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How would you classify your music?
I have been a country music fan all my life. My mother and my uncle were country artists so I guess some of that rubbed off on me. Some of the music I have written is contemporary Christian and is more worship driven. However, my new record is really a trip back to my roots, and songs that were family favorites. I have become a singer songwriter with roots in country, gospel, and the blues.
Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?
I grew up going to church so I would have to say that the classic hymns were a big musical influence early on. I had an AM radio on my bedside table that I listened to every night before I went to sleep. On the local rock station it was Johnny Rivers, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Beatles. 61 Country played Hank Williams, Jim Reeves, Cash, and Charlie Pride, all the classic country records. My biggest influences were guys that wrote great songs, and played guitar. Jim Croce had a big effect on my music. His songwriting was so powerful on songs like, “I Gotta a Name”, and “Time in a Bottle.” Loggins and Messina were also big favorites of mine during my high school years. My biggest musical influence was the Eagles. Glen Fry & Don Henley just wrote so many great and timeless songs. Those songs are still fresh and relevant today. Christian artist Phil Keaggy is a wonderful songwriter and amazing guitarist. I loved his stage presence and the way he interacted with the audience.
What do you want fans to take from your music?
I hope that my music has a healing quality to it. I want people to know that God loves them. God’s not angry with them, He wants no one to perish but to have new life through Him. I hope people hear the positivity of the message in my music.
How’s the music scene in your locale?
This has been an unprecedented time in the music scene in Kansas City. Everything is reduced capacity and social distanced because of the pandemic. It is really weird to get up in front of an audience and not be able to see their mouths move because they are all masked up. We’re all hoping and praying things will open up and get restarted sooner than later.
What is the best concert you have been to? What do you like most about playing live?
The best concert I have been to is the Eagles tour that came through Kansas City 6 years ago. It was just song after classic song of Eagles hits. And just when you thought they had played all their best stuff, Joe Walsh steps up and plays Rocky Mountain Way! They did a full acoustic set sitting on stools and singing that amazing five part harmony. It was an unforgettable evening. Playing live for me is reaching out to an audience with your songs. My mother started bringing me on stage to sing with her when I was young. I love it when I see people nodding their heads like Oh, I got that lyric. Making that kind of connection with people is an amazing privilege.
Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?
That is a really difficult question because all the songs on Begin Again are very special to me. One of my favorites would be the song “Dream” written by Kenny Loggins, Gary Burr, & Georgia Middleman, The Blue Sky Riders. The lyrics in essence say that you’re never too old to dream. The heartbeat of the song is don’t count me out because I am “experienced” and have a few silver hairs. The gifts and graces we are given are lifetime pursuits. Dream is a song that challenges us to make the very best of our life, to live our dreams.
How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?
This year has been a heart check for me. It has really been a time of growing in a new direction towards a singer songwriter identity. I love to lead worship in my pastoral role, but that has also expanded to music evangelism, especially prison ministry. 2020 for many artists has been a time of change, transition, and adapting to a new environment. It has been a time of soul searching and a testing of my faith.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?
In my view Vince Gill is one of the most versatile and significant artists of our time. After a significant career in Bluegrass music he left to play with Pure Prairie League, then with Rodney Crowell, Emmy Lou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. He is the most awarded artist in country music history. He then tops off a stellar career by landing a gig with the Eagles. Vince personifies what it means to be an artist to me. A beautiful voice, a prolific songwriter, a world class guitarist, and a wonderful human being. He seems so down to earth and humble, I think he would be great to hang out with.
What’s next for you?
I am hoping and praying that 2021 will be a great year for everyone. As an artist I am excited about the release of our new album project Begin Again. It was produced and recorded at Awestruck Studios in Kansas City Missouri by Larry Gann a 30 year industry professional. If live performance venues open up we have plans for a tour in the summer of 2021. I am looking forward to collaborating with some old friends and do some performing and co-writes in the coming months. Last but not least I have a new grandbaby on the way!
