Playing music is what I love … anytime, anywhere!!! … it’s in my blood … my Grandfather, “Daddy Red” was a Big Band leader”. He played stride piano and blew a mean sax … he gave me his horn which I still play! His brother “Dutch was also in the band and played tenor banjo. My Mom was a pop/jazz singer and piano player. Mom & Daddy Red taught me a lot about harmony, rhythm, Swing & Jazz of the 30’s &’ 40‘s era. My Dad loved old time Country … Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, Johnny Cash & Southern Gospel music. My sisters listened to the Beatles, Stones, Doors, Otis Redding & Soul, Pop & Rock of the Woodstock era. I soaked it all up & had favorites in every style!  

 

At 13, … I was struck by a kind of musical-religious experience … I heard the famous bluesman “Little Walter” play his harp and I was transformed… utterly knocked out … converted to the Blues! He played thru a funky distorted little amp which made his harp sound almost like a trumpet but man, he bent the notes with such feeling and soul … I began a quest to learn how to play like him. 

 

I ran to Fred’s Music and bought my first Old Standby Harmonica for $3.50… I blew that harp till my lips bled! After “woodshedding” for several months, I was on my way! My friends and others started asking me to play instead of go away. Soon, I was playing at living rooms jams, field parties, boat docks, camp outs …down on the corner … for smiles and tips … utterly hooked! 

 

During this time I also learned to play rhythm guitar. A buddy let me use his family’s beat up old Stella flat top with thick rusty strings high above the fret board… agony and ecstasy … Now my fingers and lips bled! …but I was on a mission.I hit another milestone my junior year in High School. I started jamming with Jeff Silbar who became my best friend and musical soul-mate. Even as a teenager, Jeff was a massively talented songwriter, guitarist and singer. We began jammin’ everyday after school. Soon we formed a great little Blues-Rock band, “Junction”. We played high school dances, special events, college parties, frat house gigs … eventually, we had

a manager, booking agent, groupies and volunteer roadies. The band rented a rehearsal studio which became our club house … we worked hard and had an absolute blast … and made some money!!!

 

Junction lasted four years and we were writing/playing a lot more original music. At the end of our sophomore year of college … Jeff got a connection in Nashville. We both wanted to pursue bigger dreams and become successful songwriters/musicians, so we said goodbye to the band and moved to Music City together.

 

In the mid-70‘s, Nashville was really buzzing and we were on fire! I continued college at Peabody while songwriting and playing little gigs around town. It wasn't long I was offered a job in a  band for a Tour with

La Costa Tucker (Tanya's sister) . She had a couple of coiuntry hiits and was promoting her album. With permission from my professors, I completed my studies on the road and had a fantastic experience playing music through much of the US. After the tour (about 6 months) I came back to Nashville and continued writing and working several various jobs. I had some songs published but nothing real successful. So, I did another tour with a country rock band ... paying dues ... we didn't make much money but we survived and had some fun.

 

After a year or so, I decided I needed more expertise in order to really "make it" so I headed back to Lexington for a bit and on to Boston where I studied at Berklee College of Music. I worked my tail off at Berklee and played in a blues band on the weekends. It was a wonderful experience.

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After three years in Boston, I returned to Nashville. I got a couple of gigs in town and jammed with a lot of bands.

My musicianship  had really improved. My first real taste of success was playing a tour with Dolly Parton. It was a dream gig and Dolly was lovely as a boss. 

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to be continued.

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