Q: Why don’t you have a backup band?
A: I’ve played with bands and as a duo. The fuller sound is sure nice; but, I like the freedom
of going it alone—the ability to do and say whatever I want without having a lot of stage chatter
and motion which detracts from my what I'm trying to create on stage. Then there’s always the
problem with making others’ schedules fitting mine. Now, if I could find four guys, like Gordon
Lightfoot has, who believe in my music as much as I do, then I’d consider going that route.
Q: What are your major musical influences?
A: Anyone who exudes melody in their music which generally means older artists like Gordon
Lightfoot, Paul Simon, John Denver, the Beatles, Michael Franks and Martin Mull (when he was doing
music). I blame Martin for my quirkiness and Lennon/McCartney for my love of the major 7th chord.
Q: What do you mean by “quirkiness?”
A: Let me be clear: I am not a comedian, but many of my songs display my wry sense of
humor. I always keep it clean, but there are times when I get a little daring and rare moments when
I’m a bit naughty.
Q: What is your songwriting philosophy?
A: I write from inspiration, not perspiration. And I never think of writing “hits.” Most of my
ideas come while I’m lying in bed, walking or riding bike. The melody always comes first except in
those rare moments when I start with a title or catch line. I like to say that “I write the songs that
nobody else thinks of writing.” I also think it’s a sin to be boring. A good third of my material falls
into the quirky/avant-garde/novelty category (again, not comedy music) but what a Brit might call"cheeky." The rest are ballads of love lost or found, and up-tempo songs on every theme under the
sun.
Q: What style do you write?
A: I used to call it folk/pop, but I’m thinking of pop music from the 60’s & 70’s. Today’s pop
music doesn’t resemble that at all (I sure don't sound like Mariah Carey). And I don’t sing about
trains or walking 500 miles home, so "folk" doesn’t work. Perhaps what they call “anti-folk” due to
my always having my tongue firmly planted in my cheek. One thing for sure: I don't sing about
politics or religion, much. There’s the catch-all “Americana” category which is probably where I fall
by default, but I jokingly say that I play "neo-Americana" music. Then, some of my songs have a
tinge of country thanks to my Travis picking style which, in an odd manner, dovetails with my pop
sensibilities. Ultimately, if you blended Gordon Lightfoot, Gilbert O'Sullivan, John Denver, Paul
Simon & Martin Mull, you'd have me. I also strum au naturel figuring if God meant for me to use a
pick, he’d have stamped “Fender” on my fingernails.
Q: What gear do you use?
A: Only one guitar—a 1994 Takamine Santa Fe with cedar top and koa sides/back. I’m
thinking of trying a Taylor T5 for some of my up-tempo, poppier (is that a word?) tunes. I sing
through a Rode M1 mic and play through a Fishman SA220 performance system when a house PA
isn’t available.
Q: Which of your compositions are your favorites?
A: That’s like asking which one of my three children are my favorite to which the answer is“all three, for different reasons.” From a purely personal viewpoint, “When You Were Mine” is my
favorite. I almost go into a trance when I play it. "Tailspin" is a close second. “Everything You Do”
is probably my favorite up-tempo pop number. “Up Against a Stump” my favorite up-tempo
country tune. For jazzy fare, it’s “Lying.” “Blame It on My Heart” gets my vote for country ballad--
each verse begins with a 5/4 stanza. My favorite quirky song is probably “Visitors’ Day,” about
a guy who goes to prison only to learn that the “girl of his dreams” is not as faithful as he thought.
The crowd loves that one. But, everytime I write a new song, it's my favorite.
Q: I’ve listened to your clips, and you’re sort of all over the place, stylistically, aren’t you?
A: Eclectic I am, with no apologies.
Q: As a seasoned performer, you certainly don’t have stars in your eyes, do you?
A: Not at all, nor do I entertain visions of fortune. Through the years, I tried to hide this
music thing in a closet, but it kept tumbling out on me. There is a musical niche with my name
written on it—I just need to work hard and crawl into it. I just enjoy singing a good song to a good
crowd.
Q: Do you do cover songs?
A: The simple answer is “Why?” When you’ve written hundreds of songs and you’ve played
cover songs ad nauseum, it only makes sense to be true to oneself by only doing original tunes. For
those who don’t write music, cover tunes are the ticket. Besides, I like most of my songs better. If they ask for Margaritaville, I give them a calypso beat song. If they ask for Sweet Home Alabama, I give them a quarter for the juke box.
Q: To whom do you owe your love for music and your success?
A: First and foremost to my mother who instilled a love for melodious music in me. She
constantly sang songs from the 20’s & 30’s to me but still loved current pop music. She grew up
listening to big band music, in Chicago. We never listened to country music. My brother Joe got
me started on guitar and, I think, even helped me buy my first instruments. He had the first rock ‘n
roll band in Polk County, Wisconsin. When his bass player quit, he convinced me, at age 13, to
start playing bass guitar for his group, The Tremadons. Others who have helped me along the
way are Bruce Bjork, a classmate and friend, who can play everything from Hendrix to Clapton
to James Burton. We’ve graced the stage together many a night and still do an occasional duo. From Bruce, I learned to love
performing just for the pure pleasure of it. Another friend, Don Karsky, taught me that if you’re
going to do something, do it right, all the time. He would say that there are too damned many
amateurs on the music scene, even ones making millions of dollars a year.
Q: What are you the most proud of?
A: My two boys who play guitar and my daughter who has the loveliest voice I’ve ever heard
(I kid you not). And my long and happy marriage to Jane.
Q: What does 2011 hold for you?
A: I hope to do a lot of music festivals. My shtick is perfect for upscale coffee houses, wine
bars & brew pubs. I’d like to play some dates in Canada and dream of performing at the
Winnipeg Folk Festival and Mariposa Folk Festival. And I will also will trundle along on my recording project.
Q: What is your performance fee?
A: I like to discuss that in private. I’m more interested in the gig than the money. Sure, there’s
distance and expenses to consider, but I’m sure we can come to a painless agreement. Send me an
e-mail, and we’ll talk.
