Blog Date: 1.20.13
WOW... It's 2013 already!?! Time flies when you're busy!!
A lot has changed for me in 2012. I changed design jobs, partnered with Steve Mckinley Electronics, and in September 2012 started playing guitar with Joel Kosche of Collective Soul in his personal project, along with Cheney Brannon(former drummer of Collective Soul), and Steve McKinley on Bass guitar.
I was out with Joel and the guys in the fall doing shows. But, now Joel is in the studio recording a new "follow up" album to "
Fight Years", which is available on iTunes. It's a huge priviledge to play with the band. They're all great guys, fun to hang out with, not to mention totally pro musicians too. It's a blast to be playing with Joel! He's a killer guitarist. I look forward to tearing it up with these guys in 2013! You can check out what Joel has to offer over at his site here:
www.joelkosche.com
Another thing I mentioned above was that I partnered up with Steve McKinley Electronics. I'm really excited about this because I'm a gear nut... and nerd at the same time. Over the years I've spent tens of thousands of dollars buying gear... seeking that perfect sound... only to be dissappointed with one thing or another. Have you ever bought a guitar amp, pedal, or guitar and thought...this is almost perfect, if it just had a little more... whatever it would be "IT". Yeah, well, I have way too often, so I started tinkering and learning how to mod this stuff to make it better suited to what I was looking for. And now I can offer that to you guys too! Here are some videos of a few of the pedals I've modded, that we offer through
stevemckinleyelectronics.com and
tubescreamermods.comBlog Date: 3.02.12
Guitar Lessons Available!
If you have been wanting to learn how to play guitar, now is you chance.
Contact me for availability and prices. Also, I'm available as a guitarist for hire. Just send me an email. Thanks!
Blog Date: 12.08.11
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!
Wow! Another great year is quickly coming to a close.
I'm back writing and recording instrumentals. Currently I'm tracking drums and bass guitar for the tunes. I know it's taking awhile to get done, but I usually get side-tracked into other projects throughout the year, which tends to de-rail me from finishing my instrumental album. The positive side of that is that it gives me a fresh perspective and new ideas when I come back to it. Anyhow, I'll be putting together a band to get out and play as soon as I get a few more tunes recorded.
I thought it'd be fun to show some of my gear I'm currently using.
My Electric Guitars
A Few Acoustic Guitars
My Amps
More...
My Pedalboard
Blog Date: 05.05.11
Happy Cinco De Mayo!!
I'm happy to announce I am now endorsing Xotic Effects! I've been using the BB Preamp for probably 7yrs now. It's been a mainstay on my pedalboard because of it's natural tube-like distortion. I use it mainly with the clean channel on my amp when I want a little dirt without switching channels. Most recently I've also started using the AC-Comp and the EP Booster. The AC-Comp is quickly becoming my favorite boost/od pedal for when I'm soloing and want a little "More". And the EP Booster is a great way to warm up/fatten your tone... especially when running through a bunch of pedals before your amp. I can't say enough good things about these pedals! Simply put - They sound GREAT and are built like tanks! But, don't take my word for it, go play one for yourself.
Blog Date: 04.21.11
New Dates with Heather Williams Saturday, April 30th, at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville, TN. More dates and videos coming soon!
Blog Date: 01.23.11
New Dates with Heather Williams are being added to the 2011 caledar. Come out and support us. First official date of the new year will be Saturday, March 19th, at the Hard Rock Cafe in Atlanta, GA. And a second date at Sidelines Bar & Grill has been added Saturday, April 9th. More dates and videos coming soon!
On the instrumental front, I've began tracking drums with my good friend and awesome drummer, Dave Smith. Keep an eye here for some video footage in the near future.
Blog Date: 01.09.11
Happy New Year! It's been a busy last few months. I've been working with a new band to support
Heather Williams from the VH1 realityshow, "
Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp". Dates coming in March/April.
In my down time I'm still working on my intrumental stuff as well.
I'm looking forward to what this year holds in store!
Blog Date: 9.06.10
Wow. It's hard to believe it has almost been 2 months already since Jemfest. We raised $5k for
Make a Noise Foundation and had a ton of fun doing it. It's always great seeing everyone. It's amazing the talent that is pooled there every year.
The master class with Vai was very informative and gave us a glimpse into his "minds eye". He's a very down to earth guy... super nice and very entertaining. He has quite the sense of humor. I highly recomend it to any other guitarists that have the opportunity. Word is, the masterclass may be offered again next year.
Thanks to Kev & Gabe for all the hard work they put into this every year, and to all the musicians that donate their time to help raise money for "Make a Noise"!
Special thanks to the guys that traveled to Orlando to support/play with me: Mark Drake(drums), Tommy Brown(Bass), Skip Benicky(guitar)... You guys ROCK! And last but not least, Chris & Hollie Wolden, and my lovely wife, Pam for driving down for the weekend to support a great cause!
I already look forward to Jemfest next year!
Blog Date: 6.16.10
I'm packing my stuff and loading my gear for Jemfest X. We're heading to Orlando first thing in the a.m.. I'm looking forward to seeing all my guitar fanatic buddies... hanging and playing music all weekend. I need this!
Rehearsal went extremely well last night. I'm proud of my band... They know how to "bring it"! If you get a chance to go to
Jemfest X or see the
live webcast Friday at 7PM you won't be dissappointed!
You can click on the promo poster below to go to the live webcast page which should be up and running by Friday at 6PM. I go on at 7PM, so don't forget to check it!
Blog Date: 6.09.10
I'm happy to announce that I have a band to support my instrumental project and rehearsals are in full swing... with only one week left to prepare.
So it looks like I won't be playing to tracks at Jemfest X, Awesome!!! This should be a lot of fun... and it's for a great cause(read below).
OK, so anyhow, the band: Bass guitar - Tommy Brown, Rhythm guitar - Skip Benicky, & last but not least, Drums - Mark Drake. It is both an honor and pleasure to play with such seasoned professionals! I'm looking forward to making some noise with these guys next weekend!
Blog Date: 6.07.10
I've been writing/working on a new guitar instrumental album. And for anyone in the Orlando, FL area on June 18th, I will be performing an instrumental set at
Jemfest X - a charity event to raise money for the "Make a Noise Foundation".
The
Make a Noise Foundation was formed in 1998 by Grammy® award-winning guitarist
Steve Vai. Inspired by and committed to the incredible power of music, the foundation's goal is to provide funding for music education and programs for those unable to pursue music-related activities due to limited resources.
This is a purpose very near and dear to my heart... as I was a kid that couldn't afford a guitar or lessons. The reason I play guitar today is because an electric guitar was given to me by the jr. high band instructor, Mr. Zyders, when I was in 7th grade. He saw I was playing a "beater" acoustic guitar and believed in me enough to give me an electric and a spot on the jazz band. I've been playing ever since. Thanks Mr. Z!
So, if you can make it to Orlando, FL the weekend of June 18th & 19th, come see some great guitarists, help raise money for "Make a Noise", and take a master class lesson from the guitar master himself, Steve Vai!
More Here...