CHAPTER 1:  Seattle

I grew up in the NW Grunge movement, which is why I still wear flannel pajamas with holes in them.

It was a great place to be a kid with “deep water” to draw from.

Seattle Artists:

• 3 Doors Down (recorded Away from The Sun)
• Brandi Carlile
• Ann Wilson & Roger Fisher from HEART
• The Kingsmen (Finally learned the lyrics to Louie, Louie)
• Spencer Davis
• Vicci Martinez
• Chris Barron (lead singer of the Spin Doctors)
• Alien Crime Syndicate

CHAPTER 2:  Los Angeles

Did “MY TIME” in LA.

When not in traffic, I played mostly Jazz gigs with folks like Ernie Watts & Bobby Shue.

I remember an awards banquet for Nancy Reagan, where the secret service followed me everywhere I went! Later I learned that the Reagans actually complained about my playing.  It’s my favorite claim to fame.

Chapter 3:  Nashville

Moved to Tennessee as part of a government plot to destroy all banjos.

Have had the honor to share the stage and/or record with:

• Willie Nelson (I changed my Facebook status when he told me he loved me)
• Lynyrd Skynyrd (Percussionist for Peter Keys & Friends)
• Big & Rich (John broke my tambourine)
• Gretchen Wilson
• Thompson Square
• Jewel
• Velvet Revolver
• Cindy Morgan
• Bryan Duncan
• O’Shea (HUGE in Australia)
• Ty Herndon
• Steel Magnolia
• Drake White
• Matt Kennon
• James Otto
• Trent Tomlinson
• John Michael Montgomery
• Robert Randolph
• Kid Rock was blocking the door to the men’s room at Loser’s so I moved him out of the way in a “rhythmic fashion” but I don’t think that counts.

Nashville is like always being on a job interview for the best job ever.

It’s an amazing combination of studio, travel, local gigs, hit writers and sausage gravy.