I started playing guitar in the '70s. I saw Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen when they came through our hometown. The stage was a flatbed trailer. When they played Hot Rod Lincoln, I was hooked! Man! I thought, if I can ever play that song I'll be happy. I can play that now,and I'm not happy. I've just got to keep trying to master that fret board, but I know it has no master. Every player can squeeze something different out of that box, and I guess that's what keeps me interested.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
I think 1976, The Doobie Brothers had this great wall of sound. I was blown away. What a great group of musicians!
What gear do you use?
Well, I've got several guitars, but two that I play most often. My Martin GPCPA1 is the one I play the most. I write songs in several genres, kinda just follow where the idea takes me. I use my acoustic mainly for that. I also enjoy playing my Tele Deluxe because I dig the squak and twang I can get out of it. Just got a Gibson Melody Maker because I got a good buy on it ,but haven't played it much yet. Also play an Alvarez acoustic , and have a cheap slot-head I keep in my truck. I play a Peavey grind bass.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
Wow! That's hard to say! I had so many. I had a friend named Bob Martin who was just an awesome player, and my older brother Paul played, and most of the kids I grew up around aspired to play. My younger brother got involved with the guitar and just kix my ass now musically, but I have a knack for stiching words together.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
Sort of. My wife and I play together and my 9 year old son is getting to be a pretty good drummer. My bro-in-law is starting to play bass with us and a friend who plays guitar. We call the collaboration THE YARD DOGGS.
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Probably my brother Floyd. We live about 250 miles away and always have a blast when we jam together. It's always just for fun and anything goes. His blues band THE SAINTS OF YESTERDAY are fantastic!