Interview
1. If you weren't playing music right now, what would you be doing?
That is a tough question. I have spent my whole life writing, teaching,
and performing music. It is so much a part of my life that I can not imagine doing
anything that is not Music related.
2. How does living on the ocean inspire the writing process for you?
I have always loved everything about the sea. The sounds, the smells, the
wind, it is awesome to just stand there and look at the vastness of it. There is also
a lifestyle which is associated with "coastal living". It is more laid-back and less stressful.
All of these things greatly inspire me. I guess in a way you could say that "Mother Ocean" is
my Muse.
3. Who are some musicians that have influenced your direction in life?
Another tough question. So many musicians have influenced me through out
my life that I could spend hours listing them. I guess if I just had to name a few, it
would be James Taylor and Jim Croce who have inspired me since I was young. But of course
I can't leave out Michael Hedges and Richard Leo Johnson, two incredible fingerstyle
guitarists who have caused me to look at the guitar in a new and revolutionary way.
4. How long have you been playing, and what are you future musical plans?
I have been playing violin since the age of 8. I picked up guitar at age 10. My future
musical plans are to study further fingerstyle guitar continue to perform
live,and I will be releasing a new CD in March titled "Passage". It will be an all
fingerstyle/instrumental CD.
5. How did you become involved with the charities you support? Tell us a little about them.
I work closely with two charities. First of all I do events and raise
funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I became involved with them because my
wife's sister, Starla, died of Leukemia many years ago. I support any effort to raise
funds for research to combat this deadly disease. I would love to see a cure for cancer found
in our lifetime. If you would like to help with this cause you can contact them in the
Mobile AL office at:
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
2970 Cottage Hill Rd.
Suite 127
Mobile, AL 36606
251-472-8123
I also am the spokesperson for and raise donations for The Haven. The
Haven is a "No-Kill" shelter for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. It is
located in Fairhope Alabama. They were founded two years ago with the motto that a civilized
society does not kill its pets.
Gandhi said that. "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be
judged by the way its animals are treated." The Haven is committed to giving the
animals brought to them shelter, medical attention, love, and finding them a home.
If you would like more info on The Haven contact:
The Haven
559 Section Street
Fairhope, AL 36532
