Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
I grew up in Tulsa, Ok, the youngest of 6 kids. I watched all my brothers and sisters take piano lessons, and then I would watch them complain about the lessons. When it was my turn, I said “no thanks”, and I think my mom was relieved!
Being youngest, I was introduced to popular music early on by my brothers and sisters.
I think that may have been the most compelling reason I became a musician. The irony: the same
people who influenced me to avoid piano, also inspired me to become a musician.
I was always drawn to the guitar in the music I liked. So, that was the instrument I chose.
Musical Influences
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style? Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
When I was growing up, Southern Rock and blues were huge to me. Also, I heard country
music all the time, so it had an impact by its constant presence. When I went to college, I was introduced to jazz and classical ensembles. All these ingredients have come together, and a
country and jazz inflected rock and roll is the outcome.
Specific influences are The Clash, The Police, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Kimbra, Chris Cornell and Stevie Ray Vaughan. But, the biggest influence was my college guitar professor Scott Smith. 12 years learning from him and playing music with him left an enormous imprint.
The Clash’s Combat Rock is responsible for the lightning strike moment when I was 11 and saw
Rock The Casbah. MTV was brand new, and my friend and I rode bikes to his house after school
so we could check it out. I saw Billy Idol’s White Wedding, and then Rock The Casbah. I remember thinking, “These are the coolest guys in the entire world, and I want to be just like
them.”
Creative Process
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
Songwriting for me always starts with the music. I always have a guitar close, so grabbing it
and playing it is just part of a habit or lifestyle for me. If I hear something I like, I build other parts around it. Then when I have a structure, I hum and mumble along and a melody follows. Then lyrics. As the song comes together, a theme reveals itself. Typically, my songs are about my
family, or people that are important to me, and life in general.
Favorite Song
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you? Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
My favorite song of mine is Maeve. My family went through a tragedy a while ago. When
I sat down to write it in the middle of the sadness and despair, I thought, “I want to add something hopeful to what I am experiencing. I want to have an active role in shaping where this experience goes, and what its memory feels like.”
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
The song I have most recently finished is called You And Me. This is about the beautiful journey
and adventure it has been to be my 22-year-old daughter’s father.
Live Performances
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
The easy answer is that I think every live performance is memorable and unique. I love that I get to do this, and my music seems to resonate with people. Generally speaking, tho, I said earlier I grew up in Tulsa, OK. I love that city, and I love that area of the country. I’ve been doing regional tours from outside Chicago to Southern MO, and into NW Arkansas and NE Oklahoma. There is so much nostalgia there, old and new friends, memories, really great bluegrass and country
music and The Ozarks area is gorgeous. Each year, I add a date or two. These experiences have
had and will continue to have a big impact on my whole music project.
Ok, there was the time a very drunk woman asked if she could sing Roger Miller’s King of the
Road with me. I said of course. She got up there, took over the microphone, screeched like an
alley cat, did her best Joe Cocker moves and had the time of her life. It actually went pretty well
because she was very like able and was having a great time.
Hobbies and Interests
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
Over many years I have become an avid gardener: 2 beds for annuals, asparagus, raspberries, an apple tree, peach tree and a brand new cherry tree. I even have a clementine tree that produces edible fruit. I move it in and out of the house depending on temperature.
A process of sincere learning, effort, patience and resilience will give results in all things.
Collaborations
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
I would like to collaborate, and I do have some messages out to some other musicians. Lives
are really busy, so we’ll see what can come together.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
I recently saw an interview with Frank Zappa. He was asked this question and said, “Don’t stop.” I
thought that was great advice. I say this to myself: keep learning, make contact and follow up, be reliable and responsive and be grateful.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
I am very early in the process of writing a new record. With this one, I’ll have a full band and other musicians involved. My last record, Travelin’ Light was me, my guitar and my friend Abbey.