I was blessed to have a sister thirteen years older than myself during a great time in music history, the late 60's, early 70's. She introduced me to The Beatles and by my eighth birthday she bought me Led Zeppelin III and my musical journey began from there. 

I started playing guitar at the age of fifteen, learning songs by Led Zeppelin, Rush, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, I even got caught up in the early "shred" guitar movement learning some Yngwie Malmstein tunes, however, Randy Rhoads was probably my biggest influence then and now - not necessarily his playing, but his dedication. I would also site another bass player, though more known as a vocalist, Ronnie James Dio as a major influence on myself.

On November 29th, 1984 local Reno DJ Max Volume had myself, Scott Schlinghyde, who I'm in Cyanate with all these years later, as well as our other high school pal Holly, backstage to hang out with Ronnie - which lasted hours. Then Ronnie had Scott and I over to the MGM to hangout more with him, his band as well as the guys in Dokken. These guys, especially Ronnie, expressed the dedication and true love of music that it takes to make some accomplishments. That one night influenced myself and my brother in music Scott, on a proper mindset - no rockstar BS, it was love. 

I played my first show as a guitar player on my twenty-first birthday, however, within a year a band approached me about being their bass player, because bass players really weren't, and still aren't, super common in my area. Once I started playing, I fell in love with the experience. 

From that time, the bass players I gravitated to were all over the map, but to name a few, John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee, and Chris Squire. Later in life, while mixing at The Caberet (Peppermill Hotel Casino) I would ask if any of the bass players coming through for week could show me some of their favorite chops. 

I would also credit the musicians that I've been blessed to play with from After Dark, Psychobabble (working with engineer Tom Gordon through these years - HUGE INFLUENCE), Darque Carnival, Wrathbane, as well and especially my brothers in Cyanate, who I've been in for twelve years and my new brothers in Blasphemous Creation, who I've only started playing with in the last year. 

The biggest reward along the way, has been the friends I've made - it sure isn't money or fame, that's an illusion and meaningless. One of those dear friends is Jorg Schroeder. I had been researching for a compact amp that would replace my SWR Megalioth - I needed all punch, transparency, and tone in a managable size. I had been seeing many players recommending Schroeder cabinets through various online websites and threads.

On Memorial Day Weekend 2022 Cyanate was playing at South Lake Tahoe and I had the opportunity to hear Tony Leo and Loren Jaynie Scott playing through Schroeder cabinets. I immediately contacted Jorg from that venue that very night! I knew THAT was the sound I wanted! Jorg built me a 2x12 vertical cabinet that I've named my "8x10 killer". It's everything I wanted in my sound, I can drive it hard and it responds, all in a 50 lb package. This vert cab provides me, all the punch, clarity, and tone that I need.

Since I've purchased the cabinet I've been asked about it locally as well as on tour multiple times. I cannot thank Jorg enough for this wonderful cabinet but most of all and more importantly, just being a friend and wonderful person.