In the early stages of my earthly consciousness the language of the universe beamed its musical wisdom to my DNA...

 

 Hmmmm...that was a bit too...mystical. How about...

 

 “The ultimate expression of music is to make money!!! To push people to do your will!! To oppress the weak-minded into buying your music!! And to pick up chicks!!”

 

Nope, too menacing, too pompous. Not me.

 

OK, OK, OK...

 

My earliest recollection is some form of music, whether it's my mom playing the organ, my watching Hee Haw, or my dad's bluegrass pickin' drinking buddies. After years of school band and some private lessons, I settled on the guitar to torture. I must say that the real event (you know, the definitive moment) was a video concert of Rush to promote the newly released album A Farewell to Kings. I didn't know this music was possible. It was heavy, complex, emotional, and WASN'T the sex, drugs and rock and roll lyrical dogma most bands were putting out. There was poetry; there was social commentary that pushed me to rethink my world.

 

So, practicing, listening and trying to apply this to my guitar was my mission. The guitar gave me direction, a purpose and an identity.

 

Fast forward 40+ years gigging, studying and more gigging and...I still suck. But the love of making music still grows and, hopefully, matures.

 

My top ten 70’s rock bands:

 

1. Rush

2. Thin Lizzy

3. UFO

4. Kiss

5. Alice Cooper

6. Yes

7. Sweet

8. Angel

9. Heart

10. Led Zeppelin