Performer, singer, songwriter, guitarist, actor – he’s got a few tools in his bag. Beyond the ordinary and just-good-enough, yeah, not quite his thing – like he says, if you’re going to swing that bat, let’s go for the fences. A native New Yorker who still retains a little punky attitude, he’s playing, picking, singing and writing out in Calfornia now. At three score and ten years plus, he’s getting a little long in the tooth but the well still has plenty of water in it. Came to performing professionally first as a stage actor in Minneapolis and has cashed a few checks in Scottsdale and Los Angeles – still intoxicated by the smell of greasepaint. With roles ranging from Bottom in Midsummer’s Night Dream to Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls and all sorts of shades in between, he’s done film and television and radio as well as stage. He has recorded three albums, an EP (Amazing Love) and two albums, One More Moment and Beyond the Fire and he’s back the studio for another session.
Like asking a fish to describe water.. . it's an amazing creative tool . I t gives me everything - my brushes, my canvas, my paints, my pallet and in the end we dance together. I'm kind of a cheesy romantic type.
To play before a group of people who are there solely to hear the music and enjoy the moment. I've realized this dream several times, and the memories are still intoxicating.
Tall order - so many competing ideas and worthy options, my best guess would be to provide free ice cream during the summer and take every nuclear weapon on the face of the earth, transport them all by rocket directly into the sun. Should provide a real spectacular show - pass the popcorn
The Actor by the Moody Blues - Justin Hayward is quite amazing
The Beatles, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Guy Clark, The Eagles, C S & N, Sly and the Family Stone. The Who, Gerry Marsden, The Hollies, The Yardbirds, Stray Cats, Queen, Blue Oyster Cult, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, The Stones, The Smithereens, Nick Lowe, Rockpile, etc, etc, etc...
Boredom usually, blank walls are fairly intimidating when you're by yourself. Humor aside, the thrill of a simple chord strummed on a guitar makes the embers glow and if a melody drifts in, well, then I'm in business.
The world has changed but if you hanker for a taste of yesterday, songs that speak about new love, old love or no love. Songs that can't quite keep themselves in line, always jumping around, from rock to swing to fingerpicky singer songwriter - settle back, twist up a fatty, and close your eyes...
Responsible - ain't that funny? When you play solo, you're the fulcrum and the lever, you are the whole reason that their night is going to be magical or pure suck - so, yeah, responsible.
My first performing gig was live acting on stage - when I transitioned over to music, it was q whole new world. I've played places where the band I was in was treated likes Kings - and it made you want to play the best damn show you could. One thing I like is some places are including a line for a tip for the band on their tab - let's face it, unless you're signed with a major label, the extra kaching folds up real nice and purty in your pocket.
The initial take was a bus full of cats. Energetic, youthful, unrestrained - the raw elements that all creatives have. As an elder I sit and listen, without judgment and marvel that it's still happening, this crazy monster wave that just sweeps over souls. Any corner on the web that allows, nay! encourages us to busk is a kindness -
Unprepared performers - no excuse. Be ready, be steady and check your zipper.
Occasionally I will go to and listen to a national artist and I spend most times working the Web Lounge.
Damned if I know... FWIW here's my two cents: Be young, Be loud and make a complete ass out of yourself - they will looooove you!!!
The Milk Carton Kids, The Staves, Grace Potter, The Killers, Imelda May , Sammy Miller and the Congregation, Tommy Emmanuel