iSound

When I tell people I’m a singer songwriter, most ask what instrument I play. When I say “piano” they usually respond with “Wow! How cool… where did you study?” Restraining a smile, I explain that I play by ear and that piano is more of a songwriting tool for me. Truth is, I never set out to be this flashy musician who can fall into pocket with any band and dazzle everyone. I only know a handful of chords, and from that humble knowledge I write songs. That was my goal…my calling, really…to be a songwriter.

Growing up in Hannibal, Missouri my musical influences came through FM radio and MTV. Even at an early age I had an obsessive appreciation for the “hits”. It didn’t matter if it was classic rock, bubble gum pop or country…if it was catchy I was drawn to listen...and I listened intently to everything. By the time I was 14 my record collection included everything from Elton John to Olivia Newton John; Hank Williams to Waylon Jennings; Jackson Browne to Led Zepplin. But the ...