I began playing guitar at age thirteen in 1983. Listening to Van Halen on headphones changed my entire perspective on life at that point. The first full album I bought was Queen - News of the World. I listened to that on a kiddie record player at age 6, also on headphones. In retrospect, they were the right influences at the right time to steer me towards life experiences filtered through the music that I was hearing. I learned to play guitar fairly quickly & realized that, despite some social shyness, guitar playing might be my extroverted 'thing'.
It hit me early that my favorite bands were people that created a tribe among themselves. An Us vs. The World viewpoint. Not anarchy. Just...we have THIS perspective & we want you to know our perspective. A 'fun lens that can't be had elsewhere' approach. As an ELECTRIC guitarist, I didn't want to thieve directly from my influences. I wanted to have an original voice on the instrument that my influencers would be proud of rather than feel plagiarised. I helped found & participate in a GREAT original Connecticut band, in the late 80's/early 90's, called Frogboy. Best friends, despite years lost, we will always be. That band, my friends, were the a collection of people & personalities that only synergy can explain. A gift. THE friendship gift of a lifetime. Our own tribe.
A right brain/left brain conundrum had me choosing security over artistry in my 20's. I thrived on routines then...still very much do. When I left Connecticut for New Hampshire it was a good move for my being but not for my music industry connections. I happened upon more great friends to play music with up here...I feel very fortunate to still have my ability. In terms of connections & possibilities, though, I have cornered myself and I want to network myself out of that corner. I find myself, in my 40's, still thinking of & participating in music in some manner every day. I love the guitar. I love music. I really want to reach out, write music, share music , & live guitar-related moments more often. Participating in Online Session Work completely appeals to me. While my favorite guitar material is still very extroverted, I have an appetite for many different styles. If you like something of mine you hear, please let me know...especially if you'd like to have me add something to your music.
