I like lots of different kinds of music. I grew up listening to The Beatles and top-40 radio pop and rock. One cool thing was that radio stations used to play many different styles of music. I could hear Led Zeppelin followed by The Carpenters, followed by Marvin Gaye and then hear the entire seventeen minute version of “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” by Iron Butterfly! I still think that it was great to hear such a variety of rock, pop and Motown in one sitting.
Later, I starting branching out a bit and was heavily influence by the fusion movement (before it became a dirty word). This was powerful music played with authority by master musicians. I was hooked and that started me on my path trying to learn about improvisation and jazz.
During this time, I played with some rock bands and also with a horn band that covered tunes by Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears and others. In high-school, I played in the stage band (jazz band), in the pit orchestra for various musicals, as well as for one of the high-school vocal groups. I was immersed in all sorts of music and was getting the benefit of learning how to be versatile.
To this day, I am thankful for all of these experiences. I continue to pursue different kinds of gigs. I tend to have fun at all of them! If I’m lucky, I get to play lots of different styles at one gig. Now, that’s cool!
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