about
I grew up in a musical family. I grew to appreciate many styles of music and learned several instruments (cello, flute, piano, guitar) along the way. Classical was king (no pun intended) but I also was influenced heavily by such folk heroes as Peter, Paul, and Mary, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez—singers who stepped out to inspire a generation, not just entertain it.
My performance experience started with groups, orchestra, and band (including marching in the Portland Rose Parade), and choir. As a teenager, I had the pleasure of performing some flute/violin duets with my mother in church.
I started singing solos in church in my twenties and was soon inspired to write my own music. At first, I sang to the accompaniment of others but eventually, picked up a guitar and taught myself to play. On the day I met my wife-to-be, I performed for the first time accompanying myself on guitar singing one of my own songs.
Life has strongly influenced my songwriting, whether it be relationships, my garden, or politics. I was a political science major in college, so I feel I have both knowledge and a keen interest in the area. Because of my background and my faith, I have become increasingly incensed over the misuse of faith and religious belief in political debates, which has re-energized my songwriting (and my blogging as well).
I am most grateful to my dear wife, Deb, for creating this site for me. She is my best friend, my soul mate, and my biggest fan. She is the inspiration for some of my songs, including one she accompanied me on at a retreat, and one I sang to her on our wedding day.
I am in the process of creating a CD, and hope to greatly expand the catalog of songs on this site. But for now, I have three that I wrote, and that my friend, Greg DiMichel, played accompaniment for. Please visit my CD page periodically for updates.
I would love your comments or questions regarding my music. Please visit my contact page to get in touch with me.