I first picked up the guitar at age 7. had a piano teaching Grandmother who began me on that at age 3. My family was fairly musical and since we didn't have a t.v. at that time we always listened to the AM radio stations that played oldies and disco or we'd listen to classical music, of which my mother had an impressive collection on 78rpm , which are unheard of today. I honestly don't remember when I first heard the guitar or knew what it was. Music has been in my life ever since I can remember. I do remember liking some of the country artist of the time and picking out vocal melodies on my first guitar without evening knowing how to tune it or even have any kind of knowledge of notes or technique. I just picked it up and made music from day 1! I believe that is why I have never stopped playing in 30+ years.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
i've been watching music performed live my whole life. The first concert would have to have been something from church. I remember feeling the power of a 65 piece orchestra and a large choir and that was very intense! I strive to create that same feeling in my music.
What gear do you use?
I am an Ibanez man. Not by choice, but by budget. My main Ibanez is a red RX 20 from 93. It has been re-fretted and has DiMarzio ToneZone pick-ups and string saver saddles. I have recorded 5 albums with this guitar almost exclusively. My main back up guitar is m only non-Ibanez guitar. It is a Gator orange Squire Bullet with 1 DiMarzio Air Zone pickup and no frills. I have had that one for over 10 years now and it is a great player. I have 3 other Ibanez's that are an RG550 from the late 80's that's been played hard.. it has super low action and is tuned to A=427 tuning 1 step down for my Pantera tribute band. Also, a black S430 that has a DiMarzio pick up in it as well. That one is tuned standard tuning at A=427 for Pantera songs. The last one is an old S model that is in a state of disrepair and in need of a few things to make it a shred machine again.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
Biggest Influence? Randy Rhoads no doubt! I played before I heard him, but after I did, I never looked at the guitar the same way. His tone, his solos, his melodies, his persona, his riffs, even his guitar were an influence on me. There have been many since him for sure. To name them all would take way too much space and brain cells.. My current influences range from Mikeal Akerfeldt from Opeth to Jazz Master Jimmy Bruno. I try to listen to every style of guitar playing at some point just to gain new perspectives and ideas.