Biography
The Early Years
My Musical journey began in 1970. I was in the 5th grade Orchestra learning to play the Baritone Horn. In 1974 I got a "Second Hand Guitar" and learned how to play by ear, listening to old records and the radio. In 1978 I bought my first really nice Acoustic / Electric Ovation Guitar. Playing with friends and at parties every chance I got. In early 1979 I found myself in a band with 4 Guitarist and a drummer. I was elected to become "The Bass Player", bought myself a Fender "P" Bass, and never looked back. Best decision ever! From that time on I considered myself a professional musician as I started to make a few bucks here and there.
1980's Early 1990's
For the next 15 years I lived the dream (while holding down different jobs along the way). I co-founded the Seattle Band LAESIX (1981-1993), studied music theory, ear training & Piano at Edmonds Community College (1984-1987), Started a sound / lighting, live & studio recording, & DJ company (D C Sound 1984-1992) working with countless Seattle bands. As a result of all this I worked and played all over the northwest, Recorded 1 studio album with LAESIX, Released a 90 minute solo project, Topping it all off with the opportunity to open up for such National Acts as; The Iron Butterfly, The Georgia Satellites, & The Outlaws.
Early to late 90's
In 1992 I took a turn from doing all original material and classic rock to Blues & Swing Jazz. For the next 5 years I played with several groups honing those skills. 3 years prior to that I had started a custom cabinet business (Creekside Custom Woodworks Inc. 1989-2013) that became more & more demanding of my time, so..... in 1997 I hung up professional playing, keeping it as a hobby.
1989 - 2013
In 1989 I began an adventure with the other side of my creative abilities.
I started what would eventually become a profitable & rewarding custom cabinet company. Over the years I was involved in winning many local & national awards for design & construction. Articles about my cabinet work have been published in Better Homes & Gardens, Seattle Magazine, Seattle Master Builder's Assoc., & The Seattle Times.
Fishing / Traveling
The other passion of mine has been fishing. Though Iv'e fished most of my life, in 1988 I took up Fly Fishing, and a year later took up Fly Tying. Little did I know how this would change my life. I invented a product called "The Bug Box", a wooden traveling tool chest for the Fly Fisherman. It ended up selling all over the World. Articles about it were written in every major Sportsmen's publication. I became a Professional Fly Fisherman, getting paid to travel the country doing Tying & Casting demonstrations. Not to mention Fishing all over the U.S. from Alaska to Florida, even the Caribbean. What a ride!
Back to the Music
2013 has brought many "life changes" my way, bringing my musical life full circle. Now I find myself once again being a professional musician, getting back to what first got me playing in the first place, FUN! Today, whether it's doing Solo performances or with a full ensemble, or just having a "Jam" with friends, I'm having the time of my life, entertaining audiences everywhere large & small, meeting new and old friends everywhere I perform.
Just one of the many cool things that's happened on this new journey was getting to do a tour to Nashville Tennessee doing 9 shows in 8 days, Being asked to return everywhere I performed.
Just a part of this dream coming true, the rest is having the opportunity to play with many of the best musicians the Pacific Northwest has to offer.