|
 Band contributions: Lead Guitar
Experience: I started on piano; 8 years of lessons, 7 years of percussion lessons, self taught on guitar for the last 27 years. At age 13 I joined my first band playing lead guitar. I had only been playing guitar for about 6 months. The rest of the band was 18-25. Played the club scene for the next 10+ years, and the coffee house scene for 10 years after that. Meanwhile playing in many studios and recording environments as a session player. I’ve produced countless projects over the last 25 years, most in my own studio. I’ve played in cities all over ¾’s of the United States, overseas in Greece, France, Trinidad, Belarus, and others I just can’t remember right now.
How I first got into playing music: Aside from stealing my brother’s toy guitar at age 3, when I was 4, I was at my Grandmas pounding on her piano (because that’s all I knew how to do), and she hollered down the stairs “stop pounding and play something.” I asked her what I should play; she said “three blind mice.” So I asked her how it went and after she sang it to me I went down and plucked it out on the piano. Shortly after that, my parents found a used upright and made me start taking lessons. I wanted to quit so bad, but my mother wouldn’t let me because she recognized the ear I had and knew that I needed training. I’m so thankful!
Bands/Artists that have most influenced me: The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Les Paul, Randy Rhoads, Van Halen, AC/DC, Joe Satriani, King’s X, Ty Tabor, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Yellow Jackets, Dream Theatre, Jerry McPherson, Gordon Kennedy, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Mutt Lange, Charlie Peacock, The Police, Sting, Kansas, Yes, ELP, and a plethora of other artists who’ve showed a commitment to excellence or evidence of an otherworldly gift bestowed on them by our maker.
Other bands/artists played with: Showdown, First Strike, Existence, Judge Baxter, Interface, Uncle Punchy, Rain, 5 O’clock Charlie, Remnant, Crystal Lyons, Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks), Shannon Otto, Chris Clements, Bruce Buchmann, Rebecca Macone, DIRT, Rich Farris, Rock Williams, Bobbi Low, and many other people and nucleus’ formed for specific occasions.
Other music-related accomplishments: Competed in high school at state for percussion, piano, and vocals. We took 1st place at the 1984 state madrigals competition. I wrote our senior class song (and they picked it!).Tech Director for a large tour over more than half of the United States. I’ve written more than a hundred songs and played and sang on well over a hundred recordings, including several of my own projects and C.D.’s. Music has always been my passion.
What I do when not rehearsing or performing: I love spending time with my Wife and daughter, and had an amazing time raising an infant foster son this last year. I’m also a cabinet maker/carpenter and love working with my hands. Selling/Buying Real Estate, and meeting new people.
Favorite Pastimes that aren't music-related: I also have a passion for people and love to make them laugh (or at least smile). Enjoying DARK chocolate. Cooking, being outdoors (all four seasons), traveling, missions’ trips, hunting, fishing, movies. Getting together with friends and family over a glass of wine, a meal, or whatever!
Person I Most Admire: My wife says I should put her name here, but I’m undecided at this point. : )
|
