potential in not only your guitar playing, but overall musicality. Take care my friend and keep up the ambitious studies, writing and practice habits.”

“Writing intellectually stimulating music, playing a mean guitar and sportin' a kick-ass Les Paul... What else could make a person so happy? Don't ever loose your humble down to earth attitude Ivan. You're a good person and it shines right through your music.”

- George Bellas (Virtuoso Neoclassical Guitarist and Shrapnel/Lion Music Recording Artist.

“Well-played solos and mature phrasing. A great young talent with a bright future.”

- Albert Castiglia  (Former sideman to blues legend Junior Wells and Blues Leaf Records Artist)

“I’m impressed with Ivan’s technical ability, as well as fast-growing musical maturity. This is a very solid foundation, which is important for today’s ever-competitive guitar industry. Ivan rocks!”

- Michael Bianco (Guitar virtuoso known for unique tapping technique using 7 and 14-string guitars, as well as Chapman Stick)

“Ivan - If the blues is the language of the soul, then yours has a whole lot of things to say...."excellent" is the word that comes to mind.”

GC Rivers (Guitarist/Singer of established South Florida blues/rock GC Rivers Band)