Instrumental versions of the music, performed primarily on pedal steel guitar, along with various other kinds of guitars and other string instruments.

19 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Weird Jazz, CLASSICAL: Contemporary



Details:
I began as a folk singer early 60s. I very quickly became interested in some of the more traditional forms of folk music, specifically old timey country and blues. I had the incredibly good fortune see many traditional artists like Son House, Skip James, Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, etc. the list is endless.

As I got older, my interest in folk music, particularly in blues, fell right into place with the burgeoning rock scene of the late 60s and I got an electric guitar and played in several local blues bands. However, my musical life and took an unexpected turn in 1975 when by virtue of being in the right place at the right time, I was asked to join a local country band. The band, called Southwest Wind, was actually a fusion of folk, country, and bluegrass, with a little bit of rock and blues. I fit right in.

After the band split up, I started playing guitar at the local country bars. It was during this time that I became exposed to the pedal steel guitar and it was only a matter of time before I tried to play one. Once I did I was hooked. I came to the conclusion that I was put on Earth for the specific purpose of playing the pedal steel guitar.

However, although my love affair with the steel continues to this day, I eventually became tired of country music. I wanted to take the instrument into other genres besides country.

My first CD, was a program of 20th century classical music by such composers as Debussy and Stravinsky. That CD was picked up by a label that is in the process of going out of business. It will out of print soon, at which time I will re-release it myself, as I am doing for this one, which is my second.

In addition to recording, I am also the author of a book, entitled "Music Theory In The Real World, A Practical Guide For Today's Musicians" that has been published by Mel Bay Publications. The book puts the material , which is normally found in textbooks written for classical music students, in terms a chord strumming guitar player who does not know how to read music can easily understand.

I am currently working on yet another CD, an program of Spanish and Latin music, again transcribed for the pedal steel. However this one will also feature my guitar playing on one selection. I hope to have it completed by early 2007.